MERV 8 A/C Filters For $3.00 Each

Using a metal air conditioner filter frame and bulk MERV 8 filter media, my a/c filters are 35" x 18" and cost $3.00 each. I have no pets and my home is smoke-free so MERV 8 works well for me.
The links are below. The bulk rolls come in different sizes, the link is for what I purchased.
I got the filter frame here:
hvac-parts-onl...
Once the six pads ran out, I bought the bulk roll:
www.spsindustr...

[@linda7345n]

I actually ordered a pre-cut piece of that same MERV8 off Ebay, after seeing another YT guy doing a video. What the other YT guy did was place orange [tacky side] out, which caught all the dust being sucked it. He also reused the filters by washing them out; buying a spray can of tackifier and spraying the orange side.

[@StevesStrayStuff]

Hi Linda. My a/c company was charging $6.00 per filter for precuts, that is what prompted me to go with the bulk roll, it is a lot cheaper. This filter is designed so air flows into the white side and out of the orange side. In other words, the orange side faces the coil, and the white side faces out towards you. This filters the air by trapping the larger debris first and the tacky side traps the smallest particles, so it traps debris is layers. If the orange side is facing out, everything is trapped on that orange surface and it will get clogged up and restrict airflow in a shorter amount of time. I am too old to be washing filters, haha! Have a good weekend!

[@linda7345n]

@@StevesStrayStuff Thanks for the reply. And that makes sense to have the white side facing out.

[@StevesStrayStuff]

@@linda7345n You're welcome Linda.

[@davidh.8513]

@@StevesStrayStuff Thank you for this answer. Now I know what side goes towards the furnace. NO instructions came with the material.

[@StevesStrayStuff]

@@davidh.8513 Glad I could help you out David, keep warm!

[@danielobrien5159]

Nice job! Just what I was looking for Thank you

[@StevesStrayStuff]

Glad I could help you out. Enjoy your clean air!

[@357THEODORE]

Great video ,I used your links for the frame and filters ,very happy with the merv 8 filters and frame ,fast shipping, fair price, well built frame ..

[@StevesStrayStuff]

Glad to know it worked out for you. You'll save yourself a lot of money in the long run. Thanks for watching.

[@evadmullek]

Where are the links for the material ?

[@mattp4079]

This is good information. I have an Austin Air Healthmate for allergies. The proprietary filter is sealed in a metal cylinder and replacement cost is $290. Im going to cut it open and replace the element with the Merv pad and probably save $250

[@StevesStrayStuff]

If you have a Stage 1 or 2 filter, the MERV 8 might be a suitable replacement, but Stage 3 and 4 have charcoal and are HEPA which can't compare to a MERV 8. I hope you get it all worked out.

[@delo3936]

Thanks for the heads up, cheers👍👍

[@StevesStrayStuff]

You're very welcome! And Cheers backatcha 🍻

[@flutetubamorg]

I submit that you could go one step further and just leave the frame in place and pull the filter down and replace with a fresh pad.

[@StevesStrayStuff]

You are absolutely right with that idea! I started doing that mid last year after upgrading a family member's home to these filters. Their home is of newer code and every bedroom has a return, so there are six filters to change. I have done exactly what you suggested. It works great and makes life much easier. I only change the media that I jam in between the frame and grate opening when it starts looking dirty. You're on the ball!

[@MrMattDat]

Great, great job! Thank you for sharing!

[@StevesStrayStuff]

You're welcome Matt. My entire family is now on the metal frame and bulk material program. We all live in Florida and replace our filters monthly. Newer residences have a return in every bedroom too.

[@enriqueapalacios]

Great Video, Thanks

[@StevesStrayStuff]

You're very welcome!

[@beholdcaesar]

Whoa it’s $220 now, inflation everywhere

[@StevesStrayStuff]

You are correct, you will need to shop around. Thanks for the comment, I updated where I purchase my bulk rolls. Here is the link. www.spsindustrial.com/filter-roll-30-inx90-ft-x1-in-merv-8-2jrw6

[@jackcahill2383]

Thank you

[@StevesStrayStuff]

You are very welcome! Keep cool or keep warm wherever you are located.

[@DavidP-i4o]

Love your video but sizing is my problem... I need a 30x32x2 RESIDENTIAL filter and, ideally, a MERV 11 filter media. I looked at your frame source but they don't go that large on their standard sizes and custom sizes come only in a quantity of 12 starting at a price of $199. I can probably build a frame myself but then still need to find a MERV 11 roll media. Any suggestions?

