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Started By
Message
Home A/C question, Filter related
Posted on 4/18/14 at 9:36 am
Posted on 4/18/14 at 9:36 am
I saw something a couple weeks back but I can't find it (sorry..I suck at searches sometimes).
I'm trying to figure out the maximum filtration (MERV) I can use on a new house A/C unit.
Anyone have a good site with good information on how to calculate that data? I want to use the maximum filter (wife has bad allergies) but not starve/overwork the system.
I'm trying to figure out the maximum filtration (MERV) I can use on a new house A/C unit.
Anyone have a good site with good information on how to calculate that data? I want to use the maximum filter (wife has bad allergies) but not starve/overwork the system.
3
Posted on 4/18/14 at 9:40 am to NASA_ISS_Tiger
Perhaps contact the contractors who installed the ac or contact the ac manufacture.
Posted on 4/18/14 at 11:26 am to NASA_ISS_Tiger
Trying to max out your MERV in a single filter can cause you problems.
I've had indoor allergy issues for years and I cater to a niche rent-house market for those with similar issues (& charging higher rent), so I'm pretty well versed in this arena.
I've found it's best to filter in two stages with two separate filters...one in the return air filter grill, and the second one in the evap (attic) unit itself.
For the Return Air Filter Grill (accessible from the living area of the house), I get a roll of polyester filter material for about $60/roll. Would last you forever. Just custom cut with scissors. Stops the VAST majority of particulates much better than a basic fiberglass filter. Change monthly. LINK - LINK
Then for the second stage of filtration, I just get a Filtrete or similar brand pleated filter from Wally-world or Home Depot, that is rated for whatever level of filtration you want. Change every six months. LINK #!
I've tried every type of high-dollar and fancy product you can think of over the years, and I've found the aforementioned to be far superior AND cost effective.
The main thing I caution is trying to max out your MERV in a single filter. They tend to begin restricting air flow sooner than a 2-stage solution thus decreasing AC efficiency and potentially causing evap coil icing.
Tell me what your angle is and I can give you more details.
I've had indoor allergy issues for years and I cater to a niche rent-house market for those with similar issues (& charging higher rent), so I'm pretty well versed in this arena.
I've found it's best to filter in two stages with two separate filters...one in the return air filter grill, and the second one in the evap (attic) unit itself.
For the Return Air Filter Grill (accessible from the living area of the house), I get a roll of polyester filter material for about $60/roll. Would last you forever. Just custom cut with scissors. Stops the VAST majority of particulates much better than a basic fiberglass filter. Change monthly. LINK - LINK
Then for the second stage of filtration, I just get a Filtrete or similar brand pleated filter from Wally-world or Home Depot, that is rated for whatever level of filtration you want. Change every six months. LINK #!
I've tried every type of high-dollar and fancy product you can think of over the years, and I've found the aforementioned to be far superior AND cost effective.
The main thing I caution is trying to max out your MERV in a single filter. They tend to begin restricting air flow sooner than a 2-stage solution thus decreasing AC efficiency and potentially causing evap coil icing.
Tell me what your angle is and I can give you more details.
Posted on 4/18/14 at 11:32 am to H.M. Murdock
To high of MERV and you are going to be straining your systems fan motor.
Posted on 4/18/14 at 11:43 am to NASA_ISS_Tiger
An A/C repairman once told me to only use the cheap blue (or sometimes green) filters. All the dust and allergy filters strain the motor and causes your utility bill to increase.
Posted on 4/18/14 at 12:20 pm to PillageUrVillage
quote:That's a bit of a broad-stroke statement which is often true, but not always.
An A/C repairman once told me to only use the cheap blue (or sometimes green) filters. All the dust and allergy filters strain the motor and causes your utility bill to increase.
1) Hook up an amprobe to your fan motor leads
2) Add filter while fan is running
3) See how much your amp draw increases (if any) when the filter is added.
This will tell you how fine of a filter you can use. The big thing is to get the big stuff out of the airstream first with a large-pore filter before it gets to a finer allergen-type filter.
Posted on 4/18/14 at 1:28 pm to CoastieGM
Unless you increase the area of your return air filter your fan circulation rate will decrease. If you want to micro filter you would need a much larger return air frame and filter.
I increased my return air filter size to 2' x 3' when I replaced my Home A/C. Larger is also quitter.
I replaced my return air grill and frame size from an online source and bought an electrostatic filter that I wash out and dry about every 3 or 4 months. I don't think it's a micro filter though.
To filter the fan discharge would be a pretty expensive deal and would require going into a hot attic to change. No way I would do that.
I suspect upgrading a standard home A/C system to a micro filter system is not practical.
Posted on 4/18/14 at 1:37 pm to Nawlens Gator
I put aprilaire filters on our units about 3 years ago. They made a huge difference.
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