[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?
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]

Originally Posted by 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

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]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

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.]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by Michael G.

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.]

Originally Posted by 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…

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?