Further restricting beyond this point will actually reduced air flow but the load on the motor will continue to be the minimum. When was the last time you changed your air conditioner’s filter? The filter typically slides into a slot above or below the HVAC unit. This is often one of the first signs of HVAC airflow issues. It has an external air intake. When it comes to furnace filters, the rule of thumb for many HVAC professionals is “the cheaper the better.” If you have a forced-air furnace, it uses a filter. They require professional installation because the air handler generally needs duct modification to accommodate it (they're 6 to 7" wide and don't fit a standard filter compartment). If you want longer life for the same amount of dust, you'd need to find a way to spread the airflow over more surface area, which from your description sounds difficult unless you build some sort of outboard filter holder. It does - effectively. Etc. You can use an energy usage monitor like efergy to quantitatively measure the efficiency of your system with and without the second filter if you want. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. Would it be a bad idea to use two air filters? The upper end of the passive filters includes some that are claimed to be roughly equivalent to a pleated filter, but not in the range of a HEPA filter or good microparticle filter. I placed mask and filter in the oven at 175 Fahrenheit for 5 min. My thoughts on the OP question,try it, but it might be useful to pay for a duct cleaning. Q: Can you tell me why it is so important to install the air conditioner filter in a certain direction? Here's the problem: Some filters with a high MERV rating can drop air pressure in your duct system, which can increase energy bills and damage your HVAC system. Don't assume that the filters that are there are the correct filters. If you have a forced-air furnace, it uses a filter. Which direction should axle lock nuts face? If you do not have an old filter to figure out the measurements from, then you can measure the dimensions of the filter holder in your HVAC equipment. If you have any idea what brand the furnace is, and if you can find a model number, you might call a local furnace shop and ask them for the filter number you need. They can visit your house to inspect the system and resolve any issues caused by the clogged filters, thus preventing further problems in the future. I HAVE A RHEEM 2 1/2 TON (30 k btu ) everything is working fine gets cold air (but very cold and clammy) need to run at 71-70-69-68- depends on the outside temp to make temp comfortable in the house. If the system in question is regulated by a thermostat, then it logically follows, a priori & confirmed posteriori by you're truly, that the system will will have to work longer to achieve the same effect in a given environment to have the effect desired, i.e. Thanks for contributing an answer to Home Improvement Stack Exchange! If I hold the shaft still, the coils are acting as a transformer into ... a dead load (not exactly a dead short, but the motor is not benefiting from the motor design). So it is backwards from what most people think. The first several grades are passive filters. If the volume of airflow through the motor is restricted the it follows that the volume the system is also restricted, therefore, the goal of a central air system is hindered and the house or structure in-question ultimately doesn't achieve the desired temperature as efficiently. http://hvacrfundamentals.blogspot.com/2009/08/understanding-centrifugal-fan-motor.html, https://yorkcentraltechtalk.wordpress.com/2012/09/11/what-is-an-ecm-motor/, https://yorkcentraltechtalk.wordpress.com/2012/07/20/air-flow-effects-on-air-conditioning-revisited/, MAINTENANCE WARNING: Possible downtime early morning Dec 2, 4, and 9 UTC…. But sometimes filters can clog up faster than usual, which can cause efficiency and performance problems with your system without you even realizing there was an issue. These are roughly equivalent to a high-end pleated filter. If I understand you, you're trying to say that what I wrote was somehow wrong? The dirt from shoes and pet paws and particles in the air that settle into … The thicker filters last longer because of their increased density. Forgetting to change out a more efficient filter and letting it clog up could stop the airflow of your HVAC system, possibly resulting in significant damage and less than cheap repairs. What does it mean to “key into” something? The boobs who installed the furnaces in my complex did this -- they probably had an overstock of 2" boxes or filters they unloaded on us. Your filter should be a bit smaller on each side of the filter housing slot, thus allowing you to slide the filter in with ease. Once enough air is restricted, being almost completely, then the motor can overheat as it relies on air flowing around the motor to keep it cool. Assuming your home also has an A/C condenser, there is also