You're Probably Using The Wrong Air Filter In Your Home. -HVAC Merv Ratings Explained-

[@diyhvacguy]

All My Favorite HVAC Tools: www.amazon.com/shop/thediyhvacguy?ref=ac_inf_tb_vh

[@erikbrush]

Here's an odd odd question for you. I am building a houseboat from a pontoon boat base. I will have a water/splash proof under deck at the level of the 3 pontoons. I have an 18" riser of space between the base deck and my cabin deck where I will be living. The reasons for the riser are multiple and varied. I have 2 kayaks that will be pulled in and out of there so it serves as a mini "kayak garage" as well as a place free of sunlight to store my potable water tank and water filtration and pumping system. Also the rise gives me better visibility to other boaters as well as a higher view to enjoy wildlife etc. But most important, I live in Southwest Florida on the Gulf coast. The air under the boat, due to shade and water temperature and evaporation is cooler than the surrounding air. As a consequence (since my living space is under 200 square feet) I plan to set up a simple remote controlled, easy access air conditioner beneath the floor deck. I will run a drip tube down to get rid of condensate water not otherwise recycled by the air conditioning unit. A floor vent will introduce cool air into the cabin. Hot air will be vented out from the sides of the boat. I will take in air from a compartment between the decks to allow the AC to take in air that starts out much cooler than the surrounding air. But because I am intaking the air from beneath my floor, between the two decks, I want to pre-fliter the air with a 4" 13 rated filter to pre-dry and pre-filter air before it even gets to the AC unit. Is this viable? And should I hook up a small fan to aid the AC in running such a pre-dry, pre-filter system? I appreciate your thoughts and input on this. I am hopeful that pre-filtering and drying the air before the ac unit circulates it should be less strain on the unit. I will run a dehumidifier in the cabin space itself since humidity is the nemesis of the boat dweller. Thanks. Erik

[@smilingforever777]

😂😂😂😂

[@jolkraeremeark6949]

You got some merv putting up a video like this...

[@diyhvacguy]

Good one haha

[@randycaulkins3644]

You didn't get filtered, eh?

[@glenzee9083]

😂😂😂

[@Wadagamebinmisin]

💀

[@jw6180]

🤣

[@OBSZIDIAN548]

At 42 and owning my 3rd home and now am finding out what a merv rating is! Thanks, I'm a mervert now

[@stopatredlights]

Well your stupid stupid

[@alexmiller6848]

Lol mervert

[@outlandish9233]

The purpose of a furnace filter is to keep your furnace clean, not to sanaitze the air in your house. The more restrictive the filter, the more inefficient your furnace becomes. If you need to sanatize the air in your home then you need a stand-alone hepa filtration unit. Furnace filter manufacturers try to up-sell expensive filters to unknowing home owners claiming to cure allergies, etc. , but they are too restrictive for the furnace.

[@jjk2one]

Static eliminators of the type sold to the general public have been used to eliminate dust on records, film negatives, lenses, etc. In general, they employ an alpha emitting radioactive source, usually polonium-210, to ionize the air immediately in front of the device.

[@jimowens2008]

you are 100% correct

[@freckledtrout3299]

While that is true if you look at pressure drop testing on 5-inch filter media you can use higher merv filters to also increase air quality without impacting the air flow.

[@joephu]

Yes, MERV 8 is the best balance of airflow and equipment protection and large particle removal. However, MERV 11-13 will definitely make for easier breathing for allergy suffers. If you have a 1 in, the MERV 11-13 should be changed 30-60 days in general. Luckily I have a 2 in so 90 days is perfect. I did a pressure drop test and my used 90 day MERV 13 filter still had better airflow than a brand new 1" filter

[@TheDude321]

Thanks for the video. So we just had our furnace replaced last year. It’s been constant issues. Short cycling, error codes leading back to everything from the gas valve, control board to the blower motor. I’ve had the tech out multiple times and he was stumped. Finally it started locking out and I was going insane. Turns out, after some research, the Merv 12 filters we bought were restricting air flow. I purchased a Merv 10, and it’s working better than ever. Never thought the filter would cause so many damn issues.

