I know this has been discussed before, but I can’t find any threads about it.

What is the best online source for HVAC filters that SF members like?

I need one for my Lennox furnace.

Thanks!

Excam Man?

quote:

Originally posted by motor59:
Excam Man?

He's sold them to several members who like them. Try sending him an email.

I don't know if they're the best, but I've been using Filters Now for years. Prices better than local stores, oddball sizes available, and their shipments are prompt and accurate. I use their Accumulair Gold filters that are MERV 8.

quote:

Originally posted by tatortodd:
I don't know if they're the best, but I've been using Filters Now for years. Prices better than local stores, oddball sizes available, and their shipments are prompt and accurate. I use their Accumulair Gold filters that are MERV 8.

Good prices

I usually do a search with the size and MERV rating to find the best deal at the time for the one I want.
Buying them in a 6 pack or more is much likely to give you a free shipping option so you save there too.
If you have a well or use a water filter, do it with them too. The savings for water filters vs buying locally is even greater.

I wish there was a decent Amazon option for air filters...

Forum member Excam_Man is in that business.

Since my business has me in and out of Ace Hardware and True Value Hardware stores frequently, I just buy my filters at these stores.

quote:

Originally posted by tatortodd:
I don't know if they're the best, but I've been using Filters Now for years. Prices better than local stores, oddball sizes available, and their shipments are prompt and accurate. I use their Accumulair Gold filters that are MERV 8.

Hey thanks; I think this is the site I bought from years ago then forgot what site it was. Now to remember if I bought Gold or Platinum or ???

quote:

Originally posted by tatortodd:
I don't know if they're the best, but I've been using Filters Now for years. Prices better than local stores, oddball sizes available, and their shipments are prompt and accurate. I use their Accumulair Gold filters that are MERV 8.

Thanks! I went with them, checked Amazon, eBay and numerous online sources and these guys had the best prices and free shipping.

Keep in mind fellas that the higher the MERV isn't necessarily better. I used to think this. I learned here that the greater filtration filters can have damaging effects on the furnace blower as they offer too much resistance to flow. I think a MERV 7 is about right from what I've read. Just FYI and hope an HVAC guy will come along to confirm.

quote:

Originally posted by 6guns:
Keep in mind fellas that the higher the MERV isn't necessarily better.

My installer used an 11 and that's what I ordered. Now you have me worried.

quote:

Originally posted by PASig:

quote:

Originally posted by 6guns:
Keep in mind fellas that the higher the MERV isn't necessarily better.

My installer used an 11 and that's what I ordered. Now you have me worried.

A quick search gave me this: https://www.familyhandyman.com...ers-to-buy/view-all/

I have a 7

quote:

Originally posted by 6guns:
Keep in mind fellas that the higher the MERV isn't necessarily better. I used to think this. I learned here that the greater filtration filters can have damaging effects on the furnace blower as they offer too much resistance to flow. I think a MERV 7 is about right from what I've read. Just FYI and hope an HVAC guy will come along to confirm.

In most older system designs this is true. Back in the day, the filter most people sized was marginal in size for the amount of airflow (CFM) of the air handler. In those cases putting a higher merv rating does restrict it too much and strain the blower motor as well as run higher pressures on the unit. On most modern installs, the filter is oversized and can allow for a Merv 11 if this is the case.

There are calculations to figure it out...….but the general rule of thumb is 1 sq foot (144 sq inches) of filter per ton of a/c...….for example a 2 ton should have a 12"x24" filter.

I use pure air filters to source filters, but I have a wholesale account with them and they're local to me. They sell/ship online.

https://www.pureairfiltersdirect.com/

Agree to go lower MERV (or at least be aware of the issue. Two different HVAC guys also said to throw out all those high MRV anti-allergen filters I was using in my furnace. They were restricting the airflow and straining the motor as noted above. I did to reduce allergens (lots of allergies in my home), but both reocmmended one of those cheap, high flow, blue ones (and not the high filtration 3M pleated ones). Those are for air filters, not furnaces, he said.

I found Menards and Home Depot have the filter I need at about the best prices around including online. We use 20x25x4 Merv 8 and I bought Best Air replacement at Menards for $20. I might try Merv 11 next time just to see what happens as it is only a few dollars more. Our new Carrier Performance 80 furnace has ECM variable speed motor.