the risk of destroying the compressor. It’s hotter or colder outside than usual. Excess Debris in the AC Air Filter. Residential furnaces and air conditioners commonly use 1 to 4 MERV rated filters. The unit with the longest travel had a terrible odor. See this link for more details. It isn't clear what you mean here (e.g. The cheap, 1-inch (2.54-centimeter) thick, disposable filters made of jumbled fiberglass or natural fiber strands typically have a MERV rating of 1 but can go up to 4. In these cases, here are the proper steps to change your furnace filter: This causes [...] RPM to increase & the motor amp draw to decrease.". To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. Bottom Line: Putting two air filters on a central air system will only have the net effect of producing a higher utility bill and reducing the lifespan of your central air unit. but im not sure if the air handler its self may have a separate filter that also should be changed every season the hole unit is only 4 years old. They cost in the range of one to several decent pleated filters. The main purpose of a furnace filter is to protect the blower fan from all the dust, hair and other gunk the return duct pulls in. How the Furnace Switch Works . Note: You’ll change your HVAC air filter more often if it has a higher MERV rating, the place you live has low air quality, your home gets a lot of traffic and/or you have pets. From my research, I've found most viruses die at or below 140 Fahrenheit. What a furnace filter does. These generally run in roughly the $50-$100 range and have a 10 yr to lifetime warranty. In general, pleated filters should need to be replaced every 3 to 6 months. Inveniturne participium futuri activi in ablativo absoluto? AC Maintenance Services In Orlando. It is heavier.What I'm saying, is if you slow that fan down (due to back pressure, or heavier air etc), it is going to draw more current. Bottom Line: Putting two air filters on a central air system will only have the net effect of producing a higher utility bill and reducing the lifespan of your central air unit. Well, if airflow is restricted to the system, then less air flows throughout the house, therefore less cool/hot air is circulated through the system. I suspect we all agree that restricting the airflow increases system runtime and that system runtime decreases system life, including and especially motors. That filter has an … Problems could include AC icing and furnace overheating. Some Signals that Your Air Filter is Too Small: 1. Conversion of A/C to magnetic motion, or to D/C and then Magnetic motion is NOT a 100% efficient process. Dust lurks in the carpet. Otherwise the gas is colourless and odorless. has been in the … I have a Bryant indoor unit it has 2 slots for a filter it’s says put the 1 inch filter on the top slot and remove divider for a 2” filter when I put the 1” filter in the top slot there’s a 2” gap from where the top filter is so air is coming through the opening is this ok Your airflow problem could also be due to a dirty air conditioner evaporator coil or the blower wheel being dirty. At the top is an electronic filter. Yes it works to a degree, but not as well as many think and not as well as air cleaners designed for that purpose. People often forget that air is matter & it has volume. Honeywell seems to own the market. Air conditioner HVAC filter size and frequency of change, Home AC Filter Location and Half Inch Sizes. This is where the blower is. Some motors have brushes, some don't, some have RPM controls, some dont, but in all cases, if a motor shaft is restricted from turning, it amounts to more current drawn, and as previously noted, less cooling too, in both cases, shortening the life of the motor and raising your electric bill. I would strongly recommend against using two filters at once, especially if it is just by reason of convenience. What's the most common cause of A/C refrigerant lines freezing? Go Back Why a Cheap Furnace Filter Could be Your Best Option. Only difference is it is a motor coil. The other possibility is that you may have filters at your return vents doing a majority of the air filtering, and the filter at the blower is simply redundant. The bottom of the line filters won't meet your needs, since you're using a cheap filter to keep big stuff out of a pleated filter. Larger houses often have more than one HVAC system. So the point here is, the more the motors operation is hindered, the more current is drawn, up to a point, because eventually the ever increasing heat from aforementioned HIGHER current draw causes the motor to burn out (or a protection circuit, either thermistor or speed controller safety) to shut down. In short, the use of two air filters is just a BAD idea! The size of your filter will be located on the side of the door on your filter cabinet. It only takes a minute to sign up. Be sure you check the owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendations. It's a pain to replace