Furnace Filter - Which Furnace Filter is Best?

Furnace filter. I bought many different furnace filters and tested each one of them to see which filter was best. Some of the results were as expected, others were a little surprising even for me. I checked/tested filters ranging from 100-1900 MPR (microparticle performance rating) or 1-13 MERV. I also have a few examples of dirty filters along with the ultimate furnace filter that is capable of achieving 100% filtration. Watch this video to learn a whole lot about this furnace filter business :)
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#wordofadvicetv #furnace #heating #hvac #airconditioner #airconditioning

[@bikeriderful]

WOOD 5000!!!! HILARIOUS brother 🤣 😂 😆

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Lol glad you liked it man! 😄😄

[@Jon-hx7pe]

@@WordofAdviceTV ya where do I buy the wood 5000 at 16x25x1? my high limit switch needs some exercise - wouldn't want it to get fat.

[@animejanai4657]

@@WordofAdviceTV People buy at Costco with confidence. Since Costco has just the 3M Filtrete 2200 as well as their own Kirkland Signature 2200 equivalent, lots of people are using filters more restrictive than your Filtrete 300 or 600 filters. Maybe one day, you could include an updated furnace filter demonstration of the Filtrete 2200 and Kirkland 2200. You could even create a new video where you used all of your leftover filters until your manometer reading reached the point where you considered it was unacceptable such as 0.301 inches of water since you said normal filters should be within 0.10 to 0.30 inches of water. With the restrictive filters, it might be only a week before you decided the Kirkland 2200 filter was too plugged up! Who knew that Costco sold a filter that only lasts one week (per good restrictive air flow practice). Or you could test the filter longevity until it reached 0.50 inches of water in order to fit within equipment manufacturers' typical guidelines for pressure across the filter.

[@stevenvachon9745]

It's seems to me that there should be an indicator on the furnace that lights up when the air flow drops below a certain level, ie: when you need to change your filter, if it can cause damage to your furnace.

[@dadgarage7966]

That's what a manometer is for. Anyone can buy one and install them on their furnace like this guy did. Get a mechanical one -- no batteries, no electrical connection, etc.

[@JohnDoe-gv9jv]

That is a great point. We need to invent that and sell it to homeowners. By the time you read this, they probably will already be selling them. I like this idea.

[@stevenvachon9745]

I think there is an indicator on when to change your filter on some thermostats but they are based on hours of operation rather than air flow. I've had problems with my furnace not igniting but was pointed out that the filter was restricting air flow. It was a bit dirty but because it was a merv 11, it didn't take much to restrict air flow and the furnace is extra sensitive to this. Lesson learned and the idea was born.

[@otallono]

@@JohnDoe-gv9jv Duh, lots of things are like this. HVAC companies will lose money if they do this, so they don't. Why do you think we say all the time: They don't make them like they used to. World revolves around dollar signs. AC units don't even last as long as they used to, despite improved technology.

[@michaelripplinger2169]

Now, there you have it. Take the guess work out of when to replace the filter. No more reliance on a recommended interval (good guess) to protect your furnace. A permanently installed manometer would allow you to select a more protective filter and replace it when necessary, based real time time data. It could be blue tooth capable to alert your smart thermostat to shut down the system when damage is likely due to a dirty filter. Alerts through your smart phone, messages sent to Amazon to automatically order replacement filters, links to local air polution monitors recommending upgrading your filter to protect you from recent air quality threats, ie.local forest fires (Oregon). Dare I mention twiter?

[@2explore1]

Your demonstration is the best one I've seen. Excellent clarity and easy to follow. Great demonstration explaining the static air pressures and restrictive issues with higher rating filters.

[@coleyleclair]

MERV rating is only half of it. The other half is surface area/pleats of the filter. The 1900 has way more pleats, which explains the low pressure drop.

[@thepacketnarc7634]

For anyone wanting to skip to specific filters. 4:15 Finally Untangles his leads for the meter 6:05 Slightly Used 300 Amazon Filter 6:54 New Fresh 300 Amazon Filter 9:00 Poly Glass Fiber Filter (if you can even call it a "filter") 11:00 600 Filtrete 12:00 1200 Filtrete 13:10 1500 Filtrete 15:00 1900 Filtrete 18:00 Demonstrating dirty filters from home with pets, high contaminant environment

[@shellzdabest80]

Thank you

[@jonnyincognito899]

Not all hero's wear a cape 👍

[@chodkowski01]

Engineers designed their units to use a merv 1 filter. I used a merv 1 filter for my 25 year old Trane A/C and never replaced any parts on it. I clean my A frame every year and to replace my unit I’m getting quotes of $5,700+ dollars. Is it cheaper to use a high merv filter and replace my A/C every 10 years.

