HVAC Filter Question

[Michael G.]

I had a new Carrier heat pump HVAC with a two stage blower installed and it has it's own expensive filter which they said it's good for 12 months.

My old HVAC system, I used a separate thin filter installed on my cold air return vent from ACE and I changed it every 3 months.
I can buy one and get one free on sale at aprrox. $3.50 a filter.
Carrier HVAC filter sell for $50.00 and $80.00 on Amazon.

My question is, should keep using the ACE filter or the one on the unit itself? :shrug:
Using the thinner standard filter, will it effect the warranty?

I was told not to use both filters from the installer at the same time.
Of course, the Carrier dealer said the filter that came with it is much better filter.

What would you do?

[Keefelane66]

I order filters from Amazon 19 x 20 x41/4 merv8. 2 packs for $70. We are snowbirds and change annually so $35 isn't that bad. We only use one filter.
Even with merv 8 no dust blow by returning in home.

[retiredguy123]

I use the Filterbuy MERV 11 filters from Amazon. They are 4 inches thick, and I change them every 6 months. They cost less than $40. You will not void the warranty. I found that using MERV 11 instead of MERV 8 makes the house quieter and less dusty. Buying filters from Carrier is a ripoff.

[wlasowicz]

When you refer to thin filter I assume your meaning 1" thick and the new one is 4" thick. If this is the case I would not use a 1" thick The system is setup for a 4" filter. If you use a 1" your leaving gaps in the ductwork to pull in outside air which will lead to probably more dust in the air and the system will run less efficient.

[Babubhat]

Merv 11 filters may restrict air flow. Check with your ac provider.

Discount filters.com often has these filters For around 35 each or less with coupon. Sign up on website. Seco was sending to that site but it’s cheaper to buy direct

[retiredguy123]

Merv 11 filters may restrict air flow. Check with your ac provider.

Discount filters.com often has these filters For around 35 each or less with coupon. Sign up on website. Seco was sending to that site but it’s cheaper to buy direct
I have been using MERV 11 filters for about 2 years. All filters will restrict air flow to some extent, but I get plenty of air flow, heating and cooling, and better filtration. And the system runs quieter. Your AC provider will only give you a wild educated guess. You just need to replace the filters more often, but they definitely perform better than MERV 8 filters.

[tophcfa]

Best to use cheap filters that don’t restrict air flow and replace them frequently, especially if you have a dog.

[Kenswing]

I have been using MERV 11 filters for about 2 years. All filters will restrict air flow to some extent, but I get plenty of air flow, heating and cooling, and better filtration. And the system runs quieter. Your AC provider will only give you a wild educated guess. You just need to replace the filters more often, but they definitely perform better than MERV 8 filters.
When we moved into our newly built home and had our HVAC orientation, the technician noticed our original filter was a little damaged. He replaced it with a MERV 11. That was good enough of an endorsement for me. Been using them ever since also.

[Michael G.]

When you refer to thin filter I assume your meaning 1" thick and the new one is 4" thick. If this is the case I would not use a 1" thick The system is setup for a 4" filter. If you use a 1" your leaving gaps in the ductwork to pull in outside air which will lead to probably more dust in the air and the system will run less efficient.

You are correct on the filter.

Here's another concern.
My garage gets hot and humid were my HVAC sits.
Wouldn't that effect filtration with the paper (if any) in the filter compared to have one inside the house
on my return vent?

Just a thought

[retiredguy123]

You are correct on the filter.

Here's another concern.
My garage gets hot and humid were my HVAC sits.
Wouldn't that effect filtration with the paper (if any) in the filter compared to have one inside the house
on my return vent?

Just a thought
The problem is that you probably have a return air grille in every room, so every grille would need to have a filter.

[Nucky]

I just changed my cheapo paper Filter to a Merv Griffin 11. It's a beauty. Wash it off every 6 weeks because that's my preference. I use a little spray from K&N filters and it never needs to be replaced. I'll have to ask the boss what we paid for it.