[@johnb7221]

I live in north Texas and have been using MERV 11-13 air filters since we moved into our house 15 years ago. Since then we’ve had to replace one of our units and the other we have to have Freon added 2-3x a year. Lately both units seem like they’re on 24/7 and can’t even keep the temperature at where we set it during the day (74-76). We get warnings from out ecobee controller telling us it’s been trying to cool the house down for multiple hours but the temp keeps going up. We’re about to add more Freon to the older unit and whatever the newer units take to the newer (3 years old) unit. Also going to switch to a MERV 8 filter and see if that helps with air flow. May actually go all the way to a MERV 6 filter. If you live in a hot climate like Texas I wouldn’t use a higher MERV filter unless you need it for health reasons. If you do use a higher MERV filter you should probably replace it every few weeks and not every 3 months.

[@bustertn2014]

IF your adding refrigerant that often you have a leak.

[@monkeyb1820]

@@bustertn2014 that's what I was thinking. I had a tech at my house one time, he had to add like 2-3 lbs of refrigerant, and the idiot didn't tell me that it means it clearly had a leak (which it did), but he prevented me from being able to take care of it fully in the warranty period.

[@monkeyb1820]

in Georgia too our a/c couldn't keep up well last summer. Around midnight the upstairs would get down to 76, which was at least 'livable'. I've pondered, but haven't acted on it, getting some powerful rolling type unit (like costco sells) to supplement things. Our neighborhood doesn't allow window units. That's something you could consider doing. But I was told that the 8k btu ones are too weak. Get a 12k+ btu unit if you go this route.

[@freckledtrout3299]

I run MERV 13 here in Dallas area (near a highway with a wife that has Asthma) on a 19-year Trane and it cools fine. I replace it twice a year. I should note it's a 5 inch thick filter so it's much less restrictive than a 1 inch merv 13 filter. We also run HEPA filtration on top of that an air quality is great. Anyhow depending on the thickness of your filter it will determine maximum merv rating you can use without causing too much pressure drop.

[@joephu]

I love in hot humid Florida and the AC has no issues using MERV 8-13 filters. It is true lower MERV have more airflow but if your AC is running that long, the filter is NOT the problem

[@jackl9922]

It is common in my area homes don’t have enough return airflow to accommodate more than the cheap filters. Upgrading the filter can cause furnace cycling on high limit, AC coil freezing, and premature fan motor failure. I had my system tested when upgrading to prevent those problems.

[@HobbyOrganist]

So add another return, it's not difficult...

[@Blaine973]

Thank you for this tutorial! Super Helpful. I’m a new homeowner and still learning how to maintain my new home.

[@hitekrednek66]

Very informative sir! And I must say....I think you are the first HVAC Guy to say you can use filters other than the cheap change every 30 days so you don't restrict air flow! I have always been told don't restrict air flow so you won't have any issues with air handler. Very refreshing and I appreciate your honest input. Thanks again sir! Keep them coming and stay safe and blessed.

[@diyhvacguy]

Thanks for the support! Happy to share the info with everyone :) cheers

[@mikeyc2601]

My understanding is that a thicker filter will actually allow more airflow than a thin one at the same MERV rating. For example, a 4" thick MERV11 has more filter surface area than a 1" filter with the same rating. The same should also apply to the number of pleats. More pleats == more surface area and greater airflow (at least that's the conventional logic with automotive filters).

[@diyhvacguy]

That’s exactly right

[@kenschmidt6522]

Thicker filters also tend to last longer due to the increased surface area.

[@OneTrueCat]

That's exactly right. If you want a more in depth explanation of why, practical engineering has a great video on weirs (like a dam that's meant to be overtopped) and they have a similar phenomenon, where jagged or wavy ones have a higher throughput than a straight line across the same span.

