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Al’s Plumbing, in Plano, Texas Provides Full-Service Plumbing; Maintenance, Repairs, and Replacements For Every Plumbing Component In Your Home. We sell and install gas and electric water heaters.  Al’s is near your home in; Murphy, TX; Rowlette, TX; and Wylie, Texas.  We service all homes in southern Collin County, TX, and northeastern Dallas County, TX with no additional travel charges.

Call Al’s Today To Discuss Any Concerns Or Problems You Have With Your Home’s Plumbing. 

We will arrange an appointment at your convenience.

75+ Ways To Lower Cooling Costs

Without Replacing Your HVAC System

(Most Ways Save $ Year-Round — As They Also Lower Heating Bills)

This Is Part 1-A: It Details Furnace Filters.

TIP: This Multi-Part Article Describes How To Lower Cooling Costs (and many ways also lower heating costs).  The earliest articles provide the Highest Cooling Savings & Benefits (such as HVAC equipment lasting longer & a more comfortable home).

Is Your A/C Operating At Its Best Performance?

Click Below To Go To Part-1B: Outdoor A/C Unit Coil — Cleaning & Maintenance: 

AlsPlumbing.Com 75+ Ways To Lower Cooling Costs Part-1B: Outdoor A/C Unit Coil Cleaning & Maintenance

How Neglecting Your HVAC System’s Maintenance — Costs You In TWO Ways

• Increased Cooling/Heating Costs.

And 

• Reduced HVAC System Lifespan.

HomeGuide.com Quotes These Prices To Replace An HVAC System:

• $5,000 to $11,000:  New furnace & AC unit — using existing (metal) ductwork.

• $7,000 to $16,000: New furnace & AC unit — With New Ductwork.
• TIP: If you’re installing a new System with similar airflow — existing (metal) ductwork can typically be; cleaned & sealed and reused.
• TIP: If you’re installing a new System with higher airflow — existing (metal) ductwork can often be upgraded to accommodate the higher airflow.
• TIP: Flexible ductwork must be replaced each time the HVAC equipment is replaced.

• The Final Price Depends On; HVAC Brand, Model, & Features, System Size (BTUs), and the Difficulty Of Installation (a basement is easiest, a crawl-space is hardest).

Source: https://homeguide.com/costs/hvac-cost

Part-1 Of Our Article Is Broken Into 4 Sections 

Part 1-A: Furnace Filters.

Image Source: CanStockPhoto

Shown: Dirty & Clean Pleated Furnace Filter

 Part 1-B: Outdoor A/C Unit’s Coil — Annual Check & Clean As Needed.

Image Source: Shutterstock

Shown: Common Outdoor A/C Unit Cover

Image Source: Shutterstock

Shown: Clogged Outdoor A/C Unit Coil (A/C’s cover is removed in this photo)

Part 1-C: Annual Check Of The Indoor Cooling Coil — And Clean As Needed.

Image Source: Shutterstock

Shown: In This Photo — The Indoor Cooling Coil (evaporator coil) Is Located Behind The Yellow Device

Part 1-D: Annual Spring A/C Tune-Up

Image Source: Shutterstock

Shown: A/C Refrigerant Tanks

Part 1-A: Furnace Filters

As Central Air Conditioners Age – Their Performance Declines.  To Minimize The Decline, there are 4 routine maintenance tasks that must be performed as detailed in the sections shown just above.

The U.S. Dept. Of Energy (DOE) Says: “A Dirty Furnace Filter Can Increase Energy Use By Up To +15%.

AND, This also means the a/c outdoor unit & furnace are Running +15% Longer — and Wearing Out +15% Faster.

1-A: Monthly Check Of Furnace Filter — AND Clean Or Replace As Needed  

TIP: Later In This Article — We describe how to clean (vacuum) a furnace filter to extend the filter’s lifespan and ensure proper airflow through the furnace.

TIP: Premium Furnace Filters Are Rated To Last 3 Months.  In Months 1 & 2 Vacuum The filter To Ensure The Highest Airflow. After Month 3 -replace.

TIP: The Reason Premium Filters Last Longer — Is Because They Have More Filter-Material Surface Area.  Details Are In This Section.

TIP:  Inexpensive Furnace Filters Are Rated To Last 1 Month.