[dewilson58]

What size???

MERV on Amazon is the way to go.

Should be $25 to $40.

Should change every six months.

[Hardlyworking]

I use Aerostar 16x20x4 from Amazon. 6 of them for $84.00. I asked the Munns tech about them. He said they were fine. Actual thickness is 3 3/4”. I asked him about that too. No problem he said.

[RICH1]

Use the cheap 1 inch filter and you can count on having your evaporator get nasty, which requires a heavy cleaning …. The 4 inch filter once a year comes highly recommended…

[Michael G.]

Use the cheap 1 inch filter and you can count on having your evaporator get nasty, which requires a heavy cleaning …. The 4 inch filter once a year comes highly recommended…

Thanks, I forgot about the evaporator.
Out of sight out of mind.

I also wonder what a 1" filter will do to my Carrier warranty?

[retiredguy123]

Thanks, I forgot about the evaporator.
Out of sight out of mind.

I also wonder what a 1" filter will do to my Carrier warranty?
Why not read the warranty?

[Michael G.]

Why not read the warranty?

That would make to much sense. :)
Besides, it's in fine print and 5 miles long.

[boxcarwilly]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkjRKIRva58

Filter comparisons.

[Wondering]

I had a new Carrier heat pump HVAC with a two stage blower installed and it has it's own expensive filter which they said it's good for 12 months.

My old HVAC system, I used a separate thin filter installed on my cold air return vent from ACE and I changed it every 3 months.
I can buy one and get one free on sale at aprrox. $3.50 a filter.
Carrier HVAC filter sell for $50.00 and $80.00 on Amazon.

My question is, should keep using the ACE filter or the one on the unit itself? :shrug:
Using the thinner standard filter, will it effect the warranty?

I was told not to use both filters from the installer at the same time.
Of course, the Carrier dealer said the filter that came with it is much better filter.

What would you do?
If your new filter is the 4" to 5 " thick filter keep using that. Ace has them for $29 and Black Friday sales at Ace has them at 50% off that price. I stock up when they are on sale. Don't use the old thin filters - they are useless.

[daca55]

For your system to run efficiently you need to use the 4 inch filter. I buy my filters on line from Discount Filters. Much cheaper.

[Bill14564]

We bought one of these washable filters: Villages Air Filters (https://www.villageairfilters.com/)

I don't recall the price but if I had the impression it would pay for itself in about three years. Also, it is custom fit so no gaps or bends.

[greg.turay]

I use the permanent filter also. Wash it out every two months, so I feel that the air has to be cleaner going through the system. And no more wondering what the next price increase is going to be.

[Packer Fan]

I had a new Carrier heat pump HVAC with a two stage blower installed and it has it's own expensive filter which they said it's good for 12 months.

My old HVAC system, I used a separate thin filter installed on my cold air return vent from ACE and I changed it every 3 months.
I can buy one and get one free on sale at aprrox. $3.50 a filter.
Carrier HVAC filter sell for $50.00 and $80.00 on Amazon.

My question is, should keep using the ACE filter or the one on the unit itself? :shrug:
Using the thinner standard filter, will it effect the warranty?

I was told not to use both filters from the installer at the same time.
Of course, the Carrier dealer said the filter that came with it is much better filter.

What would you do?


