HVAC Pro's Question

[SPYLIFE]

Just purchased a new home, and want to keep the dust down as much as possible.

I ChatG'd the question and got a response- I should have the ducts cleaned before I move in as new construction dust is caught in them. Also mentioned a whole house air purifier that installs on the system. Would you all agree both these tips are solid? Chat says the REME Halo is the best purifier.

What are the thoughts on using fine filters (1800+) vs. the cheap ones? I've heard both sides one being the fine filters stress the system, key word being "heard".

Single level home in FL with one unit if that makes a difference.

Thank you

 

[CLdrinker]

As a former operator of a duct cleaning machine it barely did anything.

 

[lbhsbz]

I'd just close all the register grills, turn the blower on, and walk around with a step ladder and and a 5 gallon bucket with an inch or so of water in it....hold the bucket near the register, open it, collect dust, move the to the next one. That's more effective and less time consuming than any of the alternatives for "new" dust collection.

 

[NicPaus]

They are taped shut on my current job so no dust goes in. Maybe Florida is different. But my CA inspectors want them sealed until dust is gone and HERS test done.

 

[2Driver]

Just purchased a new home, and want to keep the dust down as much as possible.

I ChatG'd the question and got a response- I should have the ducts cleaned before I move in as new construction dust is caught in them. Also mentioned a whole house air purifier that installs on the system. Would you all agree both these tips are solid? Chat says the REME Halo is the best purifier.

What are the thoughts on using fine filters (1800+) vs. the cheap ones? I've heard both sides one being the fine filters stress the system, key word being "heard".

Single level home in FL with one unit if that makes a difference.

Thank you

Ive always been told that the higher merv is just going to restrict the system, cause pressure drop and cause undue work for the AC.
Filtretes lowest pressure drop is their 1500.

 

[SPYLIFE]

I dont know if they were taped shut, I was not present for the build - that certainly seems like it should default method.

Thank you for he replies, I knew this would be the place to ask.

How about the purifiers?

 

[TimeBandit]

Duct cleaning seems like a scam. The inlet is filtered, so exactly where does the "dust" come from?

New construction, like stated above, close all but one vent, blow out what you can, rinse repeat.

We have a Hepa filter and a UV light on our HVAC intake side? yeah, the wife got upsold.

I use the basic / mid level filters at my rental, zero issues since new system went in 8 years ago.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

I am not a fan of duct cleaning unless its an unusual situation. Like if a drywaller was sanding inside and wanted to cool down the house...... that would be a good reason to have them cleaned..... on his dime. Or, below-floor ductwork. Shit falls in them all the time and is a good idea to clean them out from time to time.

As far as air purifiers, I personally prefer the large housing filer systems like an Aprilaire or similar. 4"+ if going with a MERV 13. The high MERV rating 1" filters are a HUGE restriction after just a very short running time. In order to have them work for you and not hurt your system, you need to have the fan run A LOT and the filters need to be changed at LEAST once a month, depending on your indoor air quality and all.

 

[Morehart]

Re duct each run and put in a 4" filter box. Run a merv 8 pre filter in the return register. Change the merv 8 monthly. Change the 4" bi annual

 

[NicPaus]

At one of my jobs now. My HVAC Guy had a filter rack custom made in 4". They asked about better filtration and he said this was the answer. I can pop my head in the attic and take a look at it. This is the filter for it sitting in the box in garage. Looks like it has a lot more surface area than a regular 1.

 

[River Dirt 2]

I've used www.aprilaire.com (Space Gard) for hundreds of residential projects over the years without any issue.
In Florida you will most likely have humidity concerns we don't deal with much here in the SW.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

I've used www.aprilaire.com (Space Gard) for hundreds of residential projects over the years without any issue.
In Florida you will most likely have humidity concerns we don't deal with much here in the SW.

Yup. Even more reason to not run a super restrictive filter. The increased air flow helps keep the humidity under control. Also, the harder that fan is working, the more critical the drain's P-trap is for proper drainage.

 

[Riverbound]

As others have said duct cleaning is a waste.

Personally if I were to help you I would a 4-5” filter cabinet at the unit with a merv13 filter. And I would add an ionizer to the system. Run the fan in the “on”” or “circulate” setting (if it has one). Your best friend in removing dust and contaminants from your home is a good filter set up, constant air movement and an ionizer.