them and pretty costly to replace them so frequently. Yet another student fails fan engineering 101. ; Vertical HVAC unit with air moving upwards - You can find your furnace filter in the bottom door. Ramifications of adding a second HVAC air return (in parallel)? If the latter, then it wont help. According to building codes, a furnace must be supplied by a dedicated circuit, meaning the circuit cannot supply power to anything other than the furnace. Some 4-inch filters can even last up to a year. It seems you have a better understanding of the theory and not the practical applications and you have failed to understand the simple thermodynamics of a central air system. It will definitely have some measurable effect on CFM. Can I attach a HEPA filter to the HVAC outlet? (1) http://hvacrfundamentals.blogspot.com/2009/08/understanding-centrifugal-fan-motor.html If your furnace has speed control, it is likely a D/C motor. Overtime this will put more strain on your entire central air unit including your blower, cost you more money on your utilities, and may cause premature failure. Never thought about a filter up in the attic but I'll go up in the winter and take a look. Air Filter MERV Rating. The kludge suggested by my furnace guy (not the banana who put the system in) was to either use two 1" filters, or a 1" filter and some spacers. Do I really need two air filters for my heater? ); you should add some elucidation to your answer. Anyway, this sounds like what you're looking at. Pressure imbalance. Stack Exchange network consists of 176 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. There are a number of grades, and you pay for effectiveness. In either case, the furnaces with SPEED CONTROL, and A/C motors, are going to spin open ended (meaning no back pressure) at the highest rate of speed that the coils or controller is designed to operate at from the MOTOR manufacturers factory, until a controller steps this down *(if equipped as noted momentarily). (Keep reading to see why. The squirrel cage blower is designed to move a column of air, "restriction and if taken out of the unit and set in the open, then it would overload the motor. Usually there is one air filter on the return air side of the furnace. Yes, but it will absolutely damage your furnace in the process. Even more of a shocker is that furnace filters do relatively little to reduce the number of small particles you inhale. In some cases, this moisture can transfer to the air filter … what was the result of your adding the second filter? Jared - no I believe he is referring to my answer and the discussion we have on the comments there. Why? It will also spin faster. Airflow issues are among the most common HVAC problems. What had changed was the tech recommends I run just filters in house and eliminate the return on the air handlers. My guess is the installers set the system up to use 2" filters, which can be hard to get, except through heating supply firms or in bulk orders, and are hard to find in high-efficiency models. If you suspect you have HVAC airflow problems, you’re probably experiencing one or more of the following symptoms: Hot and cold spots throughout your space. Therefore, it must work longer to move more air and achieve the desired temp. If you don’t have a filter in your HVAC, you’re going to have a bunch of particles in your home. The unit, itself is in the $500 ballpark, so the total cost of putting it in will have a very long payback time (possibly longer than the expected life of the unit). How can I get my cat to let me study his wound? ), [Addressing Original question: Use of two filters. This filter will be changed at. By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. Where I am disagreeing with both of you is that it draws more current when restricted. The drawback is that they are expensive to put in. Select the size to see a collection of filter for that size. A/C motors are the MOST COMMON in low & mid range furnaces. The size of your filter will be located on the side of the door on your filter cabinet. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. These filters technically never need to be replaced because they are washable. Putting in two filters might temporarily address the 2nd factor but it will have a negative impact on CFM and may, in fact, require that you replace the filters more often. All you’ll have to do is measure the height, length and width of your filter and round up to the nearest whole number. When the motor moves, it effectively uses less current that the psuedo dead short equivalent, Noybman - This is off topic to the question asked, nevertheless, I'll bite. [Addressing updated question:] Furnace Efficiency. Most HVAC technicians recommend changing 1-inch air filters every 30 days, while 4-inch filters can be changed every 3–6 months. but im not sure if the air handler its self may have a separate filter that also should be changed every season the hole unit is only 4 … Here's the