PSA - HVAC filters

[Wylie6G72]

What can I say? Not the first time I've learned that you get what you pay for.

One of these is not like the others.

Looks like Filterbuy has a very different impression of 4" and 25" than Honeywell and Trane.

 

[Nukeman7]

What can I say? Not the first time I've learned that you get what you pay for.

One of these is not like the others.

Looks like Filterbuy has a very different impression of 4" and 25" than Honeywell and Trane.

At least the "Actual Size" dimensions printed on both filter brands look to be accurate!

 

[samven]

I actually have to search out the filters that are slightly smaller actual size because the cardboard starts to crush putting a full size one in and if I get it in then I need a screwdriver and pliers to get it out.

 

[CDX825]

Yeah I posted about this in another thread. Why they don't make them the same size I don't know. Its pretty much trial and error figuring out which brands will work in your filter cabinet.

 

[Dave Hess]

Luckily FilterBuy from Amazon fit my A/C perfectly.

Yes, different manufacturers are slightly different.

 

[Lubener]

As long as the filter is larger than the opening of your furnace's cold air inlet , that's all that matters.

 

[John105]

It's the "new math." Pretty sure they are all the same. Comparison by looking at them is the old math.

p.s. on a serious note, I wish I had bought a gazillion filters back in 2020 when they were 4 for $121. Now the same 4 are over $200. I highly doubt this price will go down (Aprilaire 413).

 

[nbpt100]

They are cheating on the dimensions a little bit, it begs the question where else?

 

[LazyDog]

Next time, check Supply House.com

 

[Johnny248]

I have a Lennox unit with a 16x25x5 filter. Apparently depending on the HVAC unit manufacturer, they aren't all the same. Trion, General Aire, Carrier, etc. They all seem to be slightly different. I just buy the OEM's online. They are usually about the same cost as the AM alternatives.

 

[MasterSolenoid]

4 inch thick filters are superior to the standard 1 inch.
I run a MERV 13 without increasing the differential pressure.

When comparing any filters (especially 4 inch), count the number of pleats.
My AprilAir is 17 pleats.
Others sold at H.D. are 11 pleats.

 

[John105]

4 inch thick filters are superior to the standard 1 inch.
I run a MERV 13 without increasing the differential pressure.

When comparing any filters (especially 4 inch), count the number of pleats.
My AprilAir is 17 pleats.
Others sold at H.D. are 11 pleats.

imho, this notion of running the cheapest filter you can get, maybe $2 today but may have been 2 for $1 20 years ago, this is advice to folks with furnaces that have PSC blowers on their way out, and may be or close to short cycling. This advice does not make sense with modern furnaces that have ECM blowers.

I didn't ask for a 4" MERV 13 filter, it came with the system. Coincidentally, wife and son have allergies.

One of my secret fears is when getting warranty work, the tech installs a PSC when what he took out was ECM. Saw it on YouTube and the tech said the homeowner won't even tell the difference

 

[KevinMalone]

I hate that "nominal" size became a thing.