I saw a thread I didn't want to hijack that made me think of this so I started one up. I am 100% positive my air filter needs to be changed because I have no clue when my mom did it last. With me being young, making some money and living at home I like to help my mom out as much as possible (espically more so now since me getting a place on my own may happen soon so I feel bad) so I think I'm going just go out and buy new filters to replace. I have noticed some vents with dust on them which helped me think I need to replace as well. Problem I have is, I have no clue what a good kind is to get, and I was pretty dumb looking on lowes website lol. Any help I appreciate. I can tell you this, we have pets; cats and dogs, my mom has some seasonal outside allergies (no clue if this information helps). Any help I always appreciate guys!

are you talking about a furnace filter?    if so, Filtrete, 3M are ok..  i mainly use Filtrete..  just gotta make sure you dont get one that restricts too much air flow.  Best bet is to take the one out of the HVAC unit and get one to match.  Note that these should be replaced every 3 months in the summer and every month (if oil heat) in the winter, or 2 months if gas heat.  (give or take).  If she hasnt changed the filters in a long time, dont be surprised to see a LOT or crud on it.  Dust on vents may or may not have anything to do with the filter though. 

 

If you arent talking about an HVAC filter, ignore everything I said..  heh

For the amount you spend in HD or Lowes you can buy a CASE of filters online (and you should providing you have the space to store them).

 

A Merv 10 or 11 will be very effective in keeping down dust and dander in your home.  Find the face size by measuring your current filter.  It's likely 1" deep.

 

And if I see you buying these:

 

http://www.airfilterusa.com/residential/poly-disposable-panel-filter

 

I will make fun of you as if you had bought a Hi Point handgun.

stay away from the expensive 3M/ Filtrete filters, we refer to them as "furnace killers"

 

stick with a 3 pack of filters from Homies or Lowes for like 8 or 9 dollars.   no more than a merv 8 for a 1" filter.

Yes talking about furnace. I am going use shoprite and clean as much as duct with it before replacing filter. So if I order online the merv10 or 11 will be best for my house? Now what if I go to a store to buy one real fast to hold me over till ordering?

So the Merv 10 3M 20x25x4 I have is killing my furnace...am I better stacking some 1" cheapos in there?

So the Merv 10 3M 20x25x4 I have is killing my furnace...am I better stacking some 1" cheapos in there?

4" filter is totally different, the 3M 1" super allergen filters are the bad ones

4" filter is totally different, the 3M 1" super allergen filters are the bad ones

Ok thanks...didnt want to burn anything out..they aint cheap..lol

Ok well I just asked my mom to see when the last time the filter was replaced and she told me that our system uses the kind of filters you clean and not throw away?

 

So they never need to be replaced?

If your talking about an EAC please be sure to make sure the filter element is completely dry before replacing otherwise things might get a little sparkey

EAC= electronic air cleaner

I am assuming that what we have since that's what she said. I always figured everyone has a u it that uses the type of filters that are mentioned in above post. I am a complete noob to this lol.

Better to learn now than coming home from a day of work and not having any heat or A/C. Change or clean your filter everytime you change your clock and you should be good to go unless you have allot of pets that shed bad. Don't forget to change the battery in your smoke and CO detector too!

Let me ask you, since mine are "reusable" and all we have to do is clean them, do I ever need to replace? Or only replace if they are damaged?

Let me ask you, since mine are "reusable" and all we have to do is clean them, do I ever need to replace? Or only replace if they are damaged?

can you post a picture of it?

Want a picture of whole unit or just the filters? I can get it for you tomorrow since I'm in class till late tonight.

check them every 30 days, set yourself a calendar notification. (My thermostat actually has the notification built into it, most modern high end thermostats do these days) If you have a reusable filter clean it if it looks dirty when you check it. Pretty simple. I also recommend staying away from the 3M Filtre filters. We call them furnace killers also. Purolater makes a decent pleated filter for the price. I usually buy them at Johnstone Supply by the case for my customers if they ask me for them. I don't believe Johnstone is open to the public, but if you decide to go with disposable filters instead of the washable type you have now let me know and I can order them for you under my account and you can pick them up from the closest branch to you. They are all over the state and nation wide. the only other thing I can think of advice wise when replacing a filter other than not buying 3M is pay attention to the direction of air flow arrow on the filter. I see them in backwards all the time. Not that its a huge deal but if they get installed the wrong way the fan can actually start to suck the media in over time.

 

DeerSlayer- do you think the reusable/washable filters are good? Or are the disposable better?

Want a picture of whole unit or just the filters? I can get it for you tomorrow since I'm in class till late tonight.

the filters and the cabinet they slide into

DeerSlayer- do you think the reusable/washable filters are good? Or are the disposable better?

I prefer the disposable personally, its easy to just throw away the dirty one and slide in a nice new fresh one IMO. They both do the same job, I'm lazy I guess. Plus I would want to wash them outside with the hose instead of in my house in a tub or utility sink. I don't want that crap in my drains (no pun intended). I'm a plumber I have a thing against putting anything unnecessary down my pipes. In the middle of January on a 5 degF day I'm not playing "wash the air filer" outside, so its throw away's for me.

I will post a picture hopefully tomorrow, been so busy!

So which ones sold at the Depot are suggested?  I've been buying the 3M 1" for about 16 years now.  I usually get the middle-grade.

http://www.iaqsource.com/

 

I order my filters and humidifier pads from these guys.

prices have always been as good or better than anyone, and I can get the EXACT Honeywell filter my unit came with from the factory. I usually buy in lots of 5 for the discount.

So which ones sold at the Depot are suggested?  I've been buying the 3M 1" for about 16 years now.  I usually get the middle-grade.

the cheapest pleated filters you can get. usually about $8-9 for a 3 pack.