Should You Buy That More Expensive Air Filter?

9 Investigates whether you should buy that expensive furnace filter.
www.wsoctv.com/...

[@rjfontenotiii]

One thing not mentioned was that the higher your MERV (or FPR) rating, the more often you have to change your filter. They filter out smaller particles, but they also get clogged up faster. The expensive air filters are even more expensive once you take filter life into consideration.

[@corruptedbrain6]

for residential, a merv between 4-8 is recommended. There's an equation to figure out what size and merv you should use.

[@SpriteoftheDnieper]

Landlords should let their tenants know that air filters need to be replaced--and maybe even have some ready for them! I didn't know this was even a thing until one finally proactively discussed it with me... after ten years into renting. I used to think that AC made me sick. Now I'm pretty sure it had more to do with filters that'd probably gone months, years, or even decades without ever being changed. The furnace 'room' in the current house I'm in had a very, VERY thick layer of dust covering the furnace, door, ceiling, floor (1 inch+), and surrounding walls when I moved in. I vacuumed it out and now plan on changing the filters regularly, but it's clear it isn't common enough knowledge.

[@meidaniarya]

+2

[@velvetsmack2645]

I think most of you have it wrong. Truth is your HVAC system is not a primary air filtration system. Its made to keep your home at a nominal temperature. The air filter is mainly used to keep the furnace clean, while secondarily helping with air quality (and a far second). Merv 6-8 is perfect to extent the life of your HVAC system while also keeping money in your pocket because of less energy draw. Nice added bonus of a quieter furnace to boot. I'm sure there's exceptions to this, but for most save your money!

[@cheapyweepy5651]

I had my air ducts cleaned and dust was still showing up. I replaced with a thicker air filter. Hopefully I did that right.

[@juanmacias4854]

Good message, but be careful as you go higher in MERV rating. Can go to MERV18 but make sure that the filter is 2 or 4 inches thick and has adequate surface area, otherwise you will clog up the filter and damage your unit. You need adequate ventilation (pass through) through the filters.

[@CT-vm4gf]

I agree, a high merv filter has the air flow of a blocked filter. A merv 8 is a good compromise.

[@KeithsTVHD1]

I just got a new central system and this was very helpful as in getting a proper filter.

[@scottwebber652]

I have a 4” space for my filter I ended up using 4 1” f g filters putting furniture polish on the lead one n rotating them. I change the lead as needed. The others stay fine putting the fresh one last. The polish works like a magnet. A case of filters lasts 10 years for me.

[@Monsiemage]

The most interesting thing I noticed when I stepped up my filter was when I was cooking the smoke would almost instantly clear out.

[@jjs777fzr]

During covid I’d recommend everyone run at least one 20” box fan inside your home 24x7 with a Filtrete 1900. You’ll be amazed at how much dirt it catches. And the 1900 is rated for capturing virus and bacteria.

[@mikehascats26]

i am doing that because of california wildfires

[@jjs777fzr]

Mike Hascats - I have seen the news. I cannot believe how serious the smoke issue is over there. Take care.

[@mikehascats26]

@@jjs777fzr fan works great

[@danram247]

I use a window fan and exhaust air out. But I'm also thinking of getting a box fan to filter the remaining dust or smoke.

[@jr1001jr]

🤔 place a filter behind a box fan?? I guess it's worth a try. 🤷‍♂️ Where do you place the fan; in largest room/area, the area/room where you spend most time, or in the room where the largest air return is located? I'd like to give this fan & filter idea a try. Thanks for any tips/advice.

[@KamfaKing]

3M filtrete 1900 - merv 13, but also twice the media as most 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 nay 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, 8 weeks when snow is on the ground.

[@Nessal83]

Yup. Project Farm did a test and proved you right.

[@kermitefrog64]

Totally agree. And since we all have asthma and the worst air quality in the nation according to the American Lung Association we regularly change our filters. I try to do the same on my cars. I added a filter to my 1981 Mercedes 240d to have cleaner air in the cab even though it did not come from the factory with a cabin air filter. I use as an air filter the filter for a lawn mower or vacuum cleaner.

[@alowatsakima8950]

I get merv14 to get all the dust and pollen, it is 5" deep and fits my existing filter housing. An example is Practical Pleat filters, but don't buy them from dealers

[@cnfrisch]

FACT: The higher the MERV rating, the higher the air flow restriction. Many older furnances have blowers that can't handle the higher air restriction caused by expensive filters. I found this out personally when my air conditioner kept freezing up. Extensive trouble shooting revealed it was my expensive MERV 10 rated air filter causing the problem. I now use a MERV 4 air filter and my system cools as it should.