Image Source: CanStockPhoto

Shown: Dirty & Clean Pleated Furnace Filter

Here’s The Math To Determine How Much Energy A Neglected Central A/C Wastes

(Full Details Are Found Within This Article).

Cooling Costs Increase By:

• Up To +15% — Due To A Dirty Furnace Filter
• Up To +30% — Due To A Dirty Outdoor A/C Unit’s Coil (called: “Condenser Coil”) — located inside the outdoor a/c unit.
• Up To +35% — Due To A Dirty Indoor Cooling Coil (called: “Evaporator Coil”) — located inside the furnace or ductwork.

If All 3 Items Above Are Clogged — Cooling Costs Increase By Up To +80%.

-AND-  

Your HVAC System Is Running +80% Longer (than if maintained) — It’s Wearing Out +80% Faster.

The Routine & Recurring Maintenance Tasks Detailed Within This Article Will Save Up To Thousands Of Dollars Over The Lifetime Of 1 HVAC System.

1. Furnace Filter Maintenace — Cleaning or Replacing

The #1 Reason An HVAC System Is Underperforming — Is A Clogged Furnace Air Filter. 

The U.S. Department Of Energy (DOE) States That A Dirty Air Filter Increases Cooling Costs By Up To +15%.

Source: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/maintaining-your-air-conditioner

Image Source: Shutterstock

Shown: A Furnace Air Filter so dirty that it buckled along the left edge.  This allowed air to bypass the filter.

If the filter buckles — the Ductwork + A/C Indoor Cooling Coil get dirty fast.  This reduces airflow year-round.

If not checked and cleaned or replaced (as needed) each month — the filter continues to become more and more clogged.   As the filter becomes more clogged — it continues to reduce airflow through the HVAC System — and causing the System to work longer & harder than it would with a clean furnace air filter.

A Neglected Air Filter Also Causes The Home To Be Less Comfortable

Reduced Airflow Often Causes Hot/Cold Spots.

And, During Temperature Extremes,  The HVAC System Can’t Keep Up Due To Reduced Airflow Caused By A Clogged Air Filter.

TIP: In Some Cases (mostly with attic ductwork) — Furnace Filter(s) May Be Just Behind The Grille (cover) Of A Return-Air Duct(s) — as shown just above.

TIP: This same return-air vent style (as shown above) can also be installed in walls.

The Furnace Filter Is Located Inside The Return-Air Ductwork (air going to the furnace) — Typically Within Inches Of The furnace (see photo below).

Image Source: Shutterstock

Shown: This Furnace Filter-Slot Is About 3 Inches To The Left — Of Where The (silver) Ductwork Attaches To The Furnace

You Can Also  See The Removable Cover For The Furnace Air Filter — To The Left Of The Red Wire.

Image Source: Shutterstock

Shown: Furnace Filter Partially Removed.

Common Types Of Furnace Filters

A. Flat-Panel, Fiberglass Filter.  

Image Source: Shutterstock

Shown: Flat-Panel (basic) Fiberglass Filter — Designed To Protect Only The Furnace & Ductwork.

• These are rated to last One (1) month.
• Not electrostatic-charged.
• Filters only the largest airborne particles.
• Protects only the HVAC System.
• Offers no benefit to people.

Image Source: Amazon.com Link

Shown: PuraClean Filter Spray turns a non-electrostatic filter (such as a basic, flat-panel filter) — into an electrostatic filter.

Amazon Reviewers RatedPuraClean Filter Spray 4.5 (out of 5) Stars — with 75 Reviews at the time this article was written.

TIP: Most pleated filters ARE electrostatic — check the packaging or a website to determine if the brand you’re using is.

B. Pleated + Electrostatic Filters 1. Filter & 2. Magnetically Attract airborne particles.

TIP: Not All Pleated Filters Are Electrostatic.  Check The Filter’s Details To Determine If It Is.

Image Source: CanStockPhoto

Shown: New Pleated Furnace Filter (on the right)

• Inexpensive Pleated Filters — Are Rated To Last 1 Month.

• Premium Pleated Filters — Some Are Rated To Last 3 Months.

C. Cleanable / Reusable Furnace Air Filter

Image Source: Amazon.com Link

Shown: K&N (brand) Cleanable / Reusable Furnace Filter (other sizes available).

