High efficiency furnace filters
troutman
| Posted in Energy, Heating & Insulation on
I have installed a 90% efficient furnace in a 100 year old farm house I have rennovated. The furnace takes a 2 inch filter (2x20x20). I would like to install an eltrostatic, or more efficient filter (I currently use the pleated filter), but I cannot find one in two inch thickness, only one inch. I have received various opinions on whether I can install two, one inch filters. Can I combine a one inch electrostatic with, say, a fiberglass filter? Most people say I cannot use two, one inch filters because it will place too much strain on the furnace. So I am calling on the experts.
Replies
Go with the 2" pleated, or 1" pleated and 1" fiberglass mat upstream to catch the big chunks.
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"I may have said the same thing before... But my explanation, I am sure, will always be different." Oscar Wilde
Thanks Bob, I have found additional information that supports your advice, that the 2 inch pleated are extremely efficient. The only reason I wanted to change to an eltrostatic was because I believe I have too much dust in the house. But perhaps I have no more than anyone else. Thanks
too much dust in the house
Have you looked into having the cducts cleaned?
In my area, costs range between 350 and 800 typically, with the number of openings being the basis for cost.
More and more of my home inspection clients are reporting that duct cleaning has made a big difference in the dust levels and overall comfort.
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"I may have said the same thing before... But my explanation, I am sure, will always be different." Oscar Wilde
The filters your looking for are availlable at Johnstone supply. The best deal is to buy them by the case. If you can't buy at johnstone maybe the furnace installer/seller will get you a case or so at a reasonable price.
If your looking to clean the duct you can do a prety nice job with a shop vac and a long hose with brush end. I would also look at gainning access to the flat run of the trunk. I would not hesitate to cut a pannel out to do the job, especially if it was for my own use. I usually find the time to experiment with new trades when I can make 100+$ and hour.
Clay
Please note the preceding messegage that I posted does not include Brain Surgery
Clay
If your looking to clean the duct you can do a prety nice job with a shop vac and a long hose with brush end.
Having seen some demonstrations of duct cleaning equipment and techniques, I question whether your set up would begin to do the job.
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"I may have said the same thing before... But my explanation, I am sure, will always be different." Oscar Wilde
Well guy it is pretty low tech but it seems to be good enough for the floor, if you really want to design a cleaning system that's another story. I just thought I'd add my 2cents worth, I always like hearing ideas and such. Plus it always makes me feel good when I can use some of the sheds full of tools I have to get a little something done.
Clay
Plus it always makes me feel good when I can use some of the sheds full of tools I have to get a little something done.
But would you use a framing hammer to bust up a concrete slab? A coping saw to cut framing lumber?
The tools being used by a quality duct cleaning company are only conceptually the same as a shop vac and long hose.
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"I may have said the same thing before... But my explanation, I am sure, will always be different." Oscar Wilde
Well it's not my intent to get into a pissing contest with such an expert, but I know what I see and at least 50% of the time I'll believe it. So after I opened up the duct to adapt a new furnace on one of the rentals, the mung had a big impact on me. So as I ran length after length of extention + floor brush to the trunk run of duct work, followed by lighting it up and wiping down the inside with simple green. I felt that if I was standing inspection in boot camp I'd pass. So in this instance I didn't feel it warrented a remote control robot with bacterial scan, but what do I know. I'm still working on spezzlling
Clay Schoelpple GJLC.
General Jack Leg Constructor
I'm not claiming expertise; I've worn out a few shop vacs and know what they can do and played for a few minutes with the tools the professional duct guys use, and looked at a lot duct systems and the typical twists and turns they have.
I don't see how an average heating system can be adeqautely clean with a shop vac and extensions - maybe a really simple one, but most of 'em - I doubt it.
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"I may have said the same thing before... But my explanation, I am sure, will always be different." Oscar Wilde
Don't know about duct cleaning systems. But have a friend with a carpet cleaning buisiness. The suction for his hoses is driven by a 4-cylinder Ford automotive engine. Thing makes my BIG shop vac look like a child's play toy. I'd assume duct cleaners use something similar.
If it's hard to access the ducts, they should be able to do a much better job then I could. But, only if you hire a pro who does a good job not a quick hit and miss job that may just stir up more stuff then it removes.
If it's hard to access the ducts, they should be able to do a much better job then I could. But, only if you hire a pro who does a good job not a quick hit and miss job that may just stir up more stuff then it removes.
I agree completely. _______________________
"I may have said the same thing before... But my explanation, I am sure, will always be different." Oscar Wilde
Also the the tools hopefully are the same. The concept is to do a good job with the task at hand. All to often the concept from the super high tech pro is how do I open up that wallet as wide as possible. I don't have a problem with that, I have a solution for it, which I frequently apply.
Clay GJLC
You can get two inch filters in any size. They are very common. I bought a case of 20x25x2 filters that I use in my furnace, from Grainger. I also use a 1" fiberglass filter upstream. I have the AprilAire mechanical filter (Space-Guard) housing, but during renovation I use the filters mentioned above and change them monthly for the 2" and weekly for the fg. You can place a 1" fg filter in front of a pleated filter. 2 -1" pleated filters would be a waste.