problem: Some filters with a high MERV rating can drop air pressure in your duct system, which can increase energy bills and damage your HVAC system. I have a Bryant indoor unit it has 2 slots for a filter it’s says put the 1 inch filter on the top slot and remove divider for a 2” filter when I put the 1” filter in the top slot there’s a 2” gap from where the top filter is so air is coming through the opening is this ok CFM will make or break a Central AC! In high concentrations, carbon monoxide is dangerous to your health, and could even be deadly. Shortening the motors life. The reasons to replace the filters in central air systems is because they either become too restrictive on airflow (CFM) or they begin to not work as well by letting in the very things they are trying to filter if not replaced overtime. What to do about an office that smells like smoke,... Is penny-wise pound-foolish with replacement filters. Change the furnace filters at least every three months. Imagine a propeller in water, then imagine taking it out of the water. Novel set during Roman era with main protagonist is a werewolf, Extreme point and extreme ray of a network flow problem. The air filter that you have installed in your furnace is designed to last for a specific amount of time. I was wondering if it would restrict air flow too much if I were to use cheap fiber filters in the return air vent to catch the big stuff and the better pleated filter in the unit for the fine stuff so I don't have to replace the more expensive ones as often? I do have two return ducts that do have filters. The bottom of the line permanent filters are roughly replacements for your cheap filter, they filter out birds and small children. Unless you try it, you wont know if the content truly shortening the filters lifespan is "big" particulates or high density of more microscopic particulates. Go Back Why a Cheap Furnace Filter Could be Your Best Option. The basement unit which is a furnace (I guess ) has a filter … Furnace Efficiency. If the fan blades are moving less air, they can actually spin easier because there is less air to sling. 2. Professionals tend to recommend a return duct filter more often than a supply duct filter, but some believe no vent filter is the best scenario for any HVAC system because of increased air resistance. I'm a new home owner so not familiar with all the systems. Multi stage filtering is not a bad idea, and is done in many environments (especially commercially) for the same reason you asked, bringing only the pre-filtered air with whatever remains to the more expensive staged filter. Retired Electric Motor Person with over 30 years experience. It could be a system that uses a rough filter followed by a fine filter. Other HVAC systems For any other kind of system, look for the air filter behind the return air grill on the wall, ceiling or utility closet door. Restricting the airflow reduces the load on the motor until a point of diminishing returns at which the motor is at the rated speed and moving the optimum amount of air. Fortunately I have a 3D printer and have printed a face mask with a MERV 13 filter. This means that fewer particles and airborne contaminants can pass through a high MERV filter to your HVAC equipment. The problem could be coming from the furnace itself, or somewhere else in th… In these cases, here are the proper steps to change your furnace filter: Electrostatic . There's another approach that doesn't require multiple filters or replacing filters, and that's to use a permanent filter. All posts copyright their original authors. Pleated filters made of nonwoven, disposable fabric have smaller pores, and the pleats increase the surface area of the filter so it can hold more particles than a flat surface can. In older homes, especially across the Northern states and sections of the US, many houses do not have a central heating and air conditioning system, rather they have individual wall-mounted AC units (or no air conditioning at all) and a separate furnace. … It certainly is not going to spin faster, with a heavier load, regardless of how that load is parlayed to the coils of the motor. It's definitely not going to improve flow. One of the first things you should do if you have a black air filter is to check for carbon monoxide. Depends on the heater, actually. I have an all electric house. I'd recommend having your ducts cleaned and if your return air is near the floor, then make sure to keep that area a clean as possible. When gas or exhaust fumes leak in your house, carbon monoxide can leave a soot-like appearance on your filter. Filter size: The most typical sizes for a furnace filter are 16″ x 20″, 20″ x 25″ and 16″ x 25″ however many other sizes are available for purchase on our site. In your situation, a good quality passive filter is likely to be satisfactory unless you have allergies and need a microparticle filter. Clogged filters. (A dirty filter can do the same thing.) If you don't want to go