This is really pretty simple. The real question is "Do you know more than the engineers at Carrier who designed the system"? The engineers have 2 goals, design a system that does the job, and that lasts as long as possible to minimize warranty. They designed the filter to accomplish this. You can get 2 for $70, which is $35 a year. You live in The Villages so I know you can afford that. They have done a lot of testing. Trust them.
I do the same thing with my cars. I do exactly the maintenance in the book, nothing more, nothing less. My last 4 GM cars have lasted well over 250,000 miles, and I have very few problems. Its not perfect, but you will never have the test data the engineers have, they run all this stuff to failure hundreds of times.
Ed

[jump4]

The newer 4" filters are far superior. I replace the one in my 2020 Carrier unit every spring with a new $35 3M Filtrate MERV 12 from Lowes: Item #1144660; Model #LDP44-4IN-5; Access Denied (https://www.lowes.com/pd/Filtrete-1550-MPR-Ultra-Allergen-Common-19-in-x-20-in-x-4-in-Actual-18-75-in-x-19-75-in-x-3-5-in-Electrostatic-Pleated-Air-Filter/1003009032). You may need a different size than this.


I had a new Carrier heat pump HVAC with a two stage blower installed and it has it's own expensive filter which they said it's good for 12 months.

My old HVAC system, I used a separate thin filter installed on my cold air return vent from ACE and I changed it every 3 months.
I can buy one and get one free on sale at aprrox. $3.50 a filter.
Carrier HVAC filter sell for $50.00 and $80.00 on Amazon.

My question is, should keep using the ACE filter or the one on the unit itself? :shrug:
Using the thinner standard filter, will it effect the warranty?

I was told not to use both filters from the installer at the same time.
Of course, the Carrier dealer said the filter that came with it is much better filter.

What would you do?

[Michael G.]

What size???

MERV on Amazon is the way to go.

Should be $25 to $40.

Should change every six months.

Carrier installer said unless you have a cat or dog, the 4"filter
that came with my system should be changed once a year.

I believe that because for you guys that change your filter every 3-6 months, remember those systems
don't run that much in the winter besides on cool days.
So in November to February you could be throwing out a slightly dirty filter.

[photo1902]

Carrier installer said unless you have a cat or dog, the 4"filter
that came with my system should be changed once a year.

We have no animals, are not smokers, and keep a clean home. That being said, 12 months for us is too long between changes. I find six months to be about right, but that time frame can vary based on the time of year. Another thing to consider is if you burn candles, that’ll shorten the time frame between changes. YMMV

[Captainpd]

So you spent $6000 for an AC unit and you don't want to use the correct filter for it. I have some of those 1"filters I'll be glad to give you. I also have 50% off coupon at Goodwill if you want

[Villages Kahuna]

Wouldn’t you think that Carrier uses a better filter in their units for a reason?

Call Munn’s Heating & A/C, have them service your HVAC system and do what they tell you. The more expensive 4-inch filters only had to be changed once a year. I’ve had Munn’s do our HVAC service twice a year for 17 years now and our HVAC still tests to the “as new” specs. Munn’s is great—professional, well-trained, and trustworthy.

[retiredguy123]

In my opinion, 12 months is too long between filter changes. I replace mine every 6 months. Even if the filter does not appear dirty, the filter material can break down and particles can get into the duct.

[Michael G.]

Wouldn’t you think that Carrier uses a better filter in their units for a reason?

Call Munn’s Heating & A/C, have them service your HVAC system and do what they tell you. The more expensive 4-inch filters only had to be changed once a year. I’ve had Munn’s do our HVAC service twice a year for 17 years now and our HVAC still tests to the “as new” specs. Munn’s is great—professional, well-trained, and trustworthy.

Agree with Munn's, their the one's that installed my unit.
Also, don't their service plan include a filter?

[retiredguy123]

Agree with Munn's, their the one's that installed my unit.
Also, don't their service plan include a filter?
I don't think it does. The last time I checked, they charged $50 for a filter. I would rather buy my filters from Amazon. Also, I don't have an HVAC service plan.

[Keefelane66]

Agree with Munn's, their the one's that installed my unit.
Also, don't their service plan include a filter?
Filters are extra very expensive 2x’s compared to Amazon.
Just like cabin filters for your vehicle, premium filter 2 pack $15.00 dealer price $25 for one.
We had an emergency water discharge safety switch fail Munn’s wanted to charge $125 fortunately the technician did not have it with him checking Amazon $15.
Your paying for convenience.
Since you just had unit installed you may receive complimentary filter on 6 month's check my brother-in-law did.