[@sunbrookheath]

My blower motor is variable speed and I use the 1 inch Filtrete 1900 which is a merv 13. I schedule replacement every 3 months, sometimes sooner if we are in dust-storm or forest fire season in the southwest USA

[@jakelloyd3512]

I purchase the same filter from lowes online. 20 percent discount if you order 4 at a time .

[@matf4505]

It's a Merv 12 at best

[@PrivateUsername]

Also remember that the listed size of filter is not the actual size. The Filterbuy filters don't fit my unit - they are too small in actual measurement; the 3M Filtrete ones fit snugly.

[@rwstarke]

On my ceiling returns the frame has tabs that can be bent to get the filter to stay in place.

[@bruceelias2732]

You are right 👍 My Trio air bear needs original filter because it has felt to secure in place snug,but almost to snug🤕

[@bruceelias2732]

My earbear filter is 5 in thick so it has extra felt on besides which keeps it secure. You have to put it in exactly square and slowly to fit properly My the contractor who put it in said it wouldn't matter if it had play in it but I don't believe it I think that air flow and debris would get by even as a non-HVAC technician

[@bruceelias2732]

Airbear

[@DJV94022]

Thats youre problem youre using 3m dont buy those!

[@John-xk2ud]

Have been using the same washable filters (3 total for 2 HVAC systems) that I purchased from Home Depot for 26 years. Believe they are Merv 8. I wash them at least before each summer or winter season and more if necessary.

[@TH-eb5ro]

I used that type for many years in a couple locations and the frame finally gave out. I changed to a washable one in an aluminum frame and have had it for about 10 years now. We wash it monthly.

[@Inkling777]

You might do a video on saving money on filters. In my case I use a cheap filter in front of a more expensive one. The cheap one catches the larger dust and can be discarded more often than the more expensive and better filter.

[@diyhvacguy]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@Technie87]

Be careful with that as it is decreasing your overall flow/ increasing air friction.

[@MCMPACT]

This is a very informative video. Thank you for posting it. I personally recommend to homeowners and tenants to use a stand alone filtration device, and a lower Merv rating filter for their system. A high quality air purifier does a much better job cleaning the air, and the lower rates filter strains and restricts hvac equipment less. If the filter is changed religiously with this combination, it leads to less problems in the long run.

[@JoshuaDHarvey]

Great advice thanks

[@et3322]

Great video. Would love to see a video on the differences between keeping the fan on all the time vs in auto mode. I’ve had HVAC techs tell me both.

[@fishlanding]

put it on auto

[@rking3724]

put it on auto

[@purplej12]

Fun fact, a MERV 11 is actually LESS restrictive to airflow than a MERV 5 because of the pleating in the MERV 11 air filter. A MERV 13 is actually similar to a MERV 5 because the 13 has pleating and the 5 does not. So all AC systems *should* be able to run these without problems.

[@joephu]

Exactly. If you stretch out those pleates, the filter area is huge. It's about surface area and pore size. My 2 inch MERV 13 has better airflow after 3 months than a new 1 inch MERV 8 veries by a pressure drop gauge

[@rodgraff1782]

The most important thing is to have the proper amount of filter surface area for the airflow. Most residential installs are lacking in surface area.

[@KingofDoubleBogey]

I have to change my filter 20x20x1 every 4-6 weeks. Desert Southwest dust is ridiculous, so I use merv 5 or 8, I’m not going to restrict my airflow in the summer since it runs 12 hours a day during June-August 110 degrees outside New Rheem 3 ton package unit on the roof

[@marting295]

What part of AZ

[@silverfox-59]

Thank you so much for all your help. I love the way you take the time to explain everything. Awesome job 👍

[@joshsansone5113]

I would really enjoy an in depth dive into manometers and checking static pressure of a system. Understanding what potentially could be done to correct issues. I run 14x25x1 fiberglass filters monthly in a '05 Bryant 80% up flow in a modern '05 built home. I tried going to the filtrete BASIC pleated which I believe is a merv 2 to 4 rating and the furnace constantly kept tripping. Went back to fiberglass and no issues. I run two corsi Rosenthal style air cleaners in my home due to this however I would prefer to be able to run a merv 13 pleated in the furnace.