[@StevesStrayStuff]

I wish I had an answer for you. Residential ceiling trusses are normally 24 inch on center and walls are 16 inch on center. You have a very unique issue. Making your own frame is a great solution and shouldn't be too difficult. A piece of screen cut to size to fit the hole so it can retain the filter media should work fine. Let me know how you make out.

[@davidh.8513]

Thanks for the GREAT video. I will receive my frame today and already received my filter material like you have. HOW DO YOU KNOW WHAT SIDE GOES TOWARDS THE FURNACE? Thanks again!

[@StevesStrayStuff]

You're very welcome David, I did see that you read another comment about which way the filter should be installed. The air flow enters the white side and exits the orange side. You may have think about the air flow for a minute or two if your filter actually slides into the furnace or the air handler because you don't have a surface facing you like you would with a ceiling or wall return.

[@TylerSalo-qt1gm]

The binder they put in to the rolls ask me about it i can show you

[@StevesStrayStuff]

Are you talking about the tackifier?

[@Chris-wu4cp]

Ty

[@StevesStrayStuff]

You're welcome!

[@etubrute8474]

Great video!

[@StevesStrayStuff]

Thanks Etu. I know everybody wants to save a buck and over time you will save a lot of money with this method. Thanks for watching!

[@LygerTheCLaw]

thanks to joe and inflation, they sure aren't $3 per filter anymore. for my 20X20 filter even in a roll this stuff costs about $10 per filter now, the premade big box store filters are a bit less.

[@StevesStrayStuff]

You need to shop around. Three years later, I just purchased a 25 inch x 90 foot roll for $130. My filter is 36" x 24". That comes out $4.30 per filter for me. www.spsindustrial.com/filter-roll-25-inx90-ft-x1-in-merv-8-2jrw2?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw7NmzBhBLEiwAxrHQ-W2saNG6qCAcM7FGH88XFxJYnXGW_ZVbwylRiPnmcAFwFibbk_rCIRoC9AMQAvD_BwE

[@melodicman3032]

Good Video. Where do I look for the frame and media ?

[@StevesStrayStuff]

Good evening, sorry for the delayed response, I was on vacation. The links are below. The bulk rolls come in different sizes, the link is for what I purchased. I got the filter frame here: hvac-parts-online.com/custom-metal-filter-frame-and-6-o-w-pads-3-4-thick-frame?cPath=1005_82351&zenid=393h42ku4o6cmgu620j2th8dn0 Once the six pads ran out, I bought the bulk roll from zoro.com www.zoro.com/air-handler-25-in-x-90-ft-x-1-in-polyester-air-filter-roll-merv-8-orangewhite-2jrw2/i/G7586311/?q=%20Polyester%20Air%20Filter%20Roll%20MERV%208,%20Orange%2FWhite

[@patrickpk6299]

What side is the tacky part on? I think that should face out, no?

[@StevesStrayStuff]

The air enters the white side and exits the orange (tacky) side. The white side filters out the large debris first while the orange side filters the smaller debris.

[@Peter-ig4vz]

Excellent video totally new idea I have 4 hepa air cleaners for family with allergies I change filters myself from large hepa filters little pricier than I like but better than price air cleaner wants me to buy, so ok where did you buy your big bulk bag and would it be ok if I use your filter for air hepa cleaners?

[@StevesStrayStuff]

Hi Peter. I buy my bulk from Zoro. I think MERV 8 media is the highest they sell in bulk. Here is the link. Thanks for watching. www.zoro.com/search?categoryl3=Filter%20Media&q=&categoryl1=Fans%20%26%20HVAC%20Equipment&categoryl2=Filters&variants.attributes.MERV=8

[@archdukeofsynth]

@@StevesStrayStuff You can also get it from Grainger for free local pickup, that's how I got mine. They also sell premade frames.

[@cd653]

So I have a question... the air vent that you did is this the vent to your furnace / ac or is this the air vent that pulls air into the furnace? I buy a filter every month that goes inside my furnace but ive never heard of adding a filter to the air vent that's in my living room that pulls air into my furance. Am i suppose to have two filters one inside my furnace and one on the intake air vent? If so that's new news to me... thanks

[@StevesStrayStuff]

I live in South Florida and this vent (air return) is for my central air conditioner air handler which also provides electric heat. The air handler does have a pull-out drawer in it for an air filter, but there is no filter in it. The filter drawer is empty. The air handler uses just the one filter that is in my ceiling. My wife has a newer home. Her a/c-heat system has an air return vent in each room instead of one large air return like mine. Her system also does not have a filter in the air hander drawer, the filter drawer is empty. I have to install five intake filters for the one a/c system, one filter in each room. It sounds like your furnace is configured the same. You could probably eliminate the filter in the furnace and put the filter (or filters) in all of the intake vents that go to the furnace. If you have a maintenance plan for your system, see what their technician says about eliminating the internal furnace filter and using a filter in the living room. It would help keep the intake ducting clean. I hope I explained this so it makes sense to you.