[@themikeroberts]

Your results show that the Filtrete 1900 is the least restrictive, which is what Filtrete shows on their packaging (which is now required thanks to California law). Here's Filtrete's Data: MPR 600: 0.24" pressure drop. MPR 1000: 0.23" MPR 1200: 0.26" MPR 1500: 0.22" MPR 1900: 0.19" MPR 2200: 0.21"

[@richpeterson3646]

I just changed my furnace filter. Thanks for the reminder.

[@RyeGuy97]

Great video and very helpful information. Thank you! One of the most insightful furnace filter videos I have found so far. I'm surprised that the "candle" filters were more clogged than the "pet" filter.

[@irishsausage6]

This was such an informative video on understanding filters. I have struggled with finding the best filters to keep the efficiency high but our air "cleaner" since we also have 2 cats... we can also fit the wider filters in our system which are supposed to have better airflow so I would love to see how 4" vs 1" compare right off the bat but also just how long they last since the cost is significantly higher and after seeing this I feel like those should still be switched every 2-3 months, not the 6+ like they may advertise. I also just replaced a filter that I thought was clean but in fact looked like your dirty white one when I compared it to a fresh filter. At least I know that means these are in fact filtering out particles.

[@Level-333]

So this is confusing. The more expensive filters are supposed to be too restrictive. But, the filterite 600 had worse airflow than the expensive one. Yet, fiberglass let in too much debris. I’m very confused on what to buy.

[@ZomBeatBrainZ]

On the back of Filtrete filter it has flow rates. Merv 8 had less flow than all the other higher Merv filters.

[@trippplefive]

@@ZomBeatBrainZ if they made a merv 8 with more pleats it would have better airflow

[@Nick-Salv]

Same 😂 I feel like the answer is like most things, which is to find something right in the middle in terms of filtration and restriction, so that there’s both solid air flow but also blocking the air pollutants 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@beammeupscottsp7952]

@@Nick-Salv3m 1900 is the best, more airflow and filtrates more. Best of both worlds, you just need to be on top of changing them out more often

[@TonyWadkins]

Thanks for your video. I believe you meant to say a dirty filter will lower the amps on a standard centrifugal PSC blower motor as it actually is working less hard. Now electronic ECM motors and their kind may work harder. However as you stated the system suffers due to less air moving across heat exchanger or coil causing high temps or icing.

[@dvddmc]

have been using the 1200 to 1500 filter changed every about every 2 months and have not been having any issues also wanted to note that have not been sick as much either and have pets as well so need that extra protection

[@Monkeyseemonkey79]

The 3M 1900 at 14:50 is the superstar filter. The key design feature is the number of pleats. It allows you to add MERV 13 filtration to your old HVAC without restricting airflow like most MERV 13 filters do. All allergy sufferers should be buying that filter. Just make sure you inspect it ever 4 weeks and plan to replace it every 8-12 weeks. Chances are the first time you run it in an old home, you will need to replace it after 2-4 weeks. After it has cleaned up your air by catching all the gunk in the first filter, the subsequent filters should last considerably longer.

[@niameanspurpose]

thank you for sharing that! I have an old condo and the dust was crazzyyyy..i forgot to change the air filter..seems i need to do it once a month...didnt know it had to be cucled out...great tip!

[@jimhoelle4013]

Nice video. I'm thinking the pressure drop is a function of both the MPR rating and the filter surface area. Since the filters increase in pleats as they increase in MPR, it could explain the lower pressure drop with the 1200 and 1900. That said, it seems like a filter having both an MPR of 300 and a lot of pleats would really be good.

[@bart1meuz]

Paper filters are all merv 3 which is trash. People forget to change them out monthly and they end up getting sucked into the blower motor. Kills the motor. Do yourself a favor and get a electrostatic filter which are merv 11. Or even better get an Aprilaire filter installed.

[@njhbgy98]

AWSOME video. Did you know K&N Car Air Filter maker made a washable HVAC MERV 11 filter too? I just found out. I was wondering if you could do a comparison test as brand new vs. after 3 months of use & after it has been washed. To see if the air flow has dramatically changed. What do you think?👍

[@ethanletzer3507]

Thank you for the great info!! Please do testing on higher MERV rating filters. MERV 12-16 would be amazing!