[@glenzee9083]

Are all your returns blocked or none existant? Merv2-4 should never trip unless they are so dirty you could use them as blackout coverings. I'd be looking beyond the filter here.

[@notme22]

A 4 inch and a 5 inch filter are actually both 4.375 thick. The difference is a “5 inch” filter has about 4 times the amount of pleats than a 4 inch filter. A 5 inch MERV 16 filter has about 0.101”WP drop where a 4 inch MERV 16 has about 0.17”WP drop, both at about 690cfm

[@OldManFrank]

*I just bought a Filterbuy MERV 8 16x25x5 - this video helped me a lot.*

[@imgadgetmanjim]

I had installed new blower motor and changed to higher merv filters. Had to downgrade due to short cycling. Then had to go to least restricted filter over time so then had to remove all filtering. Seemed like system was getting weaker despite me opening another return. Just changed my furnace and ac znd going to try merv 8-11. Thank you.

[@brianw6645]

What are your thoughts on electrostatic washable air filters for the furnace? Is this something we should avoid, or do you recommend them? Thanks.

[@360MIX]

I've been using 3M filters for years.. as the media has more pleats (less restriction with quality filtering) compared to the cheaper filters.. The cheap filters deform quickly and you need to replace them more often. only downfall is that the 3M filters are expensive... and have gone up 15% or more in the past 2 years....

[@pumpupjam9648]

During COVID Merv 11, then to a 13. Now back to a charcoal Merv 8. Furnace running very well!

[@pinkfreud62]

My furnace is like 35 yrs old & runs great, but inefficient. I'm gonna drop to low merv. It's only me living in my 862 qs home with a cat so I think a low merv will be OK. But I'll be checking into a new furnace some day.

[@kdw75]

We have a tremendous amount of dust in our basement and we live in a 5 year old house. We live in a residential neighborhood and the walls are well sealed and we run a 5" thick Merv 13 filter. I just can't figure out where all the dust comes from. We don't even wear shoes in the house or open the windows.

[@kdw75]

We have 3 cats, so I am hearing from other places, that they are a major source of dust.

[@KamfaKing]

Not all Merv ratings are equal with regards to restriction, and not all filters with higher merv ratings have more restriction than a merv 8. We use a 1" 3M filtrete 1900 - - merv 13, but also twice the media as most 1" merv 8's on the market (1,560 sq. in) so they do not clog up fast, or create static pressure build up any faster then the typical merv 8. Oh, but they do collect smaller particulate matter MUCH better than any merv 8 on the market (including particulates from wildfire smoke) - which equates to cleaner coils, less work for your motor etc, and FAR better overall air quality in your home. It's a no brainer. My residential HVAC heating/cooling system (Maytag) is close to 20 yrs old. Other than changing out a pressure switch yrs ago, not a single issue. I change the 3M 1900 every 4-6 weeks in summer ,every 6- 8 weeks when snow is on the ground.

[@toddholmes2305]

I had a MERV11 filter in my system and it overheated. I have a humidifier upstream of the filter and I suspect that the addition of moisture to a tightly woven filter caused too much restriction.

[@tre-ou5gt]

Hey Todd. How long did you have your filter installed before you noticed it overheating?

[@FiddlerOnTheRoof2024]

Thank you for making this video. Very informative and well laid out

[@_JamieJ_]

Thank u sooooo much! Taught me something new and interesting today! I had no idea about Merv 😃

[@MrWhatis]

best explanation on filter i have on line . thanks

[@freckledtrout3299]

Should measure pressure drop of these various filters. Merv 13 on a 5 inch filter typically don't have too much pressure drop.

[@XXMETAL4LIF3XX]

My system uses the 4 inch wide ones. I like the merv 12 filtrete

[@ironfistdave8571]

Excellent video I just found Out that my furnace doesn't running with a Mask on L.O.L 🤙🏽

[@christopherhaak9824]

High quality high Merv filters have the same or even less pressure drop across the filter as compared to a cheap moderate Merv filter. They have much more actual media surface area. For $50, a home owner can purchase a digital manometer and measure their pressure drop.

