Why You Need To Stop Using These Filters To Purify Your Air! What To Use Instead

In this video, I talk about how you may be doing damage to your AC by using those expensive filters that are rated to remove pollen, smoke, and much more out of your air. I will also talk about what you should be using instead.
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Blessings,
Adam
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[@HowToHomeDIY]

I'm curious, have you been using these filters or used them in the past?

[@mxslick50]

I would argue that HVAC designers need to stop designing return air ducts and grilles to the minimum size for a given airflow. A modest increase in duct and grille size would allow enough airflow with a premium filter to avoid this issue. When I did my own system many years ago, the pro I brought in to charge the A/C was impressed and pointed out the oversized return. I told him I did it on purpose to allow for better filters. The total extra cost of the oversized grille and short duct run? Around $50.

[@joeyoungs8426]

When our HVAC guy did our house he sized the system for 20”x25”x5” MERV 11. Our house doesn’t get dusty and it has helped with mild seasonal allergies. We also installed an air sanitizing UV system. No regrets.

[@richardbarber4444]

Moved here 2 years ago, air system filter is MERV 11 , 15" X 25" X 5" . It worked well cleaning smoke when forest fires were in full fury.

[@agcons]

I had the furnace and the AC serviced last year and I asked about the filters I should use. The answer was to avoid both the cheapest filters and anything higher than MERV 8. So, pretty much in line with what you're recommending.

[@AB-vc7ox]

never had a problem with my systems and as an asthmatic wholeheartedly will say there is nothing better than a high end 3M to ease your breathing and deal with allergens. Happy user since the mid 80’s. 1500 minimum, which captures cooking odors and smoke as well.

[@rayraman3243]

We had to call the pro because our central heater was stopping before the set temperature. He recommended us to use a thinner filter than what we were using. Thank you for sharing this info with the community.

[@guyfawkes7682]

Have you or any of your readers noticed that lately (some) filter manufacturers are making their filters ¼ inch smaller than the posted size on the wrapper? This is causing extra air noise inside the house coming from the filter cage in the ceiling. What is causing this because I do not agree with selling us consumers short. The the way - great video and I absolutely love your channel as you have helped me maintain my home much better and have saved me considerable money.

[@DevonWildZillaTeschJr]

23 years doing HVAC installer, tin knocker, service tech, service manager, and instructor working in residential, light commercial, and commercial work. I pretty much agree with this whole video. The only thing that makes it hard to say this is the filter that you should go with or not because everybody’s duct system is different, and also depending on equipment, registers, and zoning it makes it really difficult just to say this is what you need to go with and you’ll be good. So my recommendation is if someone only had a 1” filter slot they could get a couple different filters and have a reputable company come out and check total static pressure while changing of each and then make your determination after you actually measure instead of guess. It is always better to have a media cabinet 4”+ filter you will be able to have much more surface area and be able to have a higher efficiency filter at a lower total static pressure. FYI MERV 16 is equivalent HEPA efficiency. Hope this helps!

[@MyCatSleepsAround]

Please note that the MERV 12 has more folds than the MERV 6. Therefore, the MERV 12 has a larger area for air to pass and thereby counteracting the effects of the thicker material.

[@j.m.7056]

My local HVAC company educates customers just as you have in this video. I've been using the 3M Dust Reduction Level 300. MERV rating not on package as you stated. It is located on the filter itself. Back side on the bottom reads MERV level 5. Thanks for all you do for us!

[@mcpetzold]

When we had our new furnace installed, the HVAC contractor put in a 2 inch filter holder, and increased the furnace intake area. Made a big difference in home comfort and the furnace handles a MERV 8 no problem.

[@daleirish6682]

a very timely video! I live in New Mexico. In the desert! it doesn't matter what filter i buy i can't seem to knock the dust down that gets in the house. This has pointed me in a better direction!

[@jeffk433]

Didn't scroll through all the comments but every quality filter should have its airflow ratings printed on it or the packaging somewhere. Your HVAC system has ratings that it was designed for. You should be able to match them up. Issues arise when the entire system (furnace, AC, ducts & filter) is not in harmony. Our old house was an example of this. Not enough intake air in original ducts and the AC was running too a high a fan speed that made for short runs and the humidity remained high. This also stressed the filter. Corrected these issues and was able to maintain correct air flow with MERV 11 filter. It is always a sum of all the parts in play.

[@msruby68]

You are absolutely right! I got my Dad a similar filter for his furnace and we couldn't get his house heated up like usual, when using a cheaper filter. We were also told that it can damage his furnace.

[@lizzieb6311]

My AC guys (I’ve been using for 23 years) told me max merv rating of 8…no higher because it’s too much stress on my system. They’ve never steered me wrong yet. Thank you for saving us money AND our systems with your valuable info!

[@Da-King-of-Swing]

QUESTION: Do you have to keep buying hepa filters for that air purifier if so how often and how much? 🤔

[@darkboot100]

I've had many a AC tech call the low MERV rating "rock stoppers", because that's all they will stop!

[@vvraithz]

Good point to not rely on the HVAC to clean your air.

[@DR-zi3wz]

We have a 2000sqft house. I have 3 return vents to the AC/Heater (two 20x20x1" and one 12x12x1). I use MERV8 1" thick on all the return vents and change them every 4 months. They do such a great job that when I change them the filters are obviously dirty. I also lined the return vert housing's so the filters seat with an air-tight seal around their edges - otherwise the dirty air will get pulled into the system around the gaps on the edges of the filter. With a total of 1000sqin of airflow into the blower, it is more than enough airflow to keep the blower from burning out.