Central heat/air - what rating return filter?

[Slickone]

What type and rating of AC return (AKA furnace filter) is the best bang for the buck? They come in different MERV ratings. I don't want one I have to replace every month.
I used to use the standard fiber ones, but a couple years ago I started using the pleated type that cost more. The ones I was using before were MERV 6 (AmericanFilter Dirt Demon) from Lowes or Wal Mart. The ones I just bought at Home Depot (Flanders NaturalAire) are MERV 8 from Home Depot. I want one that's gonna catch dust, but I figured the higher rated ones, being more dense, would clog quicker. True? I want to replace the standard recommended 3 months, and not every month. Plus the fact that they cost more to begin with. But would they keep dust from settling so quick on everything in the house? And how high of a rating can you go before seeing diminishing returns in the regard? What's the best compromise?

BTW, 3M brand seem too expensive and I didn't see their lower rated ones in the 3-4 packs in my size (20x30).

 

[Rubycon]

FARR 30/30

 

[Slickone]

^

 

[Slickone]

^

 

[Mermaidman]

K&N filters FTW!


Seriously, I just buy the mid-range 3M ones. Have to change monthly.

 

[timswim78]

I use the cheapest that I can find, because they just act as a prefilter for my electrostatic filter, which has 3 types of filters of its own.

 

[NascarFool]

You should check the filter once per month. 3M does not state that you change it every three months, they say their filter will last up to three months. To keep your equipment in top shape, check the filter once per month. I recommend using the pleated filters from ACE hardware. The $3.99 or $4.99 filter will do just fine. Stay away from any filter that you can see through and do not use the expensive electrostatic washable filters. The electrostatic washable filters are to restrictive.

Fibergalss (see through) catch about 5% of what hits them when they are new.

Pleated filters catch about 40% when new.

Electrostatic filters catch about 99% but will cause the equipment to work harder due to high restriction.

20x30 filter ? That is a very odd size.

 

[Iron Woode]

I use the 3M replaceable filtre that comes in a plastic frame.

Roughly every 3 months you remove the old filtre and put the new filtre into the plactic frame. Costs me $14.00 for 2 sheets. Works great nearly heppa quality.

 

[Slickone]

Originally posted by: NascarFool
You should check the filter once per month. 3M does not state that you change it every three months, they say their filter will last up to three months. To keep your equipment in top shape, check the filter once per month. I recommend using the pleated filters from ACE hardware. The $3.99 or $4.99 filter will do just fine. Stay away from any filter that you can see through and do not use the expensive electrostatic washable filters. The electrostatic washable filters are to restrictive.

Fibergalss (see through) catch about 5% of what hits them when they are new.

Pleated filters catch about 40% when new.

Electrostatic filters catch about 99% but will cause the equipment to work harder due to high restriction.

20x30 filter ? That is a very odd size.

Yes, I've noticed by the low number of 20x30 at the stores and occasionally none, that it's an odd size. You must know that for a reason. Do A/C for a living?

Is there a good way to tell if a filter needs replacing? I've left some in for almost a year and to me they still look clean.

BTW, the NaturalAire (MERV 8) that I bought from HD were 3/$10.
So it seems you're implying the 3M's with a higher MERV (assuming some are not electrostatic) aren't worth the money. I can't tell which ones are electrostatic.

 

[RU482]

Originally posted by: NascarFool
I recommend using the pleated filters from ACE hardware. The $3.99 or $4.99 filter will do just fine.

ahmen brother