[@themikeroberts]

The MPR 1900 he tested here has a MERV 13 rating according the manufacturer, 3M/Filtrete, and there's no need for a higher MERV rating as that's already basically HEPA quality.

[@ethanletzer3507]

@@themikeroberts Well considering a HEPA filter has a minimum MERV 17 rating I would have to disagree on all points. There is always a reason to use a specific rated filter but that also comes with other issues which is why I made my original comment.

[@GPstar87]

This is excellent information and exactly the type of video I was looking for. Thanks for the work you put into this!

[@henryt9254]

The more pleats the filter has, the less restriction. Thats because there is more filtration area. That applies to old filters as well because the surface area is bigger. If you look at the 1900 vs the 300, there are more pleats on the 1900. So all things being equal the 1900 blocks more particles, but offset the restriction by having more filtration area. That's why they are more expensive, but the lag time for changing them does not require more frequent changes because of more filtration area.

[@ebelray6890]

Thank you for this comment, as I replaced and FPR9 filter which was dirty, with and FPR7 and I could tell the A/C was struggling more which made no sense to me. Then I read your comment about the pleats. The FPR9 filter which was Honeywell had 28 visible pleats and the FPR7 filter which was generic brand only 23 pleats. I'm going to get a better brand now. You get what you pay for, lesson learned..

[@GilmerJohn]

Gad! THE reason for the pleats is to increase the effective filter area. That's why an effective filter doesn't necessarily have a hugh pressure drop.

[@antmax]

I was wondering about this. I had two capacitors die over 5 years and the last time I was told that the furnce door safety switch had melted and had to be replaced for $150, I went and had a look, found the switch had been bypassed with a solid core piece of insulated wire and the switch had melted into nothing. I ordered a new switch for $15 on amazon. I knew nothing about HVAC but am pretty handy and did a lot of practical electrical stuff as a kid at school in the UK. I can see how both these problems might be caused by using those 1500 alergy filters reducing air flow, heat build up and making more work for the blower hence capacitors dying. Thanks for your video. I only noticed the air seemingly cleaner for a few days after a filter swap with those expensive filters. And they certainly didn't last the full recommended lifecycle. I guess I will be getting the cheaper bulk filters and changing more regularly now too. Thanks for the excellent video.

[@mikestevens3023]

Project Farm did a similar video. His results suggested that higher mpr/merv filters static pressure was higher initially but did not increase as much for a given load of dirt. The reason being that more pleats means more surface area which means less debris were square inch. Someone needs to do more definitive testing testing. In the meantime, it seems clear furnace filters are like engine oil.... change them frequently...dont wait 60-90 days!

[@marcsmith3881]

I agree 100% I have a house full of allergy sufferers, including myself so I can live with the little restriction, much cleaner air. Dust is not welcomed in my house, I change them every month like you mentioned.

[@glasser2819]

"furnace whistling" is from all the dirty air bypassing the filter... so a plitted 300 filter actually filter more because it keeps the bypass minimal yet still filter well unlike the see through green fibers.

[@BibleExposition2022]

I removed the grills and installed the fiber glass green filters at the intake location and inside the furnace. I used this filter since day one for 15 years and has no issue. If you change out the filter regularly, it will not make the coil inside the furnace dirty. My vent produce 50 degrees or lower temperature. About $3-3.25 for 4 at Walmart is excellent price for the green fiber glass filters. I recommend it highly because other so called premium filters restrict air flow, make the system works harder and caused even more electric bill.

[@SparkY0]

More pleats mean more surface area. More surface area in the filter media means more space for air to flow through. So it makes sense that the more densely pleated filter has higher flow.

[@jove1155]

Uh, no. The cross section area of air flow is the size of the filter.

[@d.j.robinson9424]

I always told homeowners to shut off the system when vacuuming. Also used 3M spray adhesive on the cheap fiberglass filters...👍👍💚

[@stellaherrick7462]

did you look to see what was in the 3M adhesive - one is a carcinogen.

[@d.j.robinson9424]

@@stellaherrick7462 no, I didn't realize that. Thanks for the information 👍👍

[@richardlapera77]

Good vacuums have hepa filters and should create very little dust. Also, let the furnace clean what does arise vs letting it settle in the rooms.

[@sergiotorres583]

I would like to see how one of those k&n home air filter do, see how restricted those are.

[@3480eric]

Great video! I guess it's a trade-off, how much dust you can tolerate in your house vs how much strain you want put on your furnace and A/C systems. Newer systems should be ok with a higher MERV filter but older systems may need a lower MERV especially if you're trying to nurse it along for a few more years. Also a thicker filter like a 5 inch has more total surface area and hence could have a higher number of pleats and MERV rating without restricting the airflow as much as a thinner 1 inch filter if it will fit in your filter slot.

