5 Furnace Filter Mistakes That Will Cost You Money

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ม.ค. 2025

ความคิดเห็น • 101

  • @EverydayHomeRepairs
    @EverydayHomeRepairs  วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    Insurance Survey And Custom State Report: geni.us/bI8z0
    Filter Lock: geni.us/7V2W
    DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.

  • @baldheadracing
    @baldheadracing วันที่ผ่านมา +27

    Note MERV is not perfectly correlated with pressure restriction. A high-MERV filter can get lower restriction by using more pleats/filter media area. Project Farm did a video on this a few years ago and the admittedly-pricey 3M 1900 (MERV 13) out-flowed many filters with lower MERV.

    • @whattheschmidt
      @whattheschmidt วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      Not to mention the width of your filter is very important, like stated in the video, if you want to go to the higher merv ratings. I've been going with 11 with 4" wide and I change 2x a year. I find that seems to be good price to effective filtering and not hindering the blower motor, for my setup. I do also have a hepa air filter running on medium 24/7 in my bedroom. Another consideration is does anyone have allergies in the house? I have some and that's why my setup is like this...

    • @ThereIsNoOtherHandleLikeMine
      @ThereIsNoOtherHandleLikeMine 22 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +2

      There is no correlation at all. It depends on the overall filter design.

  • @maxbiker99
    @maxbiker99 22 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +4

    Ive had a couple HVAC techs tell me this, "the filters job is to protect the equipment, NOT filter air for breathing. Use a low restriction filter". Ive been using Purolator filters for a while now and have been very pleased with their construction and durability. If you have pets or allergies, use a dedicated room HEPA filter/fan and save your HVAC equipment extra stress.

  • @SignorLuigi
    @SignorLuigi วันที่ผ่านมา +6

    As someone else mentioned, the 1900 3M Filtrete filter shown in the video actually tested out on Project Farm to have better air flow performance to any of the MERV 8 filters he tested. This was partially due to the many pleates the 3M filter contains and the correspondingly greater total surface area of the 3M 1900 filter filter. In fact, of all the filters Project Farm tested the 3M filter had the second greatest total filtering surface area, coming close to the surface area of a standard 6" filter.

  • @Pallidus_Rider
    @Pallidus_Rider 18 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +1

    I also put the date on filter.
    I also have a calendar reminder for 1st day of Spring and 1st day of fall to replace filter

  • @dorib82
    @dorib82 วันที่ผ่านมา +4

    Thank you for this excellent video. I live in a trailer. 😢 Because my system is OLD, I change my filter monthly.

    • @EverydayHomeRepairs
      @EverydayHomeRepairs  วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      Nothing wrong with a mobile home. In a lot of area around the country that is a smart move compared to the cost of a home.

  • @joelglaser5657
    @joelglaser5657 วันที่ผ่านมา

    This video is exactly what I needed. Like others, I had purchased a higher MERV rating thinking it would give us cleaner air. Well, it might, but they plug up after about a week to where our furnace can't keep up. Going back to the MERV 8 rating that I've been using for years.
    Thank you.

    • @95dodgev10
      @95dodgev10 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

      If you're plugging up filters anywhere near that fast maybe there are some changes you can make in our home? For example, I've always had two large dogs that create a lot of hair and dander. We also are far from hospital clean, we wear our shoes in house all the time and such and probably a third of our house is carpet. However, even with that a merve 11 would last us a few months.

  • @bernlitzner2739
    @bernlitzner2739 วันที่ผ่านมา

    I like your way of wiring the furnace in the case of a power outtage. It completely goof proofs it...and can be handled by others if you are not present....with no danger possible when the power comes back by those not sure how to work around breakers and panels.
    I change the filter twice a year....start of air conditioning season ...(end of May) and the start of the winter season (approx first part of November)

  • @mlc4050
    @mlc4050 วันที่ผ่านมา +6

    Please measure airflow restriction, more pleats = more surface area = not automatically worse

  • @ColbyPerry
    @ColbyPerry 18 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +1

    Kinda surprised you didn't touch on K&N's washable HVAC filter. I just switched to one on Jan 1.

  • @FaitMaker
    @FaitMaker 20 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +1

    Quite awhile ago, I started putting a bit of masking tape on my filter, hooped out to form a tab. Filter removal has never been an issue.

    • @Petesworkshop2225
      @Petesworkshop2225 11 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

      Ya, but you're smart

  • @joelow1282
    @joelow1282 วันที่ผ่านมา +4

    I use Merv 11 but after what you said I think I’ll switch to 8 . The whole allergen micro organism thing was causing me to go with a higher rating . 😂😂😂

    • @Petesworkshop2225
      @Petesworkshop2225 11 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +1

      Yup, I fell for the packaging claims...