More Details About The Filter Shown Are Within This Article.

TIP: There are other brands of cleanable/reusable furnace air filters.  We show only K&N because of the company’s history of excellence.

TIP: Later In This Article — We Detail Steps How To Clean A K&N Furnace Filter.

TIPS For Premium / 3 Months Rated Disposable Furnace Filters — Monthly Maintenance

• TIP: Checking the filter on the 1st day of each month makes it easier to remember.

Vacuuming The Filter:

TIP: Some articles suggest using a leaf-blower or compressed-air to clean a disposable furnce filter.  Disposable filters are not designed for that much airflow, and you’ll likely damage the filter.

TIP: Washing a disposable filter — ruins it.

TIP: Vacuum The Filter In The Garage Or Outdoors.  Vacuuming the filter inside the home — releases some of the filter’s trapped particles back into the home’s indoor-air.

• If your air filter shows no signs of extreme buildup, use the soft-brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove debris.

Source: https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-to-clean-an-air-conditioner-filter/9ba683603be9fa5395fab908fabc607

• The way a homeowner can clean a disposable filter — remove it from the furnace, and use a vacuum to clean up larger debris.

Source: https://homeinspectorsecrets.com/hvac/furnace-filters/how-to-clean-ac-filter/

Steps To Vacuum A Disposable Furnace Filter

• Remove the filter — and vacuum it inside the garage or outdoors.
• TIP: Doing this avoids releasing some of the filter’s trapped particles — back into the home’s indoor-air.

• Use a vacuum’s Soft-Brush Attachment on the dirty side of the filter.
• TIP: Don’t put pressure on the brush attachment.  Lightly run it over the entire filter twice (top to bottom & left to right).
• TIP: Vacuuming without the Soft-Brush Attachment could damage the filter.

• After It’s Vacuumed — Hold the filter up and look through it.
• If you can not easily see through the filter — it needs to be replaced.

• Basic (flat panel & non-pleated) air filters are rated to last 1 month.
• Inexpensive pleated air filters are rated to last 1 month.
• 3M (brand) Filtrete (model) Filters are rated to last 3 months.  This is because they have more filter-material surface-area (details later in this article).
• If using a premium furnace filter — vacuum the dirty side each month.

You Can Also Spray A (disposable) Filter With Endust

• This makes the filter a little more efficient — without the airflow reduction of a higher MERV filter.
• Spray the side where air enters the filter.
• Arrows on the filter indicate the direction air flows through the filter.

Image Source: Amazon.com Link

Shown: Lemon Scent Endust

Click On Image To; View Product, Read Details, or Purchase from Amazon.com.

Image Source: Amazon.com Link

Shown: UNSCENTED Endust

Click On Image To; View Product, Read Details, or Purchase from Amazon.com.

Spray Endust directly on furnace and air conditioning filters (disposable filters & reusable aluminum mesh filters). Filters should be sprayed prior to installation or before reinstallation after cleaning. Do not use Endust near heating or cooling unit while in operation. Endust will help filters trap more circulating dust to help keep the environment more dust-free.

Source: https://content.interlinebrands.com › document

Disposable Furnace Filters MERV Rating

• Choose the lowest MERV-rated filter that meets your needs (details below).
• Lower MERV-rated filters reduce airflow less than higher MERV.

• MERV stands for: “Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value”.
• MERV ratings make it easy to choose the filter that best meets your home’s needs.
• MERV indicates the filtration-ability of the filter.

The Higher A Filter’s MERV-Rating:

• A. The smaller the pores in the filter’s media (the pleated part).
• B. The smaller the particles it removes from the air.
• C. The more it reduces airflow through the furnace.
• D. The quicker the filter clogs.

• MERV Ranges From 1 (lowest) TO 20 (highest) filtration.
• MERV-13 is the highest for a home furnace.  WHY? A Home furnace’s blower isn’t strong enough for higher MERVs

• MERV-1 to 4 protects only the furnace & ductwork from large dust particles.  These offer no benefit to people.

This MERV Guide Can Assist You In Choosing The Best MERV For Your Home

The 3 Most Common Furnace Filter MERV Ratings

MERV-8 Furnace Filter: Catches Particles Larger Than 3 Microns.

