Home Air Filter Advice

Posted by Saucer Man on August 29, 2007, 12:49 pm

I have 3 returns in my house. I was told that I do not need an air filter
in my air handler which is in my attic if I have a filter in the returns.
However, when I had a filter in the air handler, I noticed it was
dirty....even though I had filters in all the returns. So currently, I
replace all 4 filters regularly. Is this ok? I use MERV 8 pleated filters.

I want to start using MERV 10 filters. Is it okay to still use one in the
main unit or is there a better practice?

--

Thanks.

Posted by Noon-Air on August 29, 2007, 1:17 pm

>I have 3 returns in my house. I was told that I do not need an air filter
>in my air handler which is in my attic if I have a filter in the returns.
>However, when I had a filter in the air handler, I noticed it was
>dirty....even though I had filters in all the returns. So currently, I
>replace all 4 filters regularly. Is this ok? I use MERV 8 pleated
>filters.
> I want to start using MERV 10 filters. Is it okay to still use one in the
> main unit or is there a better practice?

Make sure all of your RA ductwork is completely tight with no leaks, and you
should only need the filters in the returns *OR* the filter in the air
handler... not both.

Posted by Zyp on August 29, 2007, 1:49 pm

Noon-Air wrote:

>> I have 3 returns in my house. I was told that I do not need an air
>> filter in my air handler which is in my attic if I have a filter in
>> the returns. However, when I had a filter in the air handler, I
>> noticed it was dirty....even though I had filters in all the
>> returns. So currently, I replace all 4 filters regularly. Is this
>> ok? I use MERV 8 pleated filters.
>> I want to start using MERV 10 filters. Is it okay to still use one
>> in the main unit or is there a better practice?

> Make sure all of your RA ductwork is completely tight with no leaks,
> and you should only need the filters in the returns *OR* the filter
> in the air handler... not both.

Using high efficiency pleted filters will require changing often. Check
them each month and change when soiled. Eventually you will find a regular
schedule to follow that matches *your* life style.

Peleted filters offer some restriction to airflow [even when clean] and
having a high MERV rating means they will become soiled quicker [choking the
airflow as they become plugged with material.]

When you write your monthly check to the electric company - check your air
filter.

--
Zyp

Posted by Saucer Man on August 29, 2007, 4:59 pm

> Make sure all of your RA ductwork is completely tight with no leaks, and
> you
> should only need the filters in the returns *OR* the filter in the air
> handler... not both.

This would be kind of difficult. The piping runs in the attic in areas that
cannot be easily reached and some of it I would say is impossible to reach.
It is also covered with blow insulation.

Posted by Saucer Man on August 29, 2007, 5:01 pm

> Make sure all of your RA ductwork is completely tight with no leaks, and
> you
> should only need the filters in the returns *OR* the filter in the air
> handler... not both.

In view of my last statement...it would be okay to run with just the filter
in the air handler and leave all three returns empty?

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