5 Furnace Filter Mistakes That Will Cost You Money

Most of us as homeowners or even renters should have some basic understanding when it comes to changing our furnace filters. This doesn't have to be a complex maintenance item but I will provide you a few tips, tricks, and words of advice that will ensure you avoid any costly mistakes.

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.

[EverydayHomeRepairs]

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]

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.

[maxbiker]

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]

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]

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

[mjwint]

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.

[bernlitzner]

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)

[joelglaser]

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.

[dorib]

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

[CTTH]

What about washable filters? Are they viable options?

[David.M.]

Thanks, I also use a Merv 8 filter. Cheers

[DigitalIP]

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.

[mlc]

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

[joelow]

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 . 😂😂😂

[AdrianJayeOnline]

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

[geraldhuddleston]

I have a 90+ American Stadard furnace and was advised to use the cheapest pleated filter. The blower runs all the time and I usually change it around 60 days. After 10 years it seems to be ok.

[Chestnut]

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?

[jimlanigan.waerq]

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

[brothermine]

I'd like to hear about the DIY 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.

[jaketallorlin]

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.