  • @brothermine2292
    @brothermine2292 23 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +1

    I'd like to hear about the DIY design/construction/installation of a one-way air flow valve to place on the HVAC return intake vent (located on the wall of my dining room, near the floor). The HVAC unit is located in an unconditioned external closet on the other side of that dining room wall, so the air in that closet is very cold in winter and a cold draft flows into the dining room through the intake vent during the Off portion of each HVAC duty cycle (which is more than half the time). In other words, I want to block the back draft during the HVAC Off periods, without significantly blocking the intake air flow during the HVAC On periods.
    I've been experimenting with designs that use a large cardboard box taped onto the vent. A large rectangular hole is cut out from the bottom of the box. A cardboard rectangular "flap" slightly larger than the hole covers the hole while the HVAC is Off. One edge of the flap is taped to one edge of the hole, so the tape serves as a hinge and the flap swings up when the HVAC pulls air. The flap swing angle is limited to less than vertical, so gravity causes the flap to descend when the HVAC turns Off and re-cover the hole.

  • @mjwint
    @mjwint วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    I installed a differential pressure gage across the filter. I let's me judge when the filter is plugged enough to require changing. Sine I use the 4 inch 'mega' filters it was very cost effective.

    • @brothermine2292
      @brothermine2292 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Was it difficult to install?

  • @David.M.
    @David.M. วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Thanks, I also use a Merv 8 filter. Cheers

    • @TheSpeedyr6
      @TheSpeedyr6 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Walmart doesnt carry merv 8

  • @coryjackson3131
    @coryjackson3131 21 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +1

    Never leave your filter in for 3 months. If you have a 1 inch filter use a standard pleated average 7 -8 this prevents restricting variable speed and ECM blowers . I have almost 30 years in the HVAC industry. He is correct don’t not use those allergen 1 inch filters if you need better air quality get a 4-5 inch media filter installed by your hvac service provider.

    • @1packatak
      @1packatak 20 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

      I was just going to suggest to ask your HVAC contractor what would be best for your situation. The guy that installed my current furnace (one of those lovely big builder homes) told me to use a MERV 1. We called a local HVAC company to come check the system because it just didn’t seem to be working well. They made several adjustments, did some balancing, adjusted the ac unit, and upgraded the humidifier (at our request). The other thing they suggested was to get the vents clean because new construction homes have a lot of crude in them-boy what he right!!! And he had us start using MERV8 filters. Having them come out was the best thing we did.
      It’s also a really good idea to make sure you have your HVAC checked regularly if you are not able to do that yourself.

  • @mikenguyen5414
    @mikenguyen5414 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Another helpful video. My Lennox furnace has issue with gas valve opening. The voltage when ignite blowing is always 26.99 Volt, bue t
    there is no click from the gas valve. If I press down the yellow and orange wire down and giggle them or remove and then put them back, it works. I am not qui

  • @CTTH100
    @CTTH100 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    What about washable filters? Are they viable options?

    • @simongchadwick
      @simongchadwick 10 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +1

      I've been using the same K&N washable filter for years, with no issues for the furnace. The blower fan and ducts are always clean. I use a hose to wash the filter every 2 months or so, rinse it with distilled water to remove any calcium deposits, and either let it dry in the sun or blow it dry with an electric leaf-blower.

    • @CTTH100
      @CTTH100 10 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

      @simongchadwick Good to know! Been spending so much on our central air filters.

  • @jimlanigan.wa3erq341
    @jimlanigan.wa3erq341 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    I just had a new furnace installed so I need this information

  • @eltronics
    @eltronics วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    That filter slot seemed to be wider than it should have been. Though it did make it easier to pull the filter out.

  • @DigitalIP
    @DigitalIP วันที่ผ่านมา +5

    HVAC Filter changes depends on the size, 1 Inch is usually 1-3 months depending on usage whereas 5 inch filters tend to be 6 months to a year, mine using a 5 inch i change out every 6 months.

    • @ThereIsNoOtherHandleLikeMine
      @ThereIsNoOtherHandleLikeMine 22 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

      The correct usage pattern is based on HOURS of use - not days, weeks, or months. But nobody tells you how many hours a filter is expected to last.

    • @DigitalIP
      @DigitalIP 20 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +1

      @@ThereIsNoOtherHandleLikeMine Which is why people go by Months, i did mention Depending on Usage though.

