Requires frequent changes for high-velocity system
on July 19, 2015
Posted by: JK5000
Gender:Male
I had a new Trane XL95 high-efficiency system installed 2 years ago with a variable-speed, high-velocity fan. I have used Filtrete filters for 17 years. My fan will adjust its speed to keep airflow constant. If I am diligent about replacing my filter every 2 or 3 months, I now have some crowning on my filter from day 1, and substantial bowing after 3 months. When I failed to replace my filter until 6 months, I found that it had failed completely. This is not the fault of the filter, although I would request some strengthening of the wire/cardboard support structure. I would also request at note that says something like "dirty filters can fail catastrophically in high-efficiency HVAC systems." My filter material was sucked completly out of one side of the cardboard frame, and was intermittently hitting the furnace fan. I understand that "it should be intuitively obvious to the casual observer" that a dirty filter is a bad thing in general, but people need to understand that it is not just 3M's marketing department that suggests replacing your furnace filter every 3 months. In my case, my blower will simply eliminate the dirty filter on its own, without my knowledge or intervention. For those who are interested in the techno-speak of furnace air filters, there is a good article entitled "Is There a Downside to High-MERV Filters" on the internet. I like what I saw regarding the 3M filters that were tested, and I will continue to be a loyal customer. I will simply leave myself messages on multiple calendars to absolutely, positively, check my filter once a month and replace it every 3 months.
I have been using these Filtrete filters for several years now and they are the best I have ever found. We have 3 elderly cats and a dog which all shed like crazy and we both have allergies. With these air filters we don't see the dust and dander like we did with other filters and we breath much better. Plus they are economical and last the full 3 months. I highly recommend!
My husband and I have two cats and an older home. The dust and dander build up significantly. The filtrate 1500 air filter has made a big difference in our home air quality. We are most impressed with the exceptional air filtration without reducing the airflow on our furnace. Quality air is important and this filter does the job.
I have used the purple cover 1500 product for years and considering upgrading to the next higher 1900 filtration level for even greater particle remover. I don't know though if the higher level will not put any strain on my older heat pump.