This Includes; Dust, Dust Mites, Pollen, Bacteria, & Pet Dander.

TIP: We discuss only 3M Filtrete furnace filters.  They’re the top selling and also because of 3M’s history of excellence.

These Credible Resources Recommend 3M Filtrete Filters:

• https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/air-filters/best-air-filters-for-furnace-and-central-ac-a7407356325/
• https://www.thisoldhouse.com/heating-cooling/22679651/best-furnace-filter
• https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-furnace-filter/
• https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/best-furnace-filters/
• https://www.thespruce.com/best-furnace-filters-4172687
• https://www.bhg.com/best-furnace-filters-7375386  (Better Homes & Gardens)

SHOWN: 3M (brand) 20X25x1″ Filtrete (model) MPR 700 (filtration ability) & MERV-8 Rated Air-Filter — 4-Pack

TIP: There are many brands of furnace filters.  We show only 3M (brand) Filtrete (model) because of 3M’s history of excellence.

Click On Image To: View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com

TIP: For Other Furnace Filter Sizes: Click On The Image.

MERV-11 Furnace Filter:  Catches Particles Smaller Than Three (3) Microns.

This Includes; Dust, Dust Mites, Pollen, Bacteria, & Pet Dander –PLUS- Cigarette Smoke & Smog. 

 SHOWN: 3M (brand) Filtrete 16x25x1″ (model) MPR 1200D (filtration ability) & MERV-11 Rated Air-Filter — 4-Pack

Click On Image To: View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com

TIP: For Other Furnace Filter Sizes: Click On The Image.

MERV-13 Furnace Filter:  Catches Particles Smaller Than One (1) Micron.   

This Includes; Dust, Dust Mites, Pollen, Bacteria, Pet Dander, & Cigarette Smoke & Smog  —PLUS– Germs & Mold Spores.  

MERV-13: Catches 99%+ of Bacteria & Virus-Carrying Airborne Particles.

Image Source: Amazon.com

SHOWN: 3M (brand) 20x25x1″ Filtrete (model) MPR 2200 (filtration ability) & MERV-13 Rated Air-Filter With 62 Pleats — 6-Pack

Click On Image To: View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com

TIP: For Other Furnace Filter Sizes: Click On The Image.

MERV Ratings Information Source:  https://filterking.com/hvac-filters/merv-11-air-filter-review

MERV-13 Is The Highest MERV For Home Use. 

Image Source: Shutterstock

WHY? Home HVAC Systems Are Not Designed For The Airflow-Restriction Created By A MERV14+.

MERV-14+ are for Healthcare Facilities & Manufacturing Facilities’ Cleanrooms.

More Details About A Pleated Furnace Filter

TIP: The More Pleats An Air Filter Has — The More Easily Air Flows Through It.

A. Air Passes More Easily Through Air Filters With More Pleats — Because they have more filter surface-area. 

B. Filters With More Pleats Last Longer — Because they have more filter surface area. 

Image Source: Amazon.com

This MERV-13 Aerostar (brand) 20x25x1 Furnace Filter Has 19 Pleats.

Image Source: Amazon.com

Click On Image To: View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com

This MERV-13 3M (brand) (20x25x1) Furnace Filter Has 62 Pleats.

This 3M (brand) Filter Has 3.25 Times As Much Filter Surface-Area As The Aerostar Filter.  So, Air Passes Through The 3M Filter 3.25 Times More Easily.

3M States Their 1-Inch Air Filters Will Last Up To 3 Months.    TIP: Vacuum The Fitler’s Dirty Side Each Month — To Improve Airflow Through The Filter.

3M Has Its Own Air Filter Performance Rating: Microparticle Performance Rating (MPR)

+ The Corresponding MERV Rating.

3M’s MPR Rating Provides Performance Above & Beyond A Comparable MERV Rated Filter (details below).

Example:

• A MERV-11 Filter must capture:
• At least 65% of particles 1.0 TO 3.0 microns.
• At least 85% of particles 3.0 TO 10.0 microns.
• AT Least 20% of particles .30-1.0 microns in size.

• 3M (brand) MPR 2800 (their equivalent to MERV-11) — Filters 97%+ of Particles .30-1.0 microns in size.
• MERV-11 filter 20%+.