[@blackrifle6736]

*Dyer Instruments' differential manometers are superb for this application. Amazon carries them. Cheers!*

[@aaronj08ar]

Wrong

[@christopherhaak9824]

Not wrong. Pressure drop vs face velocity curves are measured and published for filters, they have to be by law in CA. You can look them up.

[@bobanderson1727]

Hey, thanx. You answered all of my Merv Rating questions.

[@diyhvacguy]

You got it bro! 🙌🏼

[@LScofield1]

I appreciate your videos ... I'm learning a lot. Thanks!

[@diyhvacguy]

Of course! Happy to share the knowledge I do have haha

[@ky0611]

I use ez flow fiberglass ones during summer

[@HypocriticYT]

I found filters that removed a high percentage of dust allow more heat up the chimney costing you much more in oil or gas

[@AMDRADEONRUBY]

I used for years pleated 20x20x4 merv8 from furnace filters and changed them every 3 months Merv8 is a good compromise

[@Twisted_Biscuit]

What kind of problems would you see if your filter was too restrictive, or if it allows too much air through?

[@blackrain6ft5]

Best video by far and I learned a ton from it.❤❤❤❤

[@mdavid2100]

Another informative HVAC video. Thank you.

[@redefv]

I have two Remi Halos in my duct work. So I use a MERV 5 and change them every 30 days.

[@bigshooter5912]

My Merv 8 4” filter turns into a Merv 13 after about a year of use 😂

[@diyhvacguy]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@DJV94022]

Thats good

[@MrDeviousdom]

When choosing a filter, there is simply one requirement that needs to be met, that is the static pressure. If your home is like most and has less than 400 square inches of filter space per ton, you should never consider using pleated filters as your static pressure will be too high and you can damage your ECM blower motor and WILL lower efficiency. Since this is the case in most homes and most do not want to go through the expense of adding additional returns, stick with the cheap fiberglass filters. Your system will not only run more efficiently, it will be quieter. If you have a dust problem in your home, get yourself an air scrubber, don't rely on your AC system to do the processing for you.

[@freckledtrout3299]

I have a 5-inch filter on my Trane system that is 19 years old and its good running MERV 11 and 13. I wish all systems had this surface area of large 5-inch filters as you can keep both the system and your air clean.

[@raymondfrato367]

While you are on the subject of filtration, could you do a video on air ionization devices that can be added to your air handler. I am at a loss as to which one to get. I would like a commercial grade device not one of the toys sold online. Thank you for all the great info you produce.

[@monkeyb1820]

I tend to wonder if anyone really needs more than a merv 8 considering that homes are not hermetically sealed lab environments, i.e. people open doors all the time. And even within the housing where you put the filter, it seems like some air is able to squeeze around the filter. In blind testing, I'm not sure anyone could really tell the difference between living in a place with a merv8 vs merv 14.

[@DiacriticalOne]

This was great. I need a MERV 11 due to allergies. What I really need is a new return housing and I can't find one online. The current opening fits 24x36x1 filters, but the outside is beat up and I'd like to go to a thicker filter to allow more airflow while maintaining the filtration.. What's a good source for something like that?

[@fishlanding]

go with some stand alone air purifiers around your home..... helps alot

[@diyhvacguy]

24x36 is massive! I’ve never seen one that big. I have a video on installing a new filter rack on my system. Maybe that will give you some ideas. If you’d like remote assistance with tackling this, check out Patreon.com/diyhvacguy where we can walk you through how to get that retrofitted! Cheers

[@vincentrobinette1507]

A higher MERV rating doesn't necessarily need to be more restrictive. By increasing the number of pleats, it's possible to double the media area in a given frame size. I'm noticing you're MERV 8 filters have 12 pleats. If the MERV 11 could have 20 evenly spaced pleats, or, a MERV 13 had 35 pleats, the restriction and longevity would be about the same. The difference would be price. A 40 pleat HEPA filter could allow just as much airflow, but now, you're looking at $130.00, as opposed to $13.00 for a passable MERV 8. (in the frame sizes shown in this video)

[@dlg5485]

The problem is that cheap modern furnaces have weak blowers that can't handle good filters. I'm use merv 13 filter in my furnace, but it's only a 1 inch. I think merv 13 should be the standard, but everything is about cost in America so we cheat our own health to save a buck or 2.