through the expence and trouble then I would recommend erring on the side of caution and not install two filters. You will need to open both the top and bottom doors to get to the filter. Some systems that accept 2 inch filters have rails you can insert in order to accept a 1 inch filter without it going crooked and air getting around it or worse getting pulled in. (2) https://yorkcentraltechtalk.wordpress.com/2012/09/11/what-is-an-ecm-motor/ Measure with on in the unit before the coil in the supply plenum and one outside the unit before and after you replace. Each system will typically have at least one air filter. This means that fewer particles and airborne contaminants can pass through a high MERV filter to your HVAC equipment. Positional chess understanding in the early game. By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Service. The EPA says that basic mechanical air filters may not be very good at completely removing particulates. 4 … Most units have built-in furnace racks. A simple way to tell if your filter is connected to your duct system is to turn your furnace blower on. Posted on July 14, 2017 by TR Miller Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. If it didn’t, that would mean it wasn’t removing any particles from your home’s air! There is a common misconception about restriction and the load on the motor and the restricting flow. The thinner filters need to be changed every month or so. rev 2020.12.3.38123, The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Home Improvement Stack Exchange works best with JavaScript enabled, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site, Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, Learn more about hiring developers or posting ads with us. This is not the case, this have … You might look to see if there are guides for these or just use the 2 inch. Hello, and welcome to Home Improvement. I wont to know if I have a filter on my AC air handler that is located in my atac which is separate from my condenser unit. Also the purpose of the air filter is to keep the unit clean, not to make the air clean for breathing. These filters are made from polyester or paper material. Is the filter dirty – if it not There are two other reasons: Not Correct Filter We could have the wrong ac filter for our central ac unit. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. Unfortunately, air conditioning systems in homes in humid states (hello, Florida) tend to be more prone to mold growth. Always consult your owner’s manual before changing your air filter. If that is the case, the best course of action is to have an HVAC professional come to your home and do an evaluation. My question is, does this degrade the filter in any way? The idea is that the rough filter will cost less and remove large particles. (see below for illustration) For the latter, you'll need to look up your blower unit's specs to determine its rating. I have a picture of it in the link below. Electrostatic . Most home central HVAC systems have disposable filters that can be thrown away when dirty and replaced with a new one. However, if your filters are getting black in an incredibly short amount of time, your issue could be with mold, mildew, or moisture in the air. The large metal furnace compartment contains a filter and blower. Replace your air filter at the beginning of each season to avoid blockage-related short cycling. Is the energy of an orbital dependent on temperature? If you have a multi-zone system, you have one heat pump being controlled by 2 thermostats. Usually there is not enough volume to keep the dust in the air long enough for the intake of the air conditioner to act like an air purifier. The same thing will happen if you have a super clogged up old filter. All plastic and rubber components held up well. It entirely depends on the filter. The biggest problem with air filters that are installed incorrectly, is that the furnace has to work harder to do its job. 4 … Behind a return air grill inside the home (there may be a filter behind each one) The furnace filter is usually located inside of the blower compartment, where the return air enters the blower compartment. The lower the CFM the more the heat the blower unit generates and this reduces life on the blower as well (1). Hence, the system is, working harder (strain) and using more energy. What size of filter you can use in your furnace depends on the size of the slot. What size of filter you can use in your furnace depends on the size of the slot. Call a professional HVAC expert to inspect your HVAC system. Pleated filters made of nonwoven, disposable fabric have smaller pores, and the pleats increase the surface area of the filter so it can hold more particles than a flat surface can. My guess is the installers set the system up to use 2" filters, which can be hard to get, except through heating supply firms or in bulk orders, and are hard to find in high-efficiency models. Replace your filter with a