Sources:

• MERV:  https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/what-merv-rating
• 3M MPR: https://www.sylvane.com/3m-filtrete-2800-ultrafine-particle-reduction-filters.html
• 3M MPR: https://www.filtrete.com/3M/en_US/filtrete/home-tips/full-story/~/5-things-you-didnt-know-about-Filtrete-filter-material/?storyid=62de7f47-985d-4552-ae2f-9b2c3f9d24d4#:

Less Expensive Furnace Filter Brands

• Have fewer pleats.
• Some brands’ filtration material is Fuzzy & Thick.  TIP: These reduce airflow more than non-fuzzy filters.
• Some brands have Electrostatic filtration material.  TIP: Electrostatic filters are superior to Non-Electrostatic. TIP: Check the brand’s details for Electrostatic.
• Most furnace filter brands — are rated to last 1 month.
• 3M Filtrete — are rated to last 3 months.

3M (brand) Filtrete™ (model) Filter

• Have more pleats.
• Filter material is; Stiff, Strong, & Thin.
• Filter material is Very Low Density — which allows air to more easily flow through.

• Electrostatic captures microscopic particles that can pass through non-electrostatic filters.  TIP: Some less-expensive filter brands are also electrostatic.
• Filtrete filters capture more of the smaller particles — Than Their MERV Rating Requires.  TIP: Details were shown above the line just above.

• Filtrete Filters Are Rated To Last:
• 1-Inch Thick — 3 months.
• 4-6-Inches Thick — 1 Year.

Source: https://www.filtrete.com/3M/en_US/filtrete/home-tips/full-story/~/5-things-you-didnt-know-about-Filtrete-filter-material/?storyid=62de7f47-985d-4552-ae2f-9b2c3f9d24d4#:

HOW A More Expensive Disposable Furnace Air Filter Saves You Money

For The HVAC System:

• More expensive filters have more pleats.
• More pleats = less airflow reduction.
• Less Airflow Reduction = The System Runs Less.
• Running less = lower cooling & heating costs.
• Running less = the HVAC System lasts longer.

Filter Lifespan & Performance:

• 3M’s Filter Lasts 3 Times As Long.  3M Filtrete filters have a rated lifespan of 3 months (for 1″ filter) — and 1 year (4-6″ filters).
• Inexpensive pleated filters are rated to last 1 month.

K&N (brand) — Cleanable & Reusable Furnace Filter

In 1969, K&N developed the first high-flow (automotive) air filter.  In a short time, K&N brand became known for its excellent performance air filters for automobiles.  K&N air filters have always been Cleanable/Reusable.  Similar methods & materials (used in car air filters) are also used to manufacture furnace filters.

Image Source: Amazon.com Link

Shown: K&N (brand) Cleanable / Reusable Furnace Filter (other sizes available).

Rated 4.5 Stars (out of 5) — with nearly 4,000 Reviews on Amazon.com When This Article Was Written,\.

Click On Image To; View Product, Read Details, or Purchase from Amazon.com.

TIP: Click On Image To See All K&N Furnace Filter Sizes Available.

-AND-

Image Source: Amazon.com Link

Shown: K&N Filter Cleaner.  To Clean A K&N Filter:

Rated 4.5 Stars (out of 5) — with 4,100 Reviews on Amazon.com when this article was written.

Click On Image To; View Product, Read Details, or Purchase from Amazon.com

TO CLEAN A K&N Furnace Filter: A. Rinse The Filter With Water.  B. Spray Filter With K&N Cleaner On Both Sides.  C. Rinse Again.

D.  Once Filter Has Dried — Spray The (non-wire) Side Of The Filter With K&N Cleaner & Reinstall The Filter. **

** TIPS: During Temperature Extremes — That Don’t Allow The HVAC System To Be Off While The Filter Dries On Its Own

A. Set The Furnace Blower To Temporarily Run Non-Stop For 2 Hours — To Dry A Wet Filter As Soon As It’s Cleaned.

B. After 2 hours — check the filter to ensure it’s dry.

C. If you’re unsure the filter is completely dry — run the blower motor for 1 more hour and recheck.

This YouTube Video Describes The K&N Furnace Air Filter

Shown: K&N MERV-11 Furnace Air Filter

Image Source: YouTube Embedded Video Link

The Photo Below Demonstrates That 3 Months Was Too Long For This K&N Filter — To Have Not Been Vacuumed.