    • @ThereIsNoOtherHandleLikeMine
      @ThereIsNoOtherHandleLikeMine 19 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

      @@DigitalIP My thermostat counts hours - which is why months is not relevant.

    • @DigitalIP
      @DigitalIP 17 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

      @@ThereIsNoOtherHandleLikeMine Sure, so does mine. But how many months do those hours add up to? My thermostat goes by months though, it has a reminder for you to change the filter which goes by Months. in the case of a 20x20x5 Filter which is what mine uses they go for 6 months to a year between changes.

    • @ThereIsNoOtherHandleLikeMine
      @ThereIsNoOtherHandleLikeMine 17 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

      @@DigitalIP It depends how much the unit runs. DUH

  • @JM-wy1st
    @JM-wy1st วันที่ผ่านมา

    MPR is a specific filter rating scale from 3M. They explained the rationale behind the rating and detailed description and comparison with MERV.

  • @Chestnut442
    @Chestnut442 วันที่ผ่านมา

    REALLY well done - thank you! Question: just as air filters for our vehicles are specific to the number of pleats in each (engine and/or cabin) and the critical role they play, does the same engineering apply to these filters?

  • @TypoKnig
    @TypoKnig วันที่ผ่านมา

    I use a pair of plastic putty knives to grab on the old filter and start pulling it out. Beats having the filter rip up and having to fish out the pieces

  • @braydenmaine
    @braydenmaine วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    the consensus is to change it when its dirty. that could be a day or a year. just look at the dang filter, if its dirty, change it.

  • @jquigley06
    @jquigley06 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Merv 8 everymonth inspection and mostly change.

  • @jaketallorlin223
    @jaketallorlin223 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    I've been using a washable/reusable filter for 8 years. Ever try those? I honestly don't even know if they work well cause it's the first filter I ever put in. I think it was a merv 8.

    • @EverydayHomeRepairs
      @EverydayHomeRepairs  วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      I know some people sing the praises of the washable option but I haven’t ever tried so don’t have much of an opinion.

  • @charlesloar3210
    @charlesloar3210 21 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

    I buy 3-month filters and change between 2 to 3 months.

  • @greatozgreatoz5641
    @greatozgreatoz5641 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Thoughts on useing washable/reusable filters.

    • @EverydayHomeRepairs
      @EverydayHomeRepairs  วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      Some people seem to love them but I haven’t really given that option much of a chance.

    • @brothermine2292
      @brothermine2292 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      I assume washable filters are MERV 1 (minimal filtering).
      One of the important comparisons here is the amount of time it takes to wash the filter, multiplied by the value you place on your labor time, compared to the price of a disposable filter.
      Another comparison is the value you place on not contributing to trash landfills.

    • @greatozgreatoz5641
      @greatozgreatoz5641 13 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

      @ Was just looking at some on amazon and they appear to between MERV 6 - 11 think i might invest in one.

  • @AdrianJayeOnline
    @AdrianJayeOnline วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    Great video, question I'm seeing like white filler/putty" all over the furnace and vents,... what is it and what is it for, did you hack that yourself ? cheers

    • @ParanoidMarvinMk2
      @ParanoidMarvinMk2 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      That's one of the products for sealing all the seams of a HVAC system. Similar purpose to using metallic tape, but often cheaper. All those seams in ductwork can add up to A LOT of leakage. I want the air to blow into the room itself, not the wall. Ditto for return lines, I want it to suck up the air from where it is supposed to, not from inside the wall.

    • @CantankerousDave
      @CantankerousDave วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      It’s called duct mastic. You can buy little tubs of it at any home store. You paint it over the seams of your ductwork.

  • @ThereIsNoOtherHandleLikeMine
    @ThereIsNoOtherHandleLikeMine 22 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

    Filtrete and HDX filters are not "Lowes" or "Home Depot" brands. They can be purchased at other stores.

  • @Peter-cx4ir
    @Peter-cx4ir วันที่ผ่านมา +4

    71?!?!? Holy cow. You should start a financial advice channel as well. You gotta be loaded to afford that. #68gang

  • @hermestrejos6117
    @hermestrejos6117 23 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +1

    Thanks so much always!!!!!…

  • @whatisthissss
    @whatisthissss วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    with the ecobee, I replace it on hours of use instead.

  • @notaffiliatedwith7363
    @notaffiliatedwith7363 วันที่ผ่านมา

    MPR is a filtrete rating, not lowe’s specifically.

  • @bernardhernandez2396
    @bernardhernandez2396 วันที่ผ่านมา

    What merv would be good if you have pets ?

