Ideal type of HVAC filter?

[LuckyTaxi]

My HVAC contractor and I go back and forth on the type of filters to use. They tend to use the Flander filters and most of the reviews I read said they're crap. I used to buy the ones from Lowes and they told me they restrict air flow and makes the system work harder.

So after my last batch ran out, I purchased the following from Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CJZ85MO). I did hours of research and I'm under the impression that these are pretty good. The Flanders they put in are super thin and the netting itself appears to come apart when I pull it from the slot to change. it just feels very flimsy to me but what do I know.

 

[Blain]

I usually buy Merv 11 or 13 filters, by the dozen (last time from BuyFiltersOnline ebay).
Installing a G99 monitor will take the guesswork out of filter replacement frequency.

 

[NutBucket]

From what I've seen/read the contractor is correct. Use thin filter to minimize airflow restrictions. If you really want to filter your air buy a standalone HEPA filter.

 

[Subyman]

It depends on what you are wanting. To protect the furnace all you need are the cheapo $1 fiberglass filters. The pleated filters are more restrictive but do cut down on dust and pollen. HEPA is by far the "best" for allergens and such. The cost of the pleated and HEPA is their price and they restrict air flow. HVAC guys who only think about the systems don't like them because they tamper with the ideal flow the system was designed for. People like me that have allergy issues during certain time of the year use HEPA filters during those times and fiberglass during other times.

Don't spend too much time and stress worrying about your filter though! Just pick up whatever is local for what you are needing and be done with it.

 

[MongGrel]

It's pretty much been all said here all ready I guess, but even mixing filters if you have multiple returns might not be a bad idea.

You can put a HEPA on the main and lighter ones on the others, the HEPA will pull less but still be in operation.

Is what we do at any rate.

 

[bamx2]

I agree. I use nothing above MERV 4 . It filters reasoably well and is not very restrictive.

From what I've seen/read the contractor is correct. Use thin filter to minimize airflow restrictions. If you really want to filter your air buy a standalone HEPA filter.