Electrostatic filters for the AC

[animasinsulinpu]

I just got back from my Homo-Depot next door to get AC filters. Well they have "The Web Plus lifetime filters" So I bought one for $19.96 in my 20by30 size. Has anyone here ever use these or any other brand? Did you like them?....Bill in Az....

 

[tristarcxl]

I don't have any experience with that particular filter, but when I bought this house it came with a permanent electrostatic filter. Mine's a commercial model that's basically a 1" thick frame with 8 layers of electrostatic material. It's all black with no visible webbing.

It works quite well. I've been impressed with it for certain. This house just doesn't get very dirty, so it lasts about 4-6 months before I have to clean it out. All you do is take it outside and hose it down with the high pressure nozzle and let it dry.

The only problem I have with it is that it is HEAVY and my return duct is in the ceiling! You have to do this acrobatic balancing act to get the damn thing to stay in there so you can get the grate closed, but seeing as how you only do it 2-3x a year, it's worth the BS.

 

[volvoguy87]

Filters.

I have never used that filter, but I know firsthand how important good filters are. Pleated filters are good, and blue fiber filters aren't. There are many different pleated filters and other filters beyond pleated ones, it is a good idea to use better ones rather than inferior ones.

A good filter will help reduce dust and allergens in the building but it will also help the HVAC system age more gracefully. Dust buildup inside the air handler/furnace and ductwork can be surprisingly thick. The more dust in the system, the less efficient the system is. Every few years it is a very good idea to have the ductwork and especially the air handler/furnace/AC coils cleaned. Even if your system does not utilize the most efficient components available, keeping it clean will improve its efficiency.

Sort of like driving an old inefficient car, by keeping the tires properly inflated, you can improve your fuel economy, sometimes by quite a bit.

Proper maintenance makes all the difference in the world,
Dave

 

[animasinsulinpu]

Thanks

Thank you guys. Im waiting for my thermostat to tell me when to change it. My American Standard will tell you and beep at you to change it by reduced air flow. COOL!!!....Bill in Az.....

 

[tristarcxl]

I don't trust those thermostats. I just walk under the return duct and look up every once in a while. If I can tell there's dust on the filter I pull it and clean it. I never let it get to the point of restricting airflow.

 

[sudsmaster]

I tried one of those filers for my forced air heating system. It was pretty worthless. Consumer Reports have also given them very low ratings.

If you want a good electrostatic, passive filter, go with the 3M Filtrete numbers. Either the Ultra or the newer even more efficient one they have out (forget the name).

The only good thing about the Big Web is that it can be cut to fit any square or rectangular size. But then so can an old T-shirt.

 

[animasinsulinpu]

Electrostatic air filters

I'm not used to this system yet. I have the cool cycle at 78 and 65 to warm. This system will switch automatically to warm, but that will NEVER happen in Az. Plus the back-light never turns off. Nice night light, I quess....Bill in Az....

 

[mayguy]

Throw those electrostatic filters away!

I used to do HVAC, and I've seen blower motor burn up cuz of these filters.

If you want the best air filter, upgrade you system to a 4" media filter like Honeywell F200, or Airbear.

If you don't want to do the upgrade, then stay with the basic Home Depot's 3 pack NaturalAire filter.

 

[moonvalleycacti]

Mine are the red honywell things at home despot.. or the cardboard white particle ones.. what evers on sale

 

[tristarcxl]

If the blower motor burns up, then the unit is a piece of shit! No way around it. Those motors are designed to run for years and years regardless of the amount of dirt caked on them.

The filtration is there to keep the ducts clean and the A/C coils free from getting crap clogging them up.

I can attest to the fact that the one I've got actually works very well. Inside my unit, it's SPOTLESS. And that's in a poorly-maintained unit that's 10 years old. The electrostatic filter has been installed since the unit was put in.

If you've got a good one, they DO work. The blower motor will NOT burn up from dust accumulation.

The white puffy filters are good for 2 things:
1: wasting money
2: making your A/C or furnace work harder.

That's about it. They chop your airflow in half (squirrel cage blowers don't have good suction abilities) and they're expensive. If you insist on using the white puffy things, change them every couple of weeks. You'll save a TON on your electricity bill.

Unless you've got horrendous allergies to the point you can hardly function, the 4" massive filters simply are overkill. You probably won't ever recoup your initial investment, and the restriction they place on your HVAC unit cause it to work harder to do the same job.

 

[animasinsulinpu]

Thanks, Eric!!!!!

I think Cosumer Reports should hire you as a scientist or tester, whatever they call them. If you need a reference they can CALL me. Thanks sooo much!!!....Bill in Az....

 

[moonvalleycacti]

my HVAC is the builders unit that was 3 years old at the time of install and now its 6 years old.. Have had to have it fixed 3 times..RHEEM usual makes good equipment. This was a bad install.. And i can't install the filtration system i want

 

[yogitunes]

I found that using the 3M Filtrete style filters seem to slow down the air flow during A/C use and the condenser freezes up...if I stay with the regular filters there is no problem...so I just use them during the winter with heat...but the 3M does trap A LOT of dust particles...but I also found that if you PRE-TREAT them with pledge or endust regular filters can catch a lot...food for thought

 

[yogitunes]

HOMO DEPOT

Bill your funny....I always call them that since they opened....a lot of Hot bodies, tanned skin, tight jeans and t-shirts,,,,and thats just the guys...lol

 

[animasinsulinpu]

Homo-Depot t -shirt

Hi, Martin. Several years ago at our Gay Pride festival HD had a booth trying to recruit new employees and thet sold the Homo-Depot t-shirt. I bought one, but I don't wear it in public, he, he.....Bill in Az.....

 

[moonvalleycacti]

Homo Depot

Ok normally i'd never put this out in public...

I know the managers there very well (homo depot is much better than lowes here in phoenix) and several are part of the gay community... And alot of the staff there is as well..
I was also told its a cruising spot...
BTW-This homo depot is off I-17 in N. Central Phx

 

[animasinsulinpu]

That's my HD!!!!

Hey, Chuck!! That is MY Homo-Depot!!! I-17 and Thunderbird!! OMG Who Knew???. I live right across the street from them. Not good for my addictions.....Bill in N. Phx.....

 

[moonvalleycacti]

LoL, i live down the street at the moutain preserve.. Where the In and Out lube is (which btw-buys gold)..Im up at the end in those condos...

 

[animasinsulinpu]

Email

Chuck, I just sent you an email.....Bill....