fresh, clean filter 4. Heat is a by product of conversions, and physically restricting airflow to a motor is actually equivalent to holding the motors fan blades, or the shaft from turning at all (that is an extreme condition, but "slowing it down" is not). Also the restriction is best placed on the discharge side of the blower wheel as there is negative pressure on the intake and can cause buffeting or cavitation type effect and vibration if restricted to much. This means that, while one unit may have the air filter installed in the return, another might have the air filter installed in the air handler, so you need to thoroughly check and make a note of the locations for future reference. Placing more and more and more back pressure on a motor absolutely draws more current, as noted in the previous post, heat is generated! When there is not enough airflow through the evaporator the suction pressure is below normal because the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator picks up less heat than normal resulting in lower pressures. Particle buildup can also decrease the efficiency of your furnace, as the furnace has to work harder to pull air through the intake. site design / logo © 2020 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under cc by-sa. Under normal conditions, your filter should last at least a month and gradually become clogged with grey-colored dust and debris. These filters are made from polyester or paper material. Now lastly - placing a few filters in a air cleaner is not likely going to be significantly noticeable in electric usage, or strain on the motor, but there is a mathematical impact (its not free). But does it seem like your filter gets clogged much faster than the manufacturer says it's supposed to? Because when your air conditioning system runs, condensation starts to collect on the evaporator coil. I replaced two trane 20 year old system s with dual speed trane 18 seer. You do trade the convenience of simple replacement for the need to wash them regularly, typically on the order of every month to every few months. The outside air temp. In my area most duct systems are too restrictive as it is. Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers. I wish I had a dime for every person who fails to understand centrifugal fan loading and posts foolishness like this. Assuming it is a PSC motor in your unit, the actual amp draw on the motor will be reduced with a reduction in CFM (1), the net effect of a reduction in CFM from the return air will cause your Central Air Unit more wear and tear as the motor will have to spin more RPM's to move less air throughout the house putting more wear on the brushes (if it has any) and bearings, and using, in total, more power because it is running longer. It also wouldn't hurt to take a reading before and after on the return side before the coil in the supply plenum. In short, the use of two air filters is just a BAD idea! If neither soot nor mold is causing your air filter to be black, it is … I have a 23 yr old 58GS upflow gas furnace, cleaned within the last 2 years and with filters regularly changed. For example, let's say you have a pleated filter that's 1-inch thick and has a 13 MERV rating . Therefore, your home may have air filters located at the air handler AND in the returns. If your air filters aren’t being plagued by black mold or soot, the air … Vacuum around the area where the filter sits and make sure you don’t see black particles or debris in the air 3. The biggest problem with air filters that are installed incorrectly, is that the furnace has to work harder to do its job. Most AC and HVAC units use standard sized filters, but some do require a custom size air filter. Then when this is placed into a furnace by a furnace manufacturer, they are expected to (by good engineering practices) to rate the furnaces load capacity taking into consideration the MTBF (mean time between failure) rated (usually in hours) rating of the motor manufacturers blower hours. Also most blowers run the risk of overheating if CFM is reduced too much. This circuit is served by its own circuit breaker in the breaker box (properly called the main service panel).The circuit wiring runs from the service panel to the disconnect switch, and from there to the furnace. Filter size: The most typical sizes for a furnace filter are 16″ x 20″, 20″ x 25″ and 16″ x 25″ however many other sizes are available for purchase on our site. In any case, replacing these filters is going to be much better than premature failure of any part of your system. Pleated filters come in a variety of widths (typically from 1 to 6 inches thick). Am I suppose to have a filter in these? Throw A/C into a coil of wire and let it sit on a table, it gets hot, this is a KILN or a HAIR dryer. This is because you usually only have one return air vent per thermostat. (As well as other helpful info, assumes two regular filters at unit.
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