[@javaman2883]

Carrier and some other AC manufacturers have been recommending MERV 8 filters for at least a few years. The HVAC guys will stay stuck on cheap filters for a while, in part because cheap filters mean they get paid to clean the HVAC coils and heat exchangers.

[@livingaboard]

No. It’s that the system has to be designed for a Merv 13. If you want to spend the money then you can get a return v bank filter plenum so that you can use merv 13 filters

[@dlg5485]

@@livingaboard The thing that actually works and should be the standard always costs more money doesn't it? Funny how that works.

[@freckledtrout3299]

@@javaman2883 I have run MERV 11 then MERV 13 on my Trane system for 19 years now. I cleaned the evap coils for the first-time last year as the unit was struggling to cool on the hottest of days.

[@Constitution1789]

Without a filter, my unit can take in 3400 CFM. With a MERV 5 Filtrete Basic, that drops to 1800 CFM. Yikes. I'm thinking about switching to the cheap green ones...

[@ronie1337]

BTW, thanks for the videos. You do a great job!

[@1thinkhealthy]

Great video. Would a thicker filter allow more airflow than a thinner one of the same Merv rating?

[@JK-hd2zb]

Yes, because it has much more surface area

[@olie99]

Confused, used to use higher numbers nerve rating until my hvac company said they would suggest not going above a 8??

[@diyhvacguy]

Depends on their reasoning. If they said the higher ones were too restrictive that’s one thing but I couldn’t tell you without that piece of info.

[@davidstengel3699]

You didn't talk about smoke. I do have allergies, we have a dog, and we heat with wood and can have some smoke and smell... from your video, I'm thinking Filterbuy, Merv 11. What do you think? (Air Bear, 20x25x5)

[@HobbyOrganist]

I installed my new furnace with a new filter rack that will accept two 1" filters, so I have the good MERV 8 filter on the inside slot and the cheap type on the outer slot as a pre-filter to catch larger stuff, lint, dog hair etc and helps keep the better filter behind it cleaner longer.

[@diyhvacguy]

Smart! Thanks for sharing

[@Bwnasty7]

This was originally what I had planned when I got a new AC unit and the technician didn’t recommend because of airflow. Now I’m learning more on lowering my MERV 13 (inside filter) to an 8 and considering a cheap outer. What MERV is your outer filter? I’m assuming airflow is better with those two than a MERV13 one inside ?

[@Saddlebum042]

What happened to the popular Filtrete electrostatic filter?

[@KPHVAC]

If you only have one return air grill that's a major red flag!! Get your static pressure tested before upgrading to a nicer filter. In my area about 90% of homes have restricted airflow due to a drastically undersized return air duct and grill. If your static pressure is over 0.50 total it is a major problem that needs to be fixed!

[@markg7116]

In less than a month my AC filter turned black. I had the yellow one in. There was hardly any dust. Just black. Why????

[@artat777]

Question I’m having issues with severe pet dander. Which filter should I be using in our home

[@shelleyzoe8254]

How does this compare to an electrostatic? Is one better than the other?

[@mplscarsales6652]

Man I used a high quality filter and it put the flame out on my furnace not enough airflow freaked out for a minute then I tried putting back in the cheap green kind in and it solved my problem but doesn’t Catch anything compared to the good filters . So cheap ones I have heat cheap it is lol Project farm did a filter test as well to which ones provide the best airflow but still catch stuff . Thanks for your info

[@diyhvacguy]

Love project farm! You might have to go middle of the road like merv8 for your setup, or adjust your fan speed up

[@MCMPACT]

I would recommend an air purifier that operates independently from the system, and a lower rated filter for your system. The primary and most important purpose of the HVAC filter is to protect the equipment.

