How much do you spend for Furnace or A/C filters?

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

How much do you spend for Furnace or A/C filters? Do you find good buys on them?

I think ours cost either $6 or $13 depending on which brand we pick up. We use disposable middle grade filters. Would love to use the ones that have the best ability to catch the tiniest particles but the flow of air seems too blocked by them.

[irmanator]

Mine is $30 at lowes, they are 4 in thick and I am supposed to only change 1x a yr but i got lots of hairy animals so i do it 2x yr depends

[MonkeyMama]

We have a washable filter. Not sure how much it cost (no more than $10 or $20?). Now that you mention it, not sure if we are supposed to change it ever.

We clean it out twice a year.

[disneysteve]

We get the ones that last 3 months. I buy a 3-pack at Home Depot that runs mid-$20 range I believe. Not sure exactly but it is definitely less than $10/filter.

[Slug]

I buy the contractor packs at Lowes. I have LOTS of filters sitting around.

[sweatervestspence]

Originally Posted by disneysteve

We get the ones that last 3