Don't forget to change those furnace filters!

[GoingMyWay]

Most people on here are probably more proactive and way less lazy than me.

I recently got the motivation to change the furnace filters in the house.  We have 3 of them.  They were definitely past due for a change  [scared].  1 of them was very long past due  [embarassed].  I finally set a reminder on my phone to change the filters every 90 days so hopefully I'll get into a better routine.

[attachimg=1]

 

[Bob D.]

I've did the same in Google Calendar for the filter on the air handler (90 Days) , and also the fridge ice maker water filter (6 months). The filter at the sink has an indicator light that flashes when it needs to be changed.

 

[GoingMyWay]

Oh yeah the fridge water filter!  I think the LG filter packaging will tell you it needs to be changed like every 6 months or 200 gallons.  I just wait for the fridge light to come on, which is way more than whatever the filter says.  At least in terms of gallons I believe.

 

[Sparktrician]

My return air filters get changed every 90 days.  The main air filter (16x25x4) gets changed every 6 months, as do the water and shower filters.  All air filters are the 3M Filtrete type, FPR 10.  Reminders have been in my phone for years. 

 

[GoingMyWay]

As I suspected, most FOG users are on top of home maintenance. I'm the real slacker here!

 

[RKA]

Okay, I’ve gone a few extra months on mine (especially the one in the attic, which involves the inconvenience of dragging a ladder out), but they have never EVER come out looking furrier than my dog!!  What the ???? 

 

[Alanbach]

I converted my 1” filters to 4” filters with a 1” flange. They are rated for 12 months use but because I am in Houston and the A/C runs pretty much constantly I change them every six months. On my birthday and six months later. I write the date on the filters with a sharpie for an added bit of feedback to keep me right. When I originally converted my two returns I had to do a little surgery on some of the insulation board to allow the deeper filter to fit but it was easy and only had to be done once. If you need a picture or a reference number for this type of filter let me know. They are terrific (as long as your plenum/return/filter housing can be easily altered to accept the deeper filters)! These filters are designed to replace 1” filters without having to rebuild the return.

 

[tjbnwi]

I haven't change one in 32 years........(hot water heat, no AC until last month)......

Tom

 

[Cheese]

Ya with 2 cats & 2 dogs, changing the filters on a regular basis is a must. We have a thermostat that’s hooked into the internet so we get updates both on the stat and on our phones. Very convenient when you’re in HD and you just happen to get a notification.  [big grin]

We use either 3M or Honeywell Merv 12 filters as they’re the max recommended for home, non-commercial systems.

[attachimg=2]

Changing out filters too early can actually be a detriment as it will not filter out the smaller particles. I put us on a 4 month notification but that’s dependent upon a visual inspection. When it’s time you’ll know it’s time...just ask [member=66216]GoingMyWay[/member]

 

[Bob D.]

"just ask [member=66216]GoingMyWay[/member]"

I wonder what the D/P was across those filters.
Reduces efficiency and uses extra electrons.

 

[Cheese]

"just ask [member=66216]GoingMyWay[/member]"

I wonder what the D/P was across those filters.
Reduces efficiency and uses extra electrons.

Ya I hear you Bob.. on the last furnace I installed a Magnehelic and that was wonderful in determining when to change a filter. The downside is that my wife is one of those “close enough” people so that a .2 or a .5 or a .7 reading were all “close enough” for her. That’s when I decided to initiate the internet protocol. It’s so less a strain on relationships.  [big grin]  Now all we have to argue about is the Merv rating. [thumbs up]

 

[DeformedTree]

The AC gives you an automatic notice when it stops running because the core freezes up.  [tongue]

I'll pass on any electronic system.  If I wanted a system, I'd run a vaccum line up to a gauge on the wall next to the thermostat .

 

[DeformedTree]

Ya with 2 cats & 2 dogs, changing the filters on a regular basis ...

So your dogs are trained to change the filters when they get clogged with Cats?

 

[Cheese]

So your dogs are trained to change the filters when they get clogged with Cats?

Actually my bet is on the cats. An 8# cat and a 7# cat can run roughshod over a 75# and a 95# retriever.

 

[rljatl]

So your dogs are trained to change the filters when they get clogged with Cats?

Actually my bet is on the cats. An 8# cat and a 7# cat can run roughshod over a 75# and a 95# retriever.

Not always true.  My Chesapeake Bay retriever would never let my girl friend's cat run "roughshod" over him.  My Chessie would be picking his teeth clean with the cat's claws.

 

[GoingMyWay]

Okay, I’ve gone a few extra months on mine (especially the one in the attic, which involves the inconvenience of dragging a ladder out), but they have never EVER come out looking furrier than my dog!!  What the ???? 

Whoops!

I haven't change one in 32 years........(hot water heat, no AC until last month)......

Tom

You haven't had AC in 32 years???  How have you survived that long?

"just ask [member=66216]GoingMyWay[/member]"

I wonder what the D/P was across those filters.
Reduces efficiency and uses extra electrons.

I had to look that up - differential pressure!

The AC gives you an automatic notice when it stops running because the core freezes up.  [tongue]

Yup, I've definitely had that happen a time or 2 before, though I think the 2 most recent times were caused by low refrigerant.