[@antoniorengifo1447]

Thank you, very good content 👍

[@Fishhunter007]

What about glassfloss filters? Thanks

[@stevenelster]

I need to calculate what my furnace can handle when it comes to the MERV rating. The furnace is a Carrier Infinity Model: 58CVA135-22 with ESP of .5 and KPa 125. Is there a calculator that helps with that?

[@DrummerDanVa]

Filterbuy has too small sizes compared to what the size says it is. I bought a 14x24 and it was so much smaller that I was afraid it would get sucked into my HVAC system. The filter seemed fine EXCEPT for size. Most filters are slightly smaller than the advertized size but the Filterbuy filters are much smaller in comparison.

[@JOhnnnnny611]

Hi, would a merv rating of 12 on a 1 inch filter be as restrictive in airflow as a merv rating of 12 on a 4 inch air filter? Reason I ask is because I am using a merv rating 12 4 inch filter and last summer my AC was not able to keep up. once it got hotter than 93 degrees outside my AC would fall behind and no longer stay at 75 degrees (ended up getting to like 81 degrees inside). I was thinking of putting 1 inch thick filter in to replace the 4 inch thick filter for better airflow, is this thought process incorrect?

[@WellsLarry]

Do you have less restriction with a four inch filter versus a one inch filter?

[@user-hx6zq1wd8p]

Thank you for this video!!! My house has a 1" filter at the return spot in the house and also a 4" filter to go in the blower located in my attic. I was told to not put a filter in both locations so that i wouldn't over stress the system. So i only have been using a filter at the return vent in the house and no filter inside the blower. What are your thoughts? Should i be filtering both locations or just one? If just one, which location would you suggest? I usually go with a MERV 8, but literally yesterday bought a 16x20x1 MERV 11 for the return.

[@AGreedyTree]

You should put the 4" filter at the bower and leave the returns empty.

[@Shanfull]

Thanks! Very helpful..

[@davidtheologou9630]

To confirm overall speaking - if you dont have any health issues would you say more so merv 8 or 11

[@paull2089]

Super info, thanks

[@blowingsnow4fun]

Excellent video…very informative. Will your blower last longer with a lower number merv filter as it doesn’t have to work as long. How long does the average blower last these days.

[@diyhvacguy]

Yes the blower will last longer but by how much longer no one can say. They generally last about 10 years or so. Ironically the warranty is 10 years so that’s probably why 🤣

[@blowingsnow4fun]

Thanks for the info. Have you done a video on fall preventative maintenance for a furnace, and spring for an AC unit. I have always had a HVAC tech in every other year for a tune up, and I general vacuum the furnace out, and check the drain hose function. I check the drain line for the AC, and clean the outside unit out with the hose.

[@strpops28baking]

question, I have asthma so I installed an air scrubber to my HVAC unit and my AC guy said the Filtrete Merv 12 MPR1500 is too much for my AC unit. I also find that only the HVAC closet air seems super fresh and clean, so I contacted AERIS my air scrubber company to ask about it and was told my filter was too high and i shouldnt go above MERV 10-11 MPR 1200. The problem I have is that this very expensive MERV 11 Filtrete MERV 11 is only lasting one month and I have a sky high electric bill and a previous video said the filter could be the culprit, my question is since i have an air scrbber on my unit and have asthma what filter would you recommend? I like filtrete brand but open to suggestions. The Filtrete MERV 11 now has the odor blooking in it, is this also affecting the AC unit, and I need it since I have an air scrubber, I like the MERV 11 with out the odor blocking but hard to find anymore.