[@rodnroll3096]

Nice video

[@StevesStrayStuff]

Thank you ROD, keep cool!

[@Mr_SamuelAdam]

Which metal HVAC filter are you using where did u get it?

[@StevesStrayStuff]

The links are below. The bulk rolls come in different sizes, the link is for the roll size I purchased, you can select a size that works best for you. I got the filter frame here: hvac-parts-online.com/custom-metal-filter-frame-and-6-o-w-pads-3-4-thick-frame?cPath=1005_82351&zenid=393h42ku4o6cmgu620j2th8dn0 Once the six pads ran out, I bought the bulk roll from airfilterhub.com www.airfilterhub.com/products/90-roll-1-thick-antimicrobial-polyester-filter-media-orange-white-environet-hvac-furnace?variant=1561168379922

[@getsmartpaul]

Hi, I checked the price of a 20 x 30 x 1 custom metal filter for $127 before taxes and shipping and I need two of them ( $254 ..... $300 with shipping ). Then I have to buy the Merv 8 fiberglass ( estimating $6 per filter or $12 for 2 ). I compare this to about $22 for 2 regular Merv 8 filters 4x a year is $88. So, I estimate it would take about 4 years to break even on the cost of the metal filters. What am I missing ? Thanks :) Can you make the outer frames out of plywood with metal cross bars/strips to hold the filters ?

[@StevesStrayStuff]

Hi Paul. Here in South Florida, many of us change our filters twelve times per year not four. When you purchase the bulk material, it comes out to be $3.00 per filter. If you could get the metal grid, cut it to size and then put the filter material in it, you could probably get away without using a frame, but a frame will give the filter a tighter fit for better filtration.

[@peteaiello1784]

Where do you get a custom frame like you have. Obviously, everyone has different sizes that you need? Lastly, I have a box filter that you have to expand into groves from trane company.

[@StevesStrayStuff]

Hi pete, I pasted the links below. The bulk rolls come in different sizes, the link is for what I purchased. Keep cool! I got the filter frame here: hvac-parts-online.com/custom-metal-filter-frame-and-6-o-w-pads-3-4-thick-frame?cPath=1005_82351&zenid=393h42ku4o6cmgu620j2th8dn0 Once the six pads ran out, I bought the bulk roll from zoro.com www.zoro.com/air-handler-25-in-x-90-ft-x-1-in-polyester-air-filter-roll-merv-8-orangewhite-2jrw2/i/G7586311/?q=%20Polyester%20Air%20Filter%20Roll%20MERV%208,%20Orange%2FWhite

[@evadmullek]

I do not see the links you speak of? Where do we buy the filter material? Thanks

[@StevesStrayStuff]

For some reason the description truncated the web sites. I pasted them here for you. Enjoy! I got the filter frame here: hvac-parts-online.com/custom-metal-filter-frame-and-6-o-w-pads-3-4-thick-frame?cPath=1005_82351&zenid=393h42ku4o6cmgu620j2th8dn0 Once the six pads ran out, I bought the bulk roll from zoro.com www.zoro.com/air-handler-25-in-x-90-ft-x-1-in-polyester-air-filter-roll-merv-8-orangewhite-2jrw2/i/G7586311/?q=%20Polyester%20Air%20Filter%20Roll%20MERV%208,%20Orange%2FWhite

[@MW-hm9ub]

So, where did you buy the frame and bulk filter material?

[@StevesStrayStuff]

I got the filter frame here: hvac-parts-online.com/custom-metal-filter-frame-and-6-o-w-pads-3-4-thick-frame?cPath=1005_82351&zenid=393h42ku4o6cmgu620j2th8dn0 Onces the six pads ran out, I bought the bulk roll from zoro.com www.zoro.com/search?categoryl3=Filter%20Media&q=&categoryl1=Fans%20%26%20HVAC%20Equipment&categoryl2=Filters&variants.attributes.MERV=8

[@padeiro11]

What did you find works best to cut the bulk filter media?

[@StevesStrayStuff]

Hi Jameson. I have myself a nice pair of Wescott Titanium Non-Stick scissors that I use to cut the media, they cost about $20 at Office Depot. They have a coating on them so tape doesn't really stick to the blades, which is nice because the orange side is kind of tacky.

[@StevesStrayStuff]

@@Jess_2025 You're very welcome!

[@mikeyzfabulous2306]

does it block odors?

[@StevesStrayStuff]

No, the filter material I purchase does not remove odors.