This is my go to recommendation on anyone dealing with allergens, dust issues, etc.

An ionizer WILL make the house more dusty at first as it clumps togwhter really fine dust to become larger Particles to be customer filter. You will need to sweep, vacuum more frequently as well at first.

 

[Riverbound]

I've used www.aprilaire.com (Space Gard) for hundreds of residential projects over the years without any issue.
In Florida you will most likely have humidity concerns we don't deal with much here in the SW.

One of the best out there.

 

[Justfishing]

As others have said duct cleaning is a waste.

Personally if I were to help you I would a 4-5” filter cabinet at the unit with a merv13 filter. And I would add an ionizer to the system. Run the fan in the “on”” or “circulate” setting (if it has one). Your best friend in removing dust and contaminants from your home is a good filter set up, constant air movement and an ionizer.

This is my go to recommendation on anyone dealing with allergens, dust issues, etc.

An ionizer WILL make the house more dusty at first as it clumps togwhter really fine dust to become larger Particles to be customer filter. You will need to sweep, vacuum more frequently as well at first.

An ionizer creates ozone which is bad for you.

Drywall dust is some of the finest dust and gets everywhere. If the air ducts werent sealed they will be circulating the drywall dust. I have had a number of people tell me about white dust in new construction homes. I have seen duct cleaning make a difference.

There are 2 sources of dust. What is being circulated by the hvac system and outside air getting in. A very tight house with be cleaner. Aero barrier will take a tight house and make it very tight

A 4" filter isnt better than a 1" it just lasts longer. The merv rating tells you the level of filtering.

 

[SoCalDave]

Another vote for aprilaire. I've installed these in my last two homes and they work.

 

[Riverbound]

An ionizer creates ozone which is bad for you.

Drywall dust is some of the finest dust and gets everywhere. If the air ducts werent sealed they will be circulating the drywall dust. I have had a number of people tell me about white dust in new construction homes. I have seen duct cleaning make a difference.

There are 2 sources of dust. What is being circulated by the hvac system and outside air getting in. A very tight house with be cleaner. Aero barrier will take a tight house and make it very tight

A 4" filter isnt better than a 1" it just lasts longer. The merv rating tells you the level of filtering.

Sounds like you know more than me.

The benefits of the larger filter had already been covered in a few posts before mine so didn’t need to beat a dead horse.


I still stand by my recommendation and have used this exact combo in thousands of homes with great success.

 

[Riverbound]

Another vote for aprilaire. I've installed these in my last two homes and they work.

Been using them for years. These are my replacement filters I just ordered in for my house and river house.

 

[SPYLIFE]

Thanks for all the replies

 

[dezertrider]

Just purchased a new home, and want to keep the dust down as much as possible.

I ChatG'd the question and got a response- I should have the ducts cleaned before I move in as new construction dust is caught in them. Also mentioned a whole house air purifier that installs on the system. Would you all agree both these tips are solid? Chat says the REME Halo is the best purifier.

What are the thoughts on using fine filters (1800+) vs. the cheap ones? I've heard both sides one being the fine filters stress the system, key word being "heard".

Single level home in FL with one unit if that makes a difference.

Thank you

Aprilaire Filters are great. Depending on what type of unit you have they may not be easily installed. We sourced this filter for all of our customers. Its MERV 13 and with the large pleats is flows very well. The sponge ring around the outside helps seal dust from bypassing your filter. It also will fit inside the filter grill in your home with out making any chages. Like the Aprilaire these will last up to 6 months eliminating monthly filter changes. Below is a link to our online store

Mission Accomplished Air Filters

 

[17 10 Flat]

My personal experience had a company clean all the air ducts. Made a huge difference. Florida

 

[azsunfun]

How about the strange duct noise from the painters beer cans?

 

[Flying_Lavey]

How about the strange duct noise from the painters beer cans?

You don't want to see the attic of my Grandma's house. Papa used to do residential HVAC back in the day (I come from a long line of HVAC professionals) and he put in their system after work over a few weeks. Well Papa loved his gold bellies. There has to be at least a 12 pack worth of empties scattered around the attic in that house. His opinion was his wife couldn't see them, he couldn't see them when he was done, and he didn't have to carry them down so...... who cares. lol!

