Review on Filtrete 1-Inch Living Reduction Furnace Filter by Josue Porter

Selecting the right air filter for our Trane XV-95/16i HVAC system was a challenge, partly due to disagreements between individual HVAC companies. In fact, even Trane didn't want to provide specific performance data that would make it easier to choose the right filter for our system, even given the duct specs and area of our house. I contacted 6 different HVAC companies and got 5 different opinions. Two offered to buy the cheapest filter at 0.59 cents, an electrostatic filter, another suggested a custom electrostatic filter, one said to buy Filtrete Ultra (3M), and one contractor recommended going with a set of filters experiment - not exactly scientific and not quite right. it gives these people a certain level of confidence or confidence. After using other brands of filters and finding a significant amount of lint and dust in our home, we used the Filtrete 600 MPR filter. Here is my assessment of its performance in our home: BENEFITS: 1. 3M makes excellent filter media with a wide range of performance and applications. This particular "dust and pollen filter" seems like the perfect compromise between protecting your HVAC system and fan motor without restricting airflow through the system and doing a reasonably good job at cleaning the air. Do your research and you will find that this particular 3M 600 MPR filter has the lowest pressure drop (0.14) of any 3M filter in the Filtrete range. This is an important indicator that many other manufacturers do not disclose.3. Approximately 70% more efficient than other filters in the 3M range, but better value and value for money.4. Shelf life no longer than 90 days depending on use and living conditions. (See comment below) CONS/WARNINGS: 1. Since MERV and MPR are vastly different metrics, all filter media manufacturers should TOGETHER provide an equivalent rating for EACH filter to help consumers compare filters of similar performance across brands and manufacturers. For example, some consumers would benefit from knowing that a filter with an MPR rating of 600 corresponds to a MERV rating of 8. The MPR rating was developed by 3M engineers to demonstrate the superiority of 3M filters in capturing the smallest particles in the air. -this. Size from 0.3 to 1 micron. However, the MERV standard measures the filter's ability to capture larger particles on a scale of 1 to 12. TMI! Let's have only ONE valid and reliable standard that everyone can understand and apply! 2. The 90-day (3-month) replacement window is essentially a marketing strategy to increase sales through customer perception. The real truth is that many variables affect filter life including tobacco use, fireplace/wood stove smoke, lit candles, house construction, sanding, pets and dirty air ducts. If any of these conditions exist, the filters should be replaced MONTHLY. FINDINGS/SUGGESTIONS: 1. This is an excellent dollar-for-dollar filter with acceptable performance, device protection, and cost.2. Even without the "special conditions" mentioned above, I change our filter every month. I also leave our fan on "circulate" mode, which runs continuously and cleans the air in the room better. The downside of course is that we have to change the filter more regularly.3. When inserting the filter vertically through a fold-down, narrow tin chamber, it is often difficult to remove the filter for replacement without damaging the filter frame. I suggest spraying a thin layer of lube (silicone or PAM) along each side of the paper frame. I also use two pieces of duct tape to pry the filter out of the narrow cavity. To determine when the filter needs to be replaced, hold the filter near an unobstructed light source. If you do not see light through the filter, it should be replaced regardless of the time interval. I wish everyone a happy and healthy home.