Picked up a new air filter today, I'm on a roll getting work done, especially since I have today and the next 2 days off! Anyway, this is the 4 month old filtrete air filter we have compared to the brand new one.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
4 month old filtrete vs new
- Thread starter Nick R
- Start date
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
3M makes nice furnace filters. On the upper end of their product range they get pricey, but they're very nice.
I used to use their filters....really nice. Then I was told by my A/C service company they "potentially" raise head pressure on the compressor due to their "restriction."
I'm not sure I buy that and would like to hear perhaps someone in the business if this is true. I now use Ace Hardware brand 3-packs, pleated, for a 1/3 of the cost.
I'm not sure I buy that and would like to hear perhaps someone in the business if this is true. I now use Ace Hardware brand 3-packs, pleated, for a 1/3 of the cost.
The Filtrete filters in my furnace used to look almost as dirty after three months. I turned off my furnace and then took my shop vac and blew out all of the loose dust then sucked up what was left with the brush attachment. They now stay much cleaner longer.
Originally Posted By: Chris Meutsch
I used to use their filters....really nice. Then I was told by my A/C service company they "potentially" raise head pressure on the compressor due to their "restriction."
I'm not sure I buy that and would like to hear perhaps someone in the business if this is true. I now use Ace Hardware brand 3-packs, pleated, for a 1/3 of the cost.
The problem that can arise is if the filter restricts too much airflow. That can happen due to a dirty filter or one that is too restrictive by design. During a/c usage, the suction pressure drops because there isn't enough warm air passing over the coil to boil off the refrigerant. This can lead to compressor damage as it isn't designed to pump compress liquid. It also turns the coil into a big block of ice leading to a nice watery mess.
During furnace operation, the furnce will shut itself off on overheat as there isn't enough airflow to move out the heat being generated.
I've never seen a problem with any of 3M's filters causing problems when replaced at a reasonable interval.
I used to use their filters....really nice. Then I was told by my A/C service company they "potentially" raise head pressure on the compressor due to their "restriction."
I'm not sure I buy that and would like to hear perhaps someone in the business if this is true. I now use Ace Hardware brand 3-packs, pleated, for a 1/3 of the cost.
The problem that can arise is if the filter restricts too much airflow. That can happen due to a dirty filter or one that is too restrictive by design. During a/c usage, the suction pressure drops because there isn't enough warm air passing over the coil to boil off the refrigerant. This can lead to compressor damage as it isn't designed to pump compress liquid. It also turns the coil into a big block of ice leading to a nice watery mess.
During furnace operation, the furnce will shut itself off on overheat as there isn't enough airflow to move out the heat being generated.
I've never seen a problem with any of 3M's filters causing problems when replaced at a reasonable interval.
Originally Posted By: meangreen01
The problem that can arise is if the filter restricts too much airflow. That can happen due to a dirty filter or one that is too restrictive by design. During a/c usage, the suction pressure drops because there isn't enough warm air passing over the coil to boil off the refrigerant. This can lead to compressor damage as it isn't designed to pump compress liquid.
During furnace operation, the furnce will shut itself off on overheat as there isn't enough airflow to move out the heat being generated.
I've never seen a problem with any of 3M's filters causing problems when replaced at a reasonable interval.
This is what I was looking for. The question is, should I continue to spend $14-20 for these filters depending on where you buy them (and I run them for 3 months to the day and change them), or stick with the Ace brand.
The problem that can arise is if the filter restricts too much airflow. That can happen due to a dirty filter or one that is too restrictive by design. During a/c usage, the suction pressure drops because there isn't enough warm air passing over the coil to boil off the refrigerant. This can lead to compressor damage as it isn't designed to pump compress liquid.
During furnace operation, the furnce will shut itself off on overheat as there isn't enough airflow to move out the heat being generated.
I've never seen a problem with any of 3M's filters causing problems when replaced at a reasonable interval.
This is what I was looking for. The question is, should I continue to spend $14-20 for these filters depending on where you buy them (and I run them for 3 months to the day and change them), or stick with the Ace brand.
Nick R
Thread starter
I use the best ones I can find because my mom suffers from asthma, and it helps get rid of the pollen, and cat fur/dander , along with the dust. The only problem we've had with our HVAC is the flame sensor and ignitor failed last winter, so it wouldn't stay lit.
Last edited:
To the above- how much you spend depends on what you feel like spending. Kinda like motor oil. If you're concerned about indoor air quality or want to reduce allergens then a $15-$20 filter might be worth it to you. I personally buy the cheapest PLEATED filter out there, I think they're TrueBlue or something. A buck or two a piece. That's about as cheap as I recommend going, since the only thing cheaper are the spun fiberglass types, which really do nothing except protect the equipment from larger chunks of debris.
Most 3M filters are very restrictive. In two of my returns, I use extended depth filters with high Merv ratings which have the same restriction as a fiberglass filter and last a year. The third return does not accomodate an extended depth filter, so I use the bottom of the range 3M which still filters pollen.