[@user-lk5iu7eg3g]

Hi I wanted to ask what could happen if I go from a fiberglass filter to a MERV 8 filter. Will it greatly affect my ac’s performance. I’m just looking to get a good filter that can offer good benefits, but not be so hard on my ac unit

[@jamesphillips2285]

It appears you may have linked the wrong video in the end-card. It show how to make a transition from the top of the furnace to the ductwork. Not how to get an extra 3 inches beside the furnace to accommodate a larger filter.

[@Itsme-vo4fx]

Why do some filters show a large number such as 1900 instead of a standard MERV number? Is there a chart available somewhere that will convert those large numbers to MERVE numbers? I refuse to purchase those filters, simply because I don’t know what MERV number I would be installing in my furnace.

[@SS2369]

Based on all of my research which was extensive, the average home should use a Merv 8 -12 filter. I replace every 33 days with a reminder on my phone.

[@ClickaNerd]

I elected a merv 10 2 inch 16x20 filter by glasgow based on your video. I put in a new 3 ton system with a quality upflow filter base.. Do you think it will be too restrictive on an air handler that handles AC only no heating in Texas?

[@DJV94022]

Nope.its why he didnt comment (that merv is good)

[@nolannsautodetail5468]

What is best to use I found a merv 2 ezflow and a 3m merv 5. Any recommendation thank you in advance

[@MichaelR58]

Good video , thanks for sharing , God bless !

[@mattflanagan8110]

I bought a new home nad the builder used 20x20x3 Zephyr filter system. Minimum $50.00 each. regular 20x20 won't fit. Any suggestions?

[@Boodieman72]

I changed to a higher MERV rating and the blower couldn't pull the air through.

[@diyhvacguy]

Yea it happens a lot. Did you try having the fan speed adjusted?

[@Boodieman72]

@@diyhvacguy No, the local HVAC company came and switched it out for a lesser one that worked.

[@jamesm568]

Hell, I usually buy the charcoal/carbon medium and use it as an air pre-filter.

[@terminalvelocity4858]

My old furnace has used a 16x24x1 but I have trouble finding them, can I use a 16x25x1 instead?

[@diyhvacguy]

Filterbuy sells odd sizes like 16x24x1 no problem. A 16x25x1 probably won’t fit. Here’s a link for filterbuy. They have great discounts when you buy them in bulk 👍🏼 filterbuy.com/qYEa1J0knccjlwekk7Hc/

[@bsachs00]

We have our blower fan set to on, will that make a difference in how often we change our filters? Currently changing every month with the MERV 5.

[@diyhvacguy]

Yes, you constantly have air moving across it so it’s going to lessen the time between changes for sure.

[@lisaevans8403]

I hate the colored ones bc my filters go in a grate in the floor and you can see them very well😮. I want merv 11 but I don't want yellow yealing out hey look down here.

[@simonac688.]

well done yong Man 👍

[@spiralstares]

Our home has two filters, a 1” deep filter in a ceiling air return vent and a thicker filter just before the furnace in the attic. We have heard conflicting info on if both are needed, but have been using just the 1” filter since it is more easily accessed. Do additional filters improve the MERV rating?

[@samholets4414]

No because you are using two one inch filters of the same merv, so basically a two inch filter. And the thickness doesn’t effect merv

[@wid3908]

Home Depot has their own rating for filters how does it compare to merv

[@trucle1859]

Thank you so much

[@ronie1337]

In my opinion you should not be trying to use your Air Conditioner as an "Air Purifier" system. Your system was designed to flow so many CFM's across the evaporator coil depending what size (in tons) and increasing the MERV filter rating will have a negative effect on the indoor and outdoor units. Too large Merv rating may even cause your coil to freeze up because of the low air flow. If you want to purify your home air then buy a standalone Air Purifying unit. Stick with the air filter designed for your A/C system.

[@forteensixtynine257]

Good Knowledge Video

[@ZAPPED916]

Thank you

[@MB-np2ur]

I have 4 spots for filters in my home, one seems to do nothing, it is never dirty. Does someone know what that would be for?

[@bananafoneable]

You didn't answer. How often should I change it

[@DSNCB919]

So if i have been using merv 11 i cant use merv 12 same size?