 

[SPYLIFE]

These large filters you're showing pics of are on/in the unit?

I did this home purchase online so have not seen the house yet, but I'm thinking the filters are going to be in a ceiling return somewhere in the home limited to an inch. This setup seems to be the norm in that area.

Are you suggesting adding the 4 inch box to the unit in the event the setup is as I've described?

 

[Riverbound]

These large filters you're showing pics of are on/in the unit?

I did this home purchase online so have not seen the house yet, but I'm thinking the filters are going to be in a ceiling return somewhere in the home limited to an inch. This setup seems to be the norm in that area.

Are you suggesting adding the 4 inch box to the unit in the event the setup is as I've described?

That would be the best way. There are replacement options for larger filters in some return grilles. But my advice would be to do a high capacity high merv filter at the unit. If possible

 

[River Dirt 2]

These large filters you're showing pics of are on/in the unit?

I did this home purchase online so have not seen the house yet, but I'm thinking the filters are going to be in a ceiling return somewhere in the home limited to an inch. This setup seems to be the norm in that area.

Are you suggesting adding the 4 inch box to the unit in the event the setup is as I've described?

When you get eyes on the house take lots pictures of the system and post here, I’m sure you will get a number of well qualified suggestions!

 

[BabyRay]

Our system uses 20x25x5 (nominal) filters. I’ve found that changing them every two months keeps the house much more dust-free and the winter temperature more even. Both might be just perception (especially the temperature, I suppose), but I’m sticking with it. We do have a dog and a cat though, so perhaps that’s a factor. I also buy the filters with a carbon layer, and it seems to help with household odors. I can smoke an occasional cigar, and it doesn’t spread through the house too badly or linger the following day.

Our previous home had an electronic filter. That worked well, but it was a pain to clean, so I would sometimes let it go too long between cleanings. That was definitely less expensive than disposables in the long run though.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

So I have no idea how well these work, but I just heard that K&N now makes a washable HVAC filter in tons of different sizes and 3 different MERV ratings (previous washable filters were garbage. Couldnt be washed out very well, only 1" think, and low MERV ratings). Doesnt seem too expensive either if they truly last a "lifetime"

Home, Furnace & HVAC Filters | K&N

Install a washable, replaceable HVAC air filter & enjoy cleaner home air. Help protect your family from bacteria, dust, and allergens with K&N washable home air filters & furnace filters.

www.knfilters.com

 

[dezertrider]

So I have no idea how well these work, but I just heard that K&N now makes a washable HVAC filter in tons of different sizes and 3 different MERV ratings (previous washable filters were garbage. Couldnt be washed out very well, only 1" think, and low MERV ratings). Doesnt seem too expensive either if they truly last a "lifetime"

Home, Furnace & HVAC Filters | K&N

Install a washable, replaceable HVAC air filter & enjoy cleaner home air. Help protect your family from bacteria, dust, and allergens with K&N washable home air filters & furnace filters.

www.knfilters.com

Ethan just did a Spring Tune up and the customer had one. VERY Restrictive on air flow

 

[Riverbound]

So I have no idea how well these work, but I just heard that K&N now makes a washable HVAC filter in tons of different sizes and 3 different MERV ratings (previous washable filters were garbage. Couldnt be washed out very well, only 1" think, and low MERV ratings). Doesnt seem too expensive either if they truly last a "lifetime"

Home, Furnace & HVAC Filters | K&N

Install a washable, replaceable HVAC air filter & enjoy cleaner home air. Help protect your family from bacteria, dust, and allergens with K&N washable home air filters & furnace filters.

www.knfilters.com

Not good at all. Very restrictive. But great marketing. Had a client tell me it increased airflow.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

Ethan just did a Spring Tune up and the customer had one. VERY Restrictive on air flow

Not good at all. Very restrictive. But great marketing. Had a client tell me it increased airflow.

Interesting. Had a large commercial company saying they were going to them for the cost savings in both filters and man hours to do all their pre-filters. If you have the horsepower to over-come the pressure drop, I guess they could make sense. In some random cases.

 

[CammdSS]

Posting for follow up... There is a lot from K&N coming and will update the thread when products are released. Thats all I can say for now

To all my commercial HVAC guys I'd love to connect and get you guys onboard with the new products. The new unreleased filters are game changers