[@rw3880]

Love the plywood fliter, sending this video to friends in the field. Will you do a video on how to size a furnace or an A.C.!

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Glad you liked it, thank you! About the sizing.. Thank you for the video suggestion but I have never been an installer, I only do service. So I don't think I would be a good candidate to make a video like that.

[@jhancock1575]

Great video. I check my filter once a month using a reminder on my calendar. I usually replace once a month it even if it’s little dirty. In rare situations, I’ll go 2 months. Filters never last what they claim on the label. Filter replacement is cheap maintenance.

[@reck0n3r]

What about electrostatic filters? We just had a geothermal unit put in that came installed with a pleated filter, but because it was a new install with higher air flow requirements, a lot of the prior dust/debris got pushed to the filter pretty early on and needed replacement within 2 months instead of the "rated" 6 months - to be expected for a new install I guess. But I've since ordered one of the same pleated filters for now, just to monitor initial energy usage with the unit to make sure it's running the way it should, but also got an electrostatic one that, according to the manufacturer, should last a lifetime, or 20+ years. Will put that in once I have an understanding of the power usage.

[@alexl3383]

Can you test the new k&n air filters

[@ruz6135]

I was super bummed that wasn't on there.

[@jshapiro34]

Test the k&n and also run the 1200 and 1900 for 31 days and check it's flow rate......if it's not killing the hvac even at 31 days they are well worth the money

[@stevewarren3051]

It would be interesting to see a vid that proves your theory that a clogged high efficiency filter restricts more than a low efficiency one.

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Yeah.. Sorry, I didn't have an example of a very dirty premium filter. I wish I would have kept some of those extreme examples from previous jobs. It would have been interesting to see how big or small the pressure difference would have really been.

[@krazyangel917]

NaturalAire is a good brand from American Air Filters (AAF Flanders) for pleated. This is the same manufacturer who makes the EZ Flow Fiberglass one in this video.

[@HDCanadianTrainVideos]

So basically, 300 in summer for better AC flow, and 1500 in winter since heating a home acts faster than cooling even with more restricted flow

[@gregoryranger3268]

Thank you for the great content! I'm using an ElectroDust air filter and was wondering if you had any thoughts on it? It's reusable, quality looks good so far. lmk

[@susanbarbee5258]

Did you get an answer to your question? I still have not received anything.

[@brianklein6387]

I had an a/c company fix mine it ran great & next day I put in some super thick high $ filter & later that day it froze & got hot air he came back put in his filters & let everything thaw & it's been working great for 2 years

[@KeithsTVHD1]

What kind of filter did he put in?

[@stuuuporman]

Not only do many pleats usually filter out more stuff (Depending on the filter material), they also last longer. 10' of material vs 30' over the same time.

[@munozyoshi]

The plywood in the return blew my mind. Thanks for the video! Awesome demo.

[@Ryan-323]

Love the video with real world information on why you should change your filter regularly. Like putting oil in your car! You can be lazy on a lot of preventive maintenance. Your filter should not be one of them.

[@tedkobel5002]

I was very interested to see results, however right up front I noticed you placed the static pressure tubes incorrectly. Look like you have them pointed down. That puts the holes in the tube normal to the flow which means you're reading total pressure not static pressure. For static pressure you should place the probes parallel to flow. The difference will be that the total pressure includes the velocity pressure component which will vary depending on pressure drop. That throws off your results. Otherwise it would have been a great test. Hope you try it again sometime with the correct orientation of the tubes.

[@AmbachtAle]

In this case it probably doesn't make much difference since he is measuring where there are turns and the air is not laminar.

[@nemesisxrox6773]

A+ video ! Just caught this which triggered a question - howz bout the 'electronic' filter setups ... just how do they compare in all aspects ??? I run 2 furnaces here - both 92 efficiency types - one setup with a nice April-aire deal which do require changing the filters out (pleat-style) - the other being a quite the more expensive electronic deal that only requires cleaning of the contained twin elements & their 2 respective screens. SO just how they compare as for restrictions, dust, dander, etc. - seems to b quite an interesting topic thou I havent scrolled comments nor all over Utuber for similar vids at this time.

[@ebelray6890]

Thank you so much for buying all these filters and showing this. I just replaced an FPR9 filter with an FPR7 filter and I feel like my A/C is struggling more which made no sense to me. Different brand though so I will try another one and see if it helps.

