bmwohio Posted December 18, 2014 Report Share Posted December 18, 2014 Just moved into a newly built house in August. Furnace is a Bryant 925TA. http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae245/bmwohio/7E924E76-0A11-463F-90EE-41DBA5541AD7_zpspxdfdrz5.jpg Went to change the filter today and found this: http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae245/bmwohio/FF6F7565-7AC9-4510-9E68-C3B015E80375_zpso77w694v.jpg However, there was a replacement filter that came with the unit that has been sitting next to it that I just put in that looks like this (it actually fits the space): http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae245/bmwohio/DB266E46-B351-455F-8DA0-2CCADF145A95_zpspw6l3bil.jpg So here's my question....... I am guessing that the smaller filter will cost less, but is it enough for the unit, or was that just a 'temp' filter until I start using the larger ones. I am looking for the best filter system as I have pretty sensitive allergies, a dog, a 3 year old and will have a new born in the house in April so the house needs to be as free and clear of dust and crap as possible. Will both filters do the same thing, or is the bigger filter actually better? TIA for any help/advice on the matter...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Not Brian Posted December 18, 2014 Report Share Posted December 18, 2014 They are temporary filters not meant to last long. The one that fits is the ones you'll need to buy.. and god damn that thing is huge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cstmg8 Posted December 18, 2014 Report Share Posted December 18, 2014 My guess is that someone just didn't want to spend the $$$ on the 5", the 1" isn't necessarily "temporary", just a cheapo. You can go out and buy that same size in a better filter if you choose. The 5" filter has much deeper pleats of course, therefore much more filter surface area and will last much longer. The filter media is probably similar, but again varies based on how much you want to spend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iwashmycar Posted December 18, 2014 Report Share Posted December 18, 2014 ^^^bingo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coaster Posted December 18, 2014 Report Share Posted December 18, 2014 Ours uses a similar large filter. Dig around online, I found a decent prince on them but the shipping was fairly high. I solved that by just buying 6 at once which didn't increase the shipping much. I check it every season, usually only need to change it after about a year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bmwohio Posted December 18, 2014 Author Report Share Posted December 18, 2014 OK, so I'm fine spending the coin on the larger filter if that is what is needed. Just wasn't sure if the smaller one was rigged up like that because it's an acceptable alternative. Are any of you speaking from experience (as in, it's your trade) in the field or just guessing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coaster Posted December 18, 2014 Report Share Posted December 18, 2014 I am looking for the best filter system as I have pretty sensitive allergies, a dog, a 3 year old and will have a new born in the house in April so the house needs to be as free and clear of dust and crap as possible. Will both filters do the same thing, or is the bigger filter actually better? TIA for any help/advice on the matter...... I'm not an HVAC pro but it seems to me if this was a car air filter which one would you want to provide maximum protection for the engine. You can darn near see through the single layer filters so they can get enough airflow. The filtration media on the bigger filters is much finer since they have a much larger surface area because of the folds to achieve the same flow rates with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattKatz Posted December 18, 2014 Report Share Posted December 18, 2014 It's called a media filter and is far superior to a 1" filter, however needs changed less but costs significantly more. I suggest you buy a couple somewhere online as these are probably $35+ at a place like lowes but could likely be found for half or less Online. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turbs3000 Posted December 18, 2014 Report Share Posted December 18, 2014 The 1" is not something that is jerry-rigged if that's one of your questions. Often Newer/nicer furnaces will have slots, one for the 1" one for the 4 or 5". Obviously as others have mentioned the 5" is superior, it provides more surface area and is less restrictive to the air flow to the blower. I also have bad allergies and what not and buy a decent 5". You will want to buy online and buying a box or 2 is normally easiest (2-3 filters in a box commonly) Most stores like Lowe's etc don't carry enough 4/5" options in stock so it's likely you won't find your size. Also, the correct size it being a tight seal is key to this all so no air can pass around the filter with the door closed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bmwohio Posted December 18, 2014 Author Report Share Posted December 18, 2014 Ok, thanks for the feedback. I'll probably stick with the 5" filters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green Bastard Posted December 18, 2014 Report Share Posted December 18, 2014 Never mind, I should have looked twice at the picture. I may have some filters at the house that would fit your furnace (4" instead of 5"). I will check the dimensions if you want them (they are in my way). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Not Brian Posted December 19, 2014 Report Share Posted December 19, 2014 We have dogs that shed a lot and my furnace is in a closet in the garage. Over the Winters I admit I don't like changing the filter because it's cold and I have to take the entire thing apart to do it. Anyways, my fan motor recently went out from having to work harder over the years to pull air through a filthy filter. It cost me $273.. if you add labor into that it's most likely over $500 (a friend and I did it ourselves). So yes, using good filters (and changing them regularly) is worth it. Randomly waking up one day to a frozen house absolutely sucks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duff1647545513 Posted December 19, 2014 Report Share Posted December 19, 2014 If you want the BEST filter system....... I could install one for around $1,000, but I suggest you just use the 5" filter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruizin01 Posted December 19, 2014 Report Share Posted December 19, 2014 Everyone else is probably correct, but I have a similar setup and have been using a 1" filter instead of the 5" for about 7 years. I buy them in bulk and change them fairly often. Works for us. But there's only 2 of us and no pets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Akula Posted December 19, 2014 Report Share Posted December 19, 2014 Put 5 1" filters back to back ... profit? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeitgeist57 Posted December 20, 2014 Report Share Posted December 20, 2014 DAT MERV 11 DOE... http://www.DiscountFurnaceFilters.com ^^^Company out of Central Ohio. I've got a Trion Air Bear and I get similar-sized filters 3 for just over $100 shipped. It's worth it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M0nk3y Posted December 20, 2014 Report Share Posted December 20, 2014 OK, so I'm fine spending the coin on the larger filter if that is what is needed. Just wasn't sure if the smaller one was rigged up like that because it's an acceptable alternative. Are any of you speaking from experience (as in, it's your trade) in the field or just guessing? Kale, The 5" Filter will just basically be more surface area, so you "shouldn't" need to change as often. The efficiency of a Merv 11 5" versus a Merv 11 1" filter should be the same, in a perfect world. Depending on the filter, you could lead to more pressure drop across the fan and decrease total airflow throughout the house. But you'd really have to look at the specs of both filters and compare the two. I work commercial HVAC, so can't really say if that's an accepted standard. But if I was to guess that was all that was needed to meet the code and permit for residency. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TTQ B4U Posted December 20, 2014 Report Share Posted December 20, 2014 It's called a media filter and is far superior to a 1" filter, however needs changed less but costs significantly more. I suggest you buy a couple somewhere online as these are probably $35+ at a place like lowes but could likely be found for half or less Online. Ok, thanks for the feedback. I'll probably stick with the 5" filters. ^^ I have the same furnace. Buy them online. I hit Amazon and buy 3 packs of them, even Bryant's OEM ones, for far less than local. They even have Carbon ones that will remove any odors, etc. I tend to pop it in around the holidays when the wife is cooking and smelling up the place with food and sometimes burnt food Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duff1647545513 Posted December 20, 2014 Report Share Posted December 20, 2014 I feel bad for whoever has to swap your furnace out next. That gray sealant shit can suck to deal with Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TTQ B4U Posted December 20, 2014 Report Share Posted December 20, 2014 I feel bad for whoever has to swap your furnace out next. That gray sealant shit can suck to deal with I agree. Doesn't appear to be the best installation.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cstmg8 Posted December 21, 2014 Report Share Posted December 21, 2014 I feel bad for whoever has to swap your furnace out next. That gray sealant shit can suck to deal with I know guys that swear by it, but I've never been a fan. Reminds me of the old asbestos joint days. Metal tape for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattKatz Posted December 21, 2014 Report Share Posted December 21, 2014 Hate to say it, but this just shows your lack of HVAC knowledge.....The GREY JUNK" is what professionals who take their time use in residential and the STANDARD in commercial....But continue using that lazy ass metal tape....Its just fine too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bmwohio Posted December 21, 2014 Author Report Share Posted December 21, 2014 Thanks for all the feedback, guys.... I have another issue I would like your feedback on...... We had a whole home humidifier (Aprilaire 600) installed back in late October, and we have had a lot of static shock and I have gotten 4 nosebleeds in the past 2 weeks (I haven't had a nose bleed in years) I went down to check the percentage and then started to look at the unit itself and it looks like they installed the unit backwards!!?? Based on the instructions that were left behind, it appears so...can someone confirm this, please.....From my deductive reasoning, it looks like the air is being humidified, and then sent through the furnace where it is just getting all the moisture evaporated out of it?! Here are pics of install...It looks like they put the unit on the 'return' side instead of the supply side?! It was installed by Classic Air. tl;dr - Is Whole Home Humidifier installed backwards(judging from pictures), before I raise hell with Classic Air http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae245/bmwohio/81FFB983-5A66-43C7-951C-F76DA071378D_zpsysrednsq.jpg Wider shot showing the supply side vent in the basement in the foreground http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae245/bmwohio/E6264D0C-D193-4BB9-8852-41AA23F1B57F_zpso4wmatfi.jpg Instructions I was referencing http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae245/bmwohio/036ED9E8-09E6-4FD9-9D9A-1AA452459463_zpsxnekqndf.jpg http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae245/bmwohio/AFEB9CC5-F392-4AE4-B89F-579117C1895C_zpspfmno5qz.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M0nk3y Posted December 21, 2014 Report Share Posted December 21, 2014 Like I texted you Kale, it is installed backwards. Not only are you not properly humidifying, you're possibly casusing damage to the heat exchanger by corrosion with the extra moisture in the air Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patterson Posted December 21, 2014 Report Share Posted December 21, 2014 Bigger is better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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