TIP: Vacuum A K&N Filter Monthly.

SHOWN: 90 Days Was Too Long For This K&N Filter To Go Without Being Vacuumed.

Check Any Type Of Furnace Filter Monthly — If You Can See Build-Up, Vacuum The Dirty Side or Replace The Filter.

Monthly Vacuuming Of A K&N Furnace Filter:

• Remove Filter.
• Use a vacuum’s Soft-Brush Attachment on the dirty side of the filter.
• NOTE: Vacuuming without the Soft-Brush Attachment — could damage the filter.

• TIP: Vacuum The Filter Outdoors.  Vacuuming the filter inside the home — releases some of the trapped particles back into the home’s indoor-air.
• TIP: As with a disposable furnace filter.  We recommend checking a K&N filter monthly — and vacuum as needed
• TIP: Clean & Recharge a K&N furnace filter every 3 months. 

This YouTube Video Describes Cleaning & Recharging A K&N Furnace Air Filter

K&N Says: Cleaning Frequency depends on home conditions such as number of occupants & number of pets in your home. It ranges from 60 to 90 days.

TIP: In A Home With Smokers Or Lots Of Cooking –Clean & Recharge A K&N Filter Monthly To Reduce Odors.

After 60-90 Days: Cleaning & Recharging A K&N Furnace Filter

TIP: How Often The Filter Needs To Be Cleaned Depend On Your Household.

Clean More Frequently If There Are; Shedding Pets, Several People Living In The Home, Older Homes (they leak more air)

If There Are Smokers And/Or Lots Of Cooking — Clean Monthly.

• Remove Filter.

• Use a vacuum’s Soft-Brush Attachment on the dirty side of the filter.
• NOTE: Vacuuming without the brush attachment — could damage the filter.
• TIP: Vacuum The Filter Outdoors.  Vacuuming the filter indoors — releases some of the trapped particles back into the home’s indoor-air.

To Wash The Filter:

• Run water (at low pressure) over both sides to the filter.
• Spray both sides liberally with K&N (brand) Filter Cleaner.  TIP: Use only K&N (brand) Cleaner.
• Let filter soak for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Rinse filter from the clean side.

• Shake off excess water.
• Air dry.
• Before Reinstalling: Spray with K&N (brand) cleaner.

Disposable Furnace FILTERS With Carbon — Help Reduce Odors

Image Source: Amazon.com Embedded Link — Full Details Below

• The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report says most Americans spend 90% of their time indoors.
• The EPA report says indoor-air has some pollutants that are 2 to 5 times more concentrated than in outdoor air.
• Carbon furnace filters remove gases as they stick to the activated carbon — in a process called: “absorption”.

TIP: If your home has smokers or lots of cooking — hazardous gasses concentrations increase substantially.

Carbon Furnace Filters Remove Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) — By Absorbing Them.

VOC EXAMPLE: Any “new smell” Are VOCs Off-Gassing Into The Air.

Carbon Furnace Air Filters Reduce Airflow More Than Non-Carbon Filters

• The higher the MERV Rating — the smaller the filter’s pores (that the air passes through).
• High-MERV Rated filters (such as MERV-8, MERV-10 & MERV-12) reduce airflow -7% to -11%.

Source: https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/do-high-merv-filters-always-reduce-air-flow/

• An Activated Carbon Air Furnace Filter Removes; Odors, Gases, & Chemicals From The Air.
• Activated carbon fibers have tiny pores on their surfaces — these “micropores” are what absorb gasses from the air.
• An carbon furnace filter reduces airflow by a total of around -25% — due to the additional airflow resistance caused by the carbon.

Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/porous-carbon#:~:text

• Carbon filters clog faster than non-carbon filters.
• This makes monthly filter-maintenance even more important.

Source: https://indoorupgrades.com/carbon-filter-reduce-cfm/

ODOR-REDUCTION Carbon Disposable Furnace Filters

For Homes With; Smokers, Lots Of Cooking, & (some) Pets

TIPS:

• 3M Filtrete Odor Reduction (with carbon) Furnace Filters Are Slightly More Expensive Than 3Ms Comparable Non-Carbon Filters.

• BUT Carbon Filters Decrease Airflow An Additional +12% — (due to the addition of carbon).