[@Kenster-man]

Yup MERV 4 is a nice minimum to use while maximizing air flow and yea change them every month. I think the $1.50 MERV 1 or 2 Fiberglass filters are too porous. Which MERV 4 Filters do you use?

[@katied4658]

For us the size is what keeps us using the same brand. Filtrete is slightly bigger than every other brand we have available without going over the recommended size. I don't suggest the 1500 if you want to use it 3 months cause it will get clogged up quicker. The 1000 or 1080 depending on store is the better choice.

[@Swampwild1]

Merv 8 will not remove particles smaller 3 micrometers. The most dangerous particles are 2.5 or smaller. That is the world standard for measuring air quality. I find a Merv 8 totally useless. But a Merv 10 will make an amazing difference as measured by a meter. If your furnace can’t handle it get a small floor unit, they really work and are not expensive. I’m hearing these heating and plumbing guys saying Merv 8 is good. Try it yourself with a meter!

[@Back4More42]

I have tried a lot of filters. But for a 1” a 3M Filtrete 1900 was the best. Once a month. You should see how dark they get and we don’t do Candles or have any pets.

[@incarnateTheGreat]

So if you get a MERV 8 and you have cots/dogs, you have to change it monthly as per the last guy's recommendation. A MERV 10 filter on average costs $24. 24 x 12 = 288. A 1900 will set you back a few bucks more, but you should only have to change it every 3 or so months. Wouldn't that be cheaper and still effective?

[@sk8terjoe98]

Just replace the filter every 3 months and stick to an either MERV 11 or 12.

[@Kenster-man]

The problem with the 1" filters is that the air resistance / static pressure drop may be fine initially when it's clean but they dramatically clog up over time. So it depends on the home - some homes will have to replace every month or two. Replacing a high MERV filter every 2 months is still costly. ideally the 4-5" filters are best - work well over 6 months trapping dust (say Merv 8 or 11) while providing good air flow. They are heavily pleated and so have much more surface area and don't clog up nearly as much as the 1" filters. Best bet if you can is having the wide 4-5" filter system - yeah the filters are $50 but you change them out every 6 months.

[@chairde]

I use Merv 8 and change it monthly.

[@johnwigren2497]

Thanks for the tip.. I'm always going to use a Merv 8.👍

[@jzizzles7799]

Wow, remember a time with our local news channel use to be helpful!

[@westfield90]

This is all they should cover. The moment the stupid woke Media gets political then it all goes downhill

[@Mike1614YT]

I'm glad they asked the experts about this

[@alcoury332]

What about reusable filters? I've been using one for years it seems to Remove Dust, Pollen & Pollutants just fine?

[@EclipseEntertainmentPresents]

Yeah I use merv 13 as well. instantly tell the difference with the air quality. I was using cheap filters never again.

[@practicalguy973]

if you change a filter every month the system is not designed correctly and you spend a fortune in monthly filters. Ask an HVAC company to install a holder for a 25"x20"x5" filter. These common larger furnace filters only cost slightly more and have 6x the surface area. It's less restrictive for your furnace air flow being much larger and can last up to 1 year before needing changing or 6 months for people with pets or high dust environments.

[@tammymitchell4770]

Great info! I change my filter every month.

[@nathanielaranda8407]

also vacuum your house with a good vacuum cleaner people! my gosh I see people who never vacuum or very rarely vacuum! that keeps your filters cleaner longer because your removing excess dust when you vacuum. vacuum at the very least once a week but I vacuum just about every day!

[@zurdoremi]

here's the scam: your size filter is only available in the more expensive brand.

[@BenM81]

Once again perfect example of how the education system is failing to teach real world practical problem solving. If you’re an adult and you don’t know you need to change your filter, someone failed you along the way.

[@mama41141]

Do they 3m filters contain fiberglass ?

[@EastCoastScott]

The higher the MERV rating the lower the air flow, causing more energy usage. Use the lowest rating filter for the highest efficiency with your furnace or AC. If you don't believe be, buy a anemometer and check airflow with the cheaper on and then change to one of the pleated ones and check air flow again, there will be a noticeable difference.