    • @CantankerousDave
      @CantankerousDave วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      Look at your filter. If it’s noticeably dirty after a month, change it monthly. If it looks okay, check it a month later. If it’s dirty then, change it every other month. If it still looks okay, check again a month later. With my cats, it looks dirty every other month. No one can tell you how often to change it but you.

  • @robertmarkle591
    @robertmarkle591 11 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

    The survey is faulty. On my iPhone, It won’t accept “Other” as a response to the question of which company I am using.

  • @ThereIsNoOtherHandleLikeMine
    @ThereIsNoOtherHandleLikeMine 22 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

    The correct usage pattern is based on actual time of usage, such as HOURS - not days, weeks, or months. But nobody tells you how many hours a filter is expected to last.
    Most of the time your filter and furnace are not doing anything. That time does not count toward actual usage.

  • @TheKingOfInappropriateComments
    @TheKingOfInappropriateComments วันที่ผ่านมา

    I use one up from the cheapest that I can find locally. USually it's a MERV 3 or 4

  • @BoredThatsWhy
    @BoredThatsWhy วันที่ผ่านมา

    Where do I find the Furnace filter in my house? I have lived here for 15 years never heard of a "Furnace filter". I change the AC filter.

    • @cedarwaxwing3509
      @cedarwaxwing3509 วันที่ผ่านมา

      If you are serious, they are the same thing. If you aren’t serious, not funny.

    • @BoredThatsWhy
      @BoredThatsWhy วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@cedarwaxwing3509 Thank u. I was serious. That’s why I was shocked when he said furnace filter. I was worried I am missing some important filter after 15 years. I haven’t been to the attic so I thought it was there. Thank u

    • @cedarwaxwing3509
      @cedarwaxwing3509 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      @@BoredThatsWhy I think it’s interesting that household heating and cooling systems don’t seem to have a standardized name, at least in casual usage. I mean, everyone knows what a “water heater” is, right? I am sure that contractors will explain that these systems are known as “HVAC” systems (I think that’s an acronym for Heating Ventilation And Cooling … I may have that wrong). But most homeowners refer to them as “the furnace” or “the air conditioner,” depending on what time of the year they are describing them. Assuming you have central air conditioning, the heating and cooling systems both use the same blower, duct work, and filter. One filter takes care of all of the airflow for both the furnace and the AC. Depending on where you live, the furnace/AC units may be located in the attic (mostly in the south), a main floor closet or mechanical room, or a basement, if you have one (The AC compressor unit will be located outside). If you don’t have a filter slot near the input for the furnace/AC - like he shows in this video - it is possible that the filter(s) are located behind the grates of the return air vents. I owned a two story home in Houston, TX in which all the furnace/AC units were in the attic and the filters were behind those return air ducts. I now live in Iowa, and that machinery is in my basement with a nice fat slot for the filter right at the furnace/AC. Have a nice weekend!

    • @BoredThatsWhy
      @BoredThatsWhy 14 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +1

      @@cedarwaxwing3509 Whoa so many different information here. Thank u Cedar W.

    • @cedarwaxwing3509
      @cedarwaxwing3509 12 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

      @@BoredThatsWhy You’re welcome. I was a little snarky in my initial response to you, so I thought I owed you a better response. I’ve owned homes in the north and the south and was passing on the knowledge I learned by way of experience and trial and error over the years.

  • @kode3
    @kode3 วันที่ผ่านมา

    My newish system has a much larger MERV16 installed.

    • @EverydayHomeRepairs
      @EverydayHomeRepairs  วันที่ผ่านมา

      4 inches wide?

    • @kamX-rz4uy
      @kamX-rz4uy วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@EverydayHomeRepairs Hopefully and with a lot of pleats or else that better be a beefy blower motor.

    • @kode3
      @kode3 19 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

      @@EverydayHomeRepairs 16x25x5

  • @joelow1282
    @joelow1282 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    My filter makes a whistling sound when the heater runs .

    • @EverydayHomeRepairs
      @EverydayHomeRepairs  วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      I wonder if there is a small gap in your cold air return that is sucking in air creating a whistling sounds. I would turn on the furnace and then go around with my hand and/or towel seeing if I could change the whistling noise or even stop to identify the location.

    • @joelow1282
      @joelow1282 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      @ Good idea . I’ll try that .

  • @cellocovers3982
    @cellocovers3982 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Thicker filters do not decrease system lifespan or increase duct restriction meaningfully as long as you have a duct system that was built correctly. i.e. static pressure is low. Granted, usually this is not the case unfortunately.
    Furnace HVAC filters can of course be air purifiers. You can have activated carbon filters that will filter out even smoke and other undesirable smells.
    While having some good info, this video is not nuanced enough and will lead to people getting the wrong idea about certain things regarding filters.
    Lastly, while it seems logical that having a leak at the return from the filter slot would reduce return airflow coming from the ducts connected to the house, this is not necessarily true. Having a return leak can actually increase total airflow of the system if your return duct was not built properly resulting in high static pressure (which is usually the case).