• So, Carbon Filters Increase Cooling & Heating Costs By +12% — as compared to non-carbon filters.

• Carbon Filters Also Reduce Toxic Gases in the air.  This is very valuable in homes with smokers, or homes in high air-pollution areas.

• The Additional Decreased Airflow Can Be A Small Price To Pay For Homes With Lots Of Recurring Odors (such as Smoking, lots of Cooking & (in some cases) Pets.

• To Minimize The Airflow Reduction Of A Carbon Filter — Vacuum The Dirty Side Every Other Week.  Once each month is enough for non-carbon filters.

What 3M Says About Their Filtrete Odor Reduction (carbon) Furnace Filters  

• 25 times more effective in odor removal than other national retail home air filters.

• OUTPERFORMS FIBERGLASS, WASHABLE AND NON-ELECTROSTATIC pleated 1 in. furnace air filters.

• ACTIVE CARBON LAYER acts as odor eliminator for; smoke, cooking, pet smells, mildew and cleaning chemicals.

• DESIGNED WITH EXCLUSIVE Filtrete™ Brand 3-in-1 technology to trap unwanted air particles while letting cleaner air flow through.

• ATTRACTS AND CAPTURES particles such as lint, pollen, dust, pet dander, smoke and smog.  1200 Odor MPR has a rating of MERV 11.
• The higher the MPR, the more airborne particle, such as pollen, pet dander, smoke, bacteria and viruses, will be captured.

• FOR OPTIMAL FILTER & FURNACE AIRFOW PERFORMANCE
• change your Filtrete air filter at least every 3 months (for 1-in. filters) and at least every 12 months (for 4-in & 5-in filters).

• CREATE A FILTER CHANGE COUNTDOWN in the Filtrete™ SMART APP.
• Sign-up for 3M’s filter change reminder program at: www.filtrete.com/ChangeReminders
• Use the app to scan the barcode on your filter’s packaging — then choose 30, 60, or 90 days for the reminders.
• TIP: Set the app to 1-month reminders.  You Clean a 1″ 3m Filtrete Furnace Filter monthly — and Replace it every 3 months.

Source: https://www.filtrete.com/3M/en_US/filtrete/products/~/Filtrete-MPR-1200-Odor-Reduction-Air-Filters/?N=4315+3288870163+3294529207&rt=rud

Shown: (20x25x1″) 2-Pack, MERV 11 Carbon Filter Price: $36 For 2 ($18.00 each) When This Article Was Written.

NOTE: This Carbon Filter Reduces Airflow Through The Furnace By Around -25%.

Rated 4.7 Stars (out of 5) — with nearly 16,000 Reviews on Amazon.com — when this article was written.

Click On Image To; View Product, Read Details, or Purchase from Amazon.com

TIP: Click On The Image To See Additional Filter Sizes.

As Compared To 3M’s Filtrete Non-Carbon MERV-11 Filter

Shown: This (20x25x1″) 4-Pack, MERV 11 (Non-Carbon) Filter Price: $70 For 4 ($17.50 each) When This Article Was Written.

NOTE: This (non-carbon) Filter Reduces Airflow Through The Furnace By Around -13%.

Rated 4.8 Stars (out of 5) — with nearly 3,000 Reviews on Amazon.com — when this article was written.

Click On Image To; View Product, Read Details, or Purchase from Amazon.com

TIP: Click On The Image To See Additional Filter Sizes.

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This concludes Part-1A-Furnace Filters In Our Multi-Part Article: “Is Your A/C Operating At Its Best Performance?”  Within Part 1-A, we have provided in-depth details about furnace filters, MERV Ratings, filter lifespan, why some filter brands reduce airflow less than other brands, what happens when filters are ignored, and filter maintenance & replacement. 

Al’s Plumbing, in Plano, Texas Provides Full-Service Plumbing; Maintenance, Repairs, and Replacements For Every Plumbing Component In Your Home. We sell and install gas and electric water heaters.  Al’s is near your home in; Murphy, TX; Rowlette, TX; and Wylie, Texas.  We service all homes in southern Collin County, TX, and northeastern Dallas County, TX with no additional travel charges.

Call Al’s Today To Discuss Any Concerns Or Problems You Have With Your Home’s