Overall, the difference in bills this winter was noticeable as was the airflow of the cheap 3M compared to the more expensive 3M.
Overall, the difference in bills this winter was noticeable as was the airflow of the cheap 3M compared to the more expensive 3M.
I have seen the filtrete rated from 3 or 400 up to 1200. I generally use the lowest or least restrictive 3M product. They run just under $5 at a big box store to into the teens for the 1200 rated model. Ive wondered about being too restrictive as well.
Originally Posted By: oilstudent24
I have seen the filtrete rated from 3 or 400 up to 1200. I generally use the smallest or least restrictive 3M product. They run just under $5 at a big box store to into the teens for the 1200 rated model. Ive wondered about being too restrictive as well.
They are. Unfortunately, most installations don't have adequately sized return grilles so using anything above fiberglass is restrictive.
I have seen the filtrete rated from 3 or 400 up to 1200. I generally use the smallest or least restrictive 3M product. They run just under $5 at a big box store to into the teens for the 1200 rated model. Ive wondered about being too restrictive as well.
They are. Unfortunately, most installations don't have adequately sized return grilles so using anything above fiberglass is restrictive.
Nick R
Thread starter
I think the one I got today was the 1900 rated model. I asked the guy at home depot what he thought and his response was that the company he used to work for for pretty much his entire life, was a major competitor against 3M, and he said that if 3M makes a product for an application, they do it better than anyone else.
Originally Posted By: meangreen01
To the above- how much you spend depends on what you feel like spending. Kinda like motor oil. If you're concerned about indoor air quality or want to reduce allergens then a $15-$20 filter might be worth it to you. I personally buy the cheapest PLEATED filter out there, I think they're TrueBlue or something. A buck or two a piece. That's about as cheap as I recommend going, since the only thing cheaper are the spun fiberglass types, which really do nothing except protect the equipment from larger chunks of debris.
I use the same ones (well, True Blue brand, Basic MERV 7's). Our HVAC guy recommends using anything but the spun glass filters, especially on high-efficiency furnaces (secondary heat exchangers). I don't run them 3 months though, usually change at a month. Pick them up on sale for about $1.60/piece at Menards.
That Filtrete looks Nasty! I don't think I could have let it go that long. Wonder what the air-flow losses are like with it that loaded?
To the above- how much you spend depends on what you feel like spending. Kinda like motor oil. If you're concerned about indoor air quality or want to reduce allergens then a $15-$20 filter might be worth it to you. I personally buy the cheapest PLEATED filter out there, I think they're TrueBlue or something. A buck or two a piece. That's about as cheap as I recommend going, since the only thing cheaper are the spun fiberglass types, which really do nothing except protect the equipment from larger chunks of debris.
I use the same ones (well, True Blue brand, Basic MERV 7's). Our HVAC guy recommends using anything but the spun glass filters, especially on high-efficiency furnaces (secondary heat exchangers). I don't run them 3 months though, usually change at a month. Pick them up on sale for about $1.60/piece at Menards.
That Filtrete looks Nasty! I don't think I could have let it go that long. Wonder what the air-flow losses are like with it that loaded?
I don't think that old Filtrete looks too bad. Pic isn't the best though. While very unscientific, a good tip is to hold up both filters to a light and compare the difference as to his much light shines through. Gives you an idea on really how clogged a filter is.
I know the grill fits a 20x25 filter don't know how that rates compared to others
Originally Posted By: oilstudent24
I know the grill fits a 20x25 filter don't know how that rates compared to others
How many tons ac is it?
I know the grill fits a 20x25 filter don't know how that rates compared to others
How many tons ac is it?
16x25 has become kind of the standard size filter. I believe that size is good for up to 4 tons.
I'm not sure. Its a pretty small unit. probably a 2 ton.
Originally Posted By: oilstudent24
I'm not sure. Its a pretty small unit. probably a 2 ton.
20 x 25 is good for 2 ton. It's about what I have on my 4 ton system and when I looked up the recommendations, that was way too little.
I'm not sure. Its a pretty small unit. probably a 2 ton.
20 x 25 is good for 2 ton. It's about what I have on my 4 ton system and when I looked up the recommendations, that was way too little.
Originally Posted By: RedCorvette
Originally Posted By: oilstudent24
I'm not sure. Its a pretty small unit. probably a 2 ton.
20 x 25 is good for 2 ton. It's about what I have on my 4 ton system and when I looked up the recommendations, that was way too little.
20x25 is big for 2 ton. Nothing wrong with it, but it would function just fine with a 16x25.
Originally Posted By: oilstudent24
I'm not sure. Its a pretty small unit. probably a 2 ton.
20 x 25 is good for 2 ton. It's about what I have on my 4 ton system and when I looked up the recommendations, that was way too little.
20x25 is big for 2 ton. Nothing wrong with it, but it would function just fine with a 16x25.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
Similar threads
- Replies
- 38
- Views
- 522
- Replies
- 26
- Views
- 3K