    • @brothermine2292
      @brothermine2292 วันที่ผ่านมา

      In my case, a return leak is very undesirable, because the HVAC unit is located in an external closet entered from the condo unit's patio. The air in the HVAC closet is unconditioned, and gets very cold in winter.

  • @ShadowRam242
    @ShadowRam242 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Where did you and others get the idea that a block fan works harder and therefore lowers its life? A fan that has its air flow blocked draws less current.

    • @brothermine2292
      @brothermine2292 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Have you measured the current, with and without blockage?

  • @rodcool
    @rodcool วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    Filtrete 1900 is the best quality and performance. Just change every 3 months

  • @claytongarner7252
    @claytongarner7252 วันที่ผ่านมา

    You need 200 square inch of pleated filter for 1 ton of air conditioning a 20x20x1 pleat is 400square inch a 16x25x1 pleat is only 350 square inch not enough surface area for any system above 2 tons.

    • @brothermine2292
      @brothermine2292 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Aren't you assuming (1) all filters are 1 inch deep and (2) all pleated filters have the same number of pleats per foot? The purpose of pleats is to achieve a surface area larger than the filter's length x width.
      Are you actually talking about how much return air flow is needed? (The area of a cross-section of the duct.)

  • @SirOpinesALot
    @SirOpinesALot วันที่ผ่านมา

    I feel like furnace filters are a first-world problem. One the filter medium businesses created. How long does it take ducts to get plugged with dust? 30 years? 10 years? Blower life is a push and pull between too much filter and not enough. Particulate is gonna reduce lifespan. Too much particulate filtration is going to put a heavier load on the blower. Is a ductless home a thing? Because it seems were just making things more difficult and complex than they need be. Remember, a natural gas furnace has only been mainstream for 70-ish years. Before that it was wood coal and heating oil. I just don't think the US has moved in the right direction with ducts vents furnaces and a/c units. I'd rather see radiant heating and cooling where there is minimal air movement and room temps are individually controlled. That "one thermostat to rule them all" is a broken way of heating/cooling multiple spaces.

  • @samuelfeguer
    @samuelfeguer 22 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

    Says FPR goes from 1 to 10. Immediately shows a chart with a 12 on it.

  • @mikenguyen5414
    @mikenguyen5414 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Another helpful video. I am having issue with Lenox gas valve opening which
    is intermittent. The voltage at gas valve terminals is always 27 Volt when
    the ignite blows. But the gas valve sometimes does not open. If I press
    down 3 wires ( yellow, orange and brown ) and wiggle them little bit or I pull them
    out, then put them back in, it works. I do not know if I need to replace
    the gas valve which is quite expensive. I need your help. Thanks

  • @CantankerousDave
    @CantankerousDave วันที่ผ่านมา

    I have cats. I do it every other month.

    • @EverydayHomeRepairs
      @EverydayHomeRepairs  วันที่ผ่านมา

      Do you find your filter is full of hair? Even swapping out every month?

  • @fathercreep
    @fathercreep วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    The biggest problem we see with filters is homeowners read/are told to change them every three or six months and religiously stick to those numbers. Said homeowners will have 10 cats and four dogs. Changing your filters isn't one size fits all.

  • @blueline308
    @blueline308 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    the cheapest filter is the best filter. let the air flow.

    • @EverydayHomeRepairs
      @EverydayHomeRepairs  วันที่ผ่านมา

      I know there are a lot of fans for the MERV 1 filter. Thanks for the feedback!

  • @mbamebe
    @mbamebe วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    1st

  • @chadwickhjones
    @chadwickhjones วันที่ผ่านมา

    Is this for like teenagers?

    • @EverydayHomeRepairs
      @EverydayHomeRepairs  วันที่ผ่านมา +3

      Leave no homeowner behind. We like to put out the 101 level videos here and there as well. 👍

  • @chriscarlcm
    @chriscarlcm วันที่ผ่านมา

    Furnace? Isn't a furnace a heater? This might confuse some viewers that don't have a furnace; the intent of the information is the same for any residential HVAC unit. I've never heard of an air handler called a furnace, but maybe it's because I've never lived where we mainly ran heat. Air filter or A/C filter might be more neutral terms. If you called it an air handler filter it would probably confuse viewers that have a furnace.