[retiredguy123]

Agree with Munn's, their the one's that installed my unit.
Also, don't their service plan include a filter?
I don't know how much Munn's charges for a service plan, but your new unit probably has a 5-year labor and 10-year materials warranty. You can maintain the unit yourself by adding vinegar to the condensate line, and changing the filters. You can skip the service plan and save money. If the system fails, you are covered by the warranty. I never pay for a service plan.

[birdawg]

I don't know how much Munn's charges for a service plan, but your new unit probably has a 5-year labor and 10-year materials warranty. You can maintain the unit yourself by adding vinegar to the condensate line, and changing the filters. You can skip the service plan and save money. If the system fails, you are covered by the warranty. I never pay for a service plan.
I was told not to use vinegar, use dawn dish detergent vinegar is acidic if it backs up it will destroy the coils

[retiredguy123]

I was told not to use vinegar, use dawn dish detergent vinegar is acidic if it backs up it will destroy the coils
Actually, Munn's recommends hot water only. I have a rubber device that connects to a garden hose and flushes out the line better than anything I have tried. It's called a DrainKing and is available on Amazon. Those who recommend vinegar say you should only add about one quarter cup or so about every month.

[Keefelane66]

Actually, Munn's recommends hot water only. I have a rubber device that connects to a garden hose and flushes out the line better than anything I have tried. It's called a DrainKing and is available on Amazon. Those who recommend vinegar say you should only add about one quarter cup or so about every month.
How to Clean AC Drain Line: Vinegar or Bleach | Cool Rays Air Conditioning & Heating (https://coolraysac.com/how-to-clean-ac-drain-line-vinegar/)

[Pairadocs]

I use the Filterbuy MERV 11 filters from Amazon. They are 4 inches thick, and I change them every 6 months. They cost less than $40. You will not void the warranty. I found that using MERV 11 instead of MERV 8 makes the house quieter and less dusty. Buying filters from Carrier is a ripoff.

Another fan of Filterbuy here ! After using filters from the big box stores, etc. we found this fantastic Alabama company near Talladega. We order direct from them, not Amazon, and their customer service and speed (get ours the 2nd day after we order) are over expectations. All USA made, super customer service, exceptional quality and the prices are the best we ever found.

[Pairadocs]

I use the Filterbuy MERV 11 filters from Amazon. They are 4 inches thick, and I change them every 6 months. They cost less than $40. You will not void the warranty. I found that using MERV 11 instead of MERV 8 makes the house quieter and less dusty. Buying filters from Carrier is a ripoff.

Another fan of Filterbuy here ! After using filters from the big box stores, etc. we found this fantastic Alabama company near Talladega. We order direct from them, not Amazon, and their customer service and speed (get ours the 2nd day after we order) are over expectations. All USA made, super customer service, exceptional quality and the prices are the best we ever found. We found their MERV 11 to be of very high quality and the best choice for us. Still thank our friends from Alabama who told us about this company. As an aside to your comment on "Carrier brand a rip off", another example of how fear is used as a weapon, especially in The Villages, but everywhere also. Off topic, but found same "fear" mongering concerning an Epson ink tank printer we purchased. This was a great purchase as it prints FOREVER on one tank filling. But.... the "warnings" about not purchasing genuine Epson brand ink proved completely false. Found very high quality ink company on line, not from China, very high quality prints, and half the cost of Epson brand with no loss of quality. Just sayin', fear is a powerful motivator to drive sales in many (most ?) cases !

[Stu from NYC]

We bought one of these washable filters: Villages Air Filters (https://www.villageairfilters.com/)

I don't recall the price but if I had the impression it would pay for itself in about three years. Also, it is custom fit so no gaps or bends.

We have one also, thinking about 2 years for payback. Reminds me tomorrow is washing day