[@wildburpp]

Good video.. I use the 1500 for allergies. I want to convert from 1in to 4in. Filters.

[@PanicDontPanic]

Thanks for this. I would love to see these tests done with the Nordic Pure filters, as they seem to be affordable but I'm worried about the pressure drop in my HVAC system.

[@MS-st1zb]

I just went through that, weird. The new restrictive filter, restricted too much, the flow was not right, it was like it would build up pressure in the ducts and when the house and ducts leveled off the duct would make a pop sound, pressure is not right. I can do a paper towel test near the intake with the new filters and barely hangs on to the vent, hardly a sound, new nonrestrictive filter ( old type), works perfect. They tell us through the years clean your filter to save, these new filters clean are worse than any dirty filter I have ever have, am I saving money with the new very expensive filters, what are you doing to my equipment?.

[@victormartiny6419]

Outstanding as usual.

[@Ryan-323]

I have a very similar furnace in my house and I do run the high end. I think it was 1800 filtrate model and I do have to change my filters about every 4 to 6 weeks. They start off white and they come out to Grey. I have a dog. If you start to see your filter, bow change it you’re hurting your compressor or your fan blower. Great way to cause a coolant leak and if you have an old filter like mine are R22 is rare and expensive. Just ask my neighbor, who forgot to change her filter for two years her bill all I have to say ouch.

[@coffeeabuse]

1:13 The 1500 filter you tested is 16X24X1. The rest are 16X25X1. So you could have had leaks on that one filter. Haven't checked the rest of the comments to see if anyone else noticed that...

[@khashkhashak]

This is the best, and the most scientific, review on the internet

[@OleGimletEye]

I’d like to point out that the unit motor does not over-work as you mentioned with a dirty filter in fact the more the filter is clogged the less the motor works. This can be easily checked by amperage draw of motor which is another way of checking for a dirty filter that has to be replaced. I do like your videos 👍

[@mikelewis4260]

Do you check the blower motor with the door closed or open? If open then off course it will run lower.

[@tracyavent-costanza346]

this is the way that science should be done. great job. the drama is in the numbers.

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Thank you! Glad you liked the video :)

[@barbaraholditch6766]

Very informative good job

[@Dcc357]

I had an electrostatic filter for forever and never realized how much it blocks flow. I switched to a Merv 11 by 3M and I can just hear the difference in noise alone. Feeling more airflow from all vents too.

[@reck0n3r]

That's weird because electrostatic filters tend to have MERV 8 or less. How often were you cleaning your electrostatic? My minimal understanding is that they should be cleaned once a month. Appreciate the comment though. We just picked up an electrostatic filter and I'll probably have it in within a couple months.

[@theanswer1221]

Hey what are your thoughts on electronic air cleaners? Thanks in advance i love your videos

[@VIDSTORAGE]

I use to buy the expensive filers and found out most were awful because of restriction and the Flanders EZ Flow will catch dust very efficiently and gets better as it catches more dust

[@dcairns61]

I put a GeneralAire G99 air filter gage on my unit and it gives a visual indication of the air pressure difference so you can know when to change the filter. This saves having to open up and visually check the filter. Although not as cool as the manometer used in the video, it is cheap.

[@dementedmojomusic9558]

Great video! Learned alot. Have you ever tested reusable ones such as AirThreds? And how do they rank?

[@jasonjorgensen9888]

Thank you! Ive been looking for this exact information for a long time! My tech had me set a google calendar reminder to change my filter every 2 weeks in the hottest part of summer and coldest part of winter to keep the house the most comfortable and the furnace happy. I also use the 3M 300 Basic, or equivalent. All the manufacturers should put their pressure drop numbers right on the packaging! New and used, like dump 1 cup of flour in front of it to simulate use.

[@chrishuelsman952]

the 1500 filter was a smaller size 16x24x1 not 16x25x1 so it would have allowed air flow around it.

[@SoDiezl350]

That's a good observation! I wonder why it has the highest pressure drop.

[@mazahirhakimi2933]

Do you recommend using K&N washable filter

[@toddsmith1617]

They make one for a HVAC?

[@publicmail2]

I use a honeywell F50 HV air cleaner it has a SP of .1 at 1500 CFM 3 ton and never gets worse then that even when cells need to be cleaned in dishwasher. If you don't use that type get a filter housing for a 4 inch pleated. High static pressure will cost you money big time especially on AC.

[@seeya205]

People don't realize when they get an expensive filter, you don't get as much air coming out of your vents and it makes it harder for the air to get to the second floor. I have had it happen where people complain the second floor is cold and just getting a less restrictive filter solved that problem.