[@hifinsword]

There's a range of air flow restriction with higher MERV rated filters. More pleats can mean less restriction. Check out kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJzNg35_h9uUa5o

[@Kenster-man]

I agree - and the problem with some of the high MERV filters that offer reasonable air flow (moderate static pressure drop) - the problem with that is you're looking at the initial pressure drop of a clean filter. 1" filters dramatically increase resistance over time as they are used ---- some homes should have them replaced every month instead of stretching out to 3 months. But then doing so because very costly.

[@bluesdirt6555]

I’ve seen a high rated filter freeze up an A coil . When I took it out it was shaped like a parachute. Now my merv 11 is kicking out my second stage on high limit.

[@Jimi-HendrixJr]

Cheap ones are perfect don't waste your money. The filter is for the furnace not for you.

[@arkwill14]

Exactly! Your HVAC unit isn't an air-purifier - it's for heating or cooling air.

[@bogdan78pop]

I guess you like your house dusty...!!

[@arodandjeter1]

Best ones to use are the cheap fiberglass ones

[@FSM_Reviews]

Which filters almost nothing at all, I might add.

[@arodandjeter1]

Fans, Speakers, and more I’d rather have better airflow for my system

[@arodandjeter1]

Fans, Speakers, and more those pleated filters are already restrictive before they’re even used.

[@FSM_Reviews]

@@arodandjeter1 Then why have a filter at all? If it can't filter anything?

[@arodandjeter1]

Fans, Lights, and more the fiberglass filter must filter something lol. Mine always has dirt and dust etc on it after I change it. All I’m saying is it’s a proven fact that the “premium” filters are more restricted. Which tells me that over time once it starts getting dirty and restricted that your air handler is gonna be working harder to pull air

[@CCCC-tq8yo]

2:26 I'm sad now

[@charlespratt8663]

Whats best for your furnace is not always best for your lungs. A lower merv rating is easier for your furnace at the cost of more dust particles blowing around the house.

[@Kenster-man]

1" Filters were intended to keep your Furnace clean - not for a whole-home air cleaner. If that's what you want then check out the wide filters that can better trap dust but offer adequate air flow (reasonable static pressure drop) and look into other air cleaning options. But relying on just the 1" filter to be the magic wand to trap all the dust/pollen/etc. with adequate air flow your system can handle can be asking for too much. Again their are other solutions for cleaner air.

[@kk-qu1zc]

@@Kenster-man But that is how 90% of consumers will see this and continue to use it as. I still feel my Merv 11 is too low by the highway

[@practicalguy973]

@@kk-qu1zc The issue is old school furnace and house setup. For the filters in the ceiling your stuck with that 1" filter but there is no reason the next furnace installed or an upgrade to the ducts can't be made else where in the house. I have a 20"x25"x5" furnace filter holder built into the duct work right at the furnace. 6x more air flow and cheaper only changing the filter once every 6 months. When the system is designed correctly you don't worry about air flow restrictions and just use the Merv rating you want.

[@pepper13111]

I use MERV 8 every 60 days. Never dirty . Why?

[@bogdan78pop]

"cause you are clean...!!

[@brentwong6982]

Check them esp after CA wood fires.

[@GlitchedPepsi]

I use merv 11-13 works great

[@lomex_1417]

highly recommend this purchase!

[@slipstreamvids7422]

So much mis information and innuendo. The higher mesh filters have corresponding increased surface area (more pleats) for the given filter dimension. They do not restrict air flow. All the different mesh filters are designed to last 3 months in the average home. If you want smaller particles removed, get the higher mesh filters. They all have the same change frequency. A dirty filter is restrictive and just moves less air in the system. Put your hand over a vacuum and listen to the motor speed increase. Its cavitating and doing no work and using less power. Buy any filter you feel comfortable paying for.

[@cmndrkool321]

If you’re not certain how old your furnace is, a merv 8 is good enough for a household. I installed my own beefy furnace and use a merv 13 because I know the furnace I bought can handle it. The air quality is night and day difference.

[@tc3724]

Good news!!

[@joshuaryanferguson3702]

do i care i want the best an the biggest filters do better job then them thin filters

[@johncote2776]

Never use a thick air filter

[@CCCC-tq8yo]

Yes

[@danillemontana]

MERV 7 OR 8 is you need.

[@jamisonhughes4593]

#miami 🤩🤩👋

[@CCCC-tq8yo]

I'm first lol