[@1987019870]

I really had little idea about how restrictive filters could get when you compared them to your plywood. Thanks!!

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Glad I could show you something interesting :)

[@lelenbates3367]

I find the quality of the 3M filters is now sub par. They have uneven weaving and there are sections of very thin material or small areas without filter fibers leaving holes straight through.

[@65stanger1]

I am curious what you think about the washable stuff out there. K and N now has a home air filter that they state is MERV 11 and is washable. They make not mention of the static drop but do brag about the flow rate. Great video as usual!

[@grizzlypaws461]

In 2024 Filtrete lists the IWC on the filter and the 1900 is the least restrictive Filtrete filter they make.

[@roksonak]

Thanks for the great video as always! Question about thickness of the filter: is a 5-inch filter better option than a 1-inch filter? Replacing the system and have a choice now.

[@WordofAdviceTV]

The big ones are supposedly better but from my experience I would recommend sticking to the 1 inch filters.

[@roksonak]

@@WordofAdviceTV Thank you. Why do you recommend the 1 inch ones?

[@WordofAdviceTV]

@@roksonak The reasons are mainly practical. They cost less and they do about as good of a job as the 4 inch ones. 1 inch filters are easier to find in any store as well. If you really want to improve air quality then an electronic air filter would be a better option.

[@FA-44]

Nice video, thank you. I have the same furnace branded as a Trane and started out with 1 inch filters, but eventually converted to a 5 inch filter. Just as an FYI, the total static pressure across the entire furnace/AC coil system is specified not exceed .5 inches water column. Most manufactures will spec .5. My furnace came with a nylon mesh screen, but I always used the 1 inch filters from day one. When I started seeing the filters being sucked toward the blower motor as shown in your video, I realized my static pressures were very high just as you demonstrated. So I converted the furnace over to a 5 inch, Merv 16, charcoal impregnated filter (Merv 11 filters were also available in the 5 inch size). I found that I can actually leave the filter in for a full year. Here are the numbers that I recorded: on low heat fan, the brand new filter showed .20 inches, after a year, that rose to .24. On the AC blower speed, which would be higher, I started at .24 inches and rose to .28 inches one year later.

[@celesteb3380]

I am need of some advice here. I bought my house 4 yrs. ago w/ knowledge that the HVAC system that includes an oil furnace needs replacing. There was duct tape all around where to coolant pipes go in the front of the panel in the basement utility room. 1st summer the A/C was comfy. It turned on and off and kept the house 73F. That winter the heat pump didn't heat so it defaulted to the auxiliary mode i.e.furnace burning heating oil. I am outside Montreal and went through about 3/4 tank of oil and was happy. The following summer my a/c worked but froze up inside the utility room and then when it stopped water would run as ice melted along the back wall, I'm guessing it has froze up inside the unit. I put down a few of those super absorbest rags and squeezed them out a lot. A lot of stuff happened to me here and I am about to sell my house. I turned on the a/c and it's blows warm air. I washed the heat pump last fall. It runs and blows air out the top and sucks air in all around it. I just checked. I don't want to spend a lot and at the same time it's 83F inside. I cleaned all the air vents. Also last year my a/c would reduce the humidity and I could see the condensation dripping into the ground drain inside the utility room. I am about to call a technicians but am worried about being taken to the cleaners. I just need to have some coolness until Sept. Any advice would be VERY much appreciated. I used to live in Montreal in a 103 year old Victorian and had thick walls and hot water heaters. This house is modern but very hot. BTW my furnace takes the prefurnace and post furnace Honeywell filters. The post one are green 16 x 12. (2) The hot air blew so easily when the furnace was running so why is there only warm air running. Coolant leak? Thanks and keep posting your great videos. I am learning a lot. I don't trust the local techs. I saw how the local roofers took the old man next door to the cleaners twice and his roof is missing flashing on my side. Nice WORK! I'll have to get someone in from Montreal. Damn crooks here. Thanks!

[@smacleod69]

On your manometer The readinf should be "INWC" not "INWG". Unless UEI and Fieldpiece are labeled differently

[@EJfromNYC]

thanks a lot... now I have to go down this rabbit hole.... lol.... So the better the filter the more damage im doing to the system but the cleaner the air.... great...got it.... so decide which I care about the most got it. lol

[@asiacaster3663]

A bit confused, a review of filters but not testing the filters on the main thing they are supposed to do: filter air? Would be cool to do another video with a particulate counter and see how the air quality levels differ between them.

[@Capdan365]

What about a tutorial how to clean the Evaporater Coil (A-Coil)!!!!

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Hey Dan! I will have to make a coil cleaning video for sure :) A lot of people have been asking for one. Techs seems to have varying opinions on how to properly do this so I did not really want to do this video as I am bound to get some flak coming my way heh :)

[@williamsumrall333]

I enjoy all your videos - very informative. As a side note, I have used a fiberglass filter (the same one) for 45 years in Texas. I usually wash it twice per season. Never had ‘A’ coil checked. When first turn on a/c in spring, aim infra-red thermometer at vent to check if temperature same as previous year. Most recent A/C at least 6 yrs old. Knock on wood :-)

[@joeknowz4898]

I went down to the fiberglass net filters...we don't smoke, no pets and no rugs...I showed my wife what her candles do to the filters...no more candles now....The cost has gone crazy on the pleated type.

[@3xt1Collatz]

I’m glad I bought the MPR 1900

[@delc9876]

Filtrete makes a 2800 filter. When using higher rated filters, they have to be changed more frequently. Using PuraClean filter spray can enhance a filters' ability to capture dust as it apparently is a tacifier and imparts a static charge.

[@tylermack954]

Awesome video! Love all the info. I guess expensive isn't always better. IDK what the FPM rating is but the only one home depot sells in my size Rheam cheap pleated filter 3 for $10 seams to be the way to go!

[@MrMarcus5191]

Here's a cheat that really works...have done this for many years...I use cheap fiberglass hardware store filters, the kind in a 3 pack for $5.....I lightly spray them with WD-40 then lay them out in the sun to let the solvent evaporate and odor to dissipate. They collect much more dust so I change them frequently but the furnace fan, motor and aircon evaporator coil remain spotless.

[@Drew-bv9rc]

What does the wd40 actually do, if you don't mind me asking

[@MrMarcus5191]

@@Drew-bv9rc The WD40 remains slightly sticky and captures more dust..I change the filters monthly...

[@countryfella94]

@@Drew-bv9rc it’s the same idea of oiling a filter on a motorcycle or lawnmower

[@kurt5490]

I used to work on a crew that cut rumble strips. The asphalt dust would plug up the radiators of all the equipment in about a month. So used polyester pillow fill to cover the radiators and spray them with aerosol spray starch. Worked great. You could even reverse the matting to use both sides. Spray starch is preferred because any that got on the radiator would cook off and not build up. WD-40 is a good idea!

[@ionu4535]

One of the few GOOD GUYS on YT i.e. Top 10%, TYVM.

[@amjedhussain7954]

Next time i will buy more quality, currently i use the basic will effect on the health

[@chodkowski01]

I use the $1 merv filter and change out every month and clean my A frame every year. My 25 year old Trane blows strong and still has the original parts. Engineers designed my unit with a merv 1. I’ve been quoted $5,700+ to replace my A/C but as long as it does it’s job I’m fine. I’m hoping to get 30 years from my A/C.

[@sharianehillier2297]

Thank you for the video Jay! Question, by choosing the 300 cheaper filter, do I save any money in the electric bill?

[@thulsa5218]

Fantastic test done with the filters!

[@margaretjaeger2064]

He doesn’t put the top bar back on some of those filters …is that bar supposed to be a sealer or not??..umm..ok..he answered that …he left the bar off for further tests ..but put it back on some…with further run through. Also wonder how many people get their pipes cleaned thoroughly before starting the furnace up each year..?? I’d think that could clog up filters more quickly if not done.

[@geeznogoodname]

Thank you for the great information and a well done video on furnace filters! Maybe you can do an update and include washable filters. Although they are not for me (too much trouble cleaning them), I have friends who swear by them. Again thank you!

[@kona1967]

I've learned that I need to change my filter at about 25 days due to pets. Every house is different.

[@leticiahoskins3296]

kona1967 most definitely. We have pets and all carpet. We have to change every 14-21 days.

[@MAGAMAN]

"This house is owned by 2 cats and two dogs." LOL

[@susanbarbee5258]

I just watched your video on comparisons of different filters static pressure. I had to get the hard washable filter because the cardboard one was doubled over as there is only one wire in the middle holding it in. How does the washable filters rate? Also what other options I could use since the wire wire across the filter bends it in half. .? An answer please.??

[@AnotherMartinez]

Awesome video. I wish I’d known this before

[@fredmotschman6050]

Hi J Thumbs up for your video content. When using inexpensive filters as I do spray intake side of filter with hair spray it increases the amount of dust particles , dander and crap the filter catches. You’re videos rock

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Thank you for the great suggestion Fred! Glad to hear you like the videos!

[@jrspat000]

So I have a question why do they sell these if they will cause overheating for furance???

[@2knipex]

Thanks for the video, very informative. How about those return air filters or the filters that go in the floor registers? Would those cause problems? Thanks

[@jakestevens7283]

Here's my question, how much is the health of your lungs worth? IMO I'd rather pay more HVAC costs in my life than live my life in poorer air quality. My unit will die 5 years sooner than yours, that's fine I'll take that trade off for healthier lungs.

[@TheSpartanPaul]

You have to take that with a grain of salt though. If your house is so dirty you are using the ac filter as a stop gap. I think you have problems. Plus lets be completely honest here. If you dont go cheap with an ac unit its going to cost you as much as a used car. I dont know many average americans who can outright pay for a car every few years.

[@bpdp379]

Why wouldn't you just invest in an actual separate air filtration system? Why ask the HVAC to do a job it isn't designed for? 2-3 standalone purifiers around the house are cheaper than taking 5 years of life off the system.

[@AmrXcellent]

The marketing people already got Jake. He actually thinks the product will extend his life span!

[@jakestevens7283]

@bpdp379 good point. That makes sense. I tend to live in the past, I just bought an air purifier for the first time ever a few months ago. I’m the guy who still buys DVDs, and still even listen to a walkman with CDs lol

[@vapeking466]

If you insist on using high merv filters 11 merv or less is best. 12 merv is what is used in hospitals and will really tax your home unit over time.

[@averypitts7621]

Best air filter video i ever seen.good job.

[@twodaend]

Thanks for this video. Perfect timing. I've been using the premium filters until this past cold spell of 2019. My furnace was constantly running but eventually the fan was just going with no heat coming out of the vents. Turns out the filter was caved in. I've replace with a more middle of the road filter and will see how it works out.

[@thegr8rambino]

How’d it work out bro?

[@twodaend]

@@thegr8rambino I've switched to just the basic blue filters, similar to the green ones shown in the video. I noticed that even with the middle of the road filters, they still clogged in a pretty short time. When I changed them, they were caved in just like his. The only difference now is that I change the cheaper ones much more often considering they are pretty cheap. I did not change the others ones as often because they were more expensive and they were "supposed" to last longer without getting clogged. That wasn't the case for me.

[@Ryan-yi6su]

If you have matching filters I would suggest weight them both in seeing what the difference is. If you only have 1 lb difference or less and it becomes very restrictive versus a 5-in pleated with 1 lb and it's less restrictive than we know that the 5-in is the better value, and won't make your motor work as hard

[@HamHamHampster]

Thanks. I have pretty severe allergies so I needed something with a high rating, but was worry about airflow. I will give 1900 a try. 3M said they can last 3 months but I am not sure if it can last that long.

[@80sGlamRocker1]

We’re in the process of getting a new heat pump system, and they recommend an AprilAire filter system. Are they really better of should we just go with the cheap ones that you change every 30 days?

[@WordofAdviceTV]

I would just go with the cheap ones that you change every month or two. Less headaches and expenses. Buy a box of filters and you're good to go for a year or two.

[@paulsecondi2053]

awesome video, thanks for this awesome work!

[@omma-llama7860]

Hi. I'm posting here on your most recent video to say "Thank You!" ... you see we had been told by a local contractor that out old r22 condenser was shot and our entire system needed to be replaced. I came across your videos while doing my own research, and after watching about four or five of your videos on outside units, I was able to go outside end for about $20 in parts get my old one working again. In my case, I had a bad 5 minute delay board. I much prefer to bypass the board then spend 6500 on a new system. I know it's coming in the future, but I'd like to get as much life out of this old system as I can. Thank you so very much.

[@MrJeromegon]

Old r22 systems lost efficiency with time. High Electricity Bill.So holding to one is asking for spending money in repairs no matter how many videos you watch. Newer 410 systems are much efficient and better on your light bill. Keep that in consideration.

[@DS-fb9te]

Star saving, is coming soon

[@gotaudio]

I have 4 return air vents. Two of them are the metal reusable kind. I usually wash them but I didn't want to wait for it to dry so I blew it off with a leaf blower. Seemed to work just about as well as water, so I figured I would blow off my 16x20x1 Merv-8 pleated filter. It seemed to blow just about all the dust off of it so I could see shadows through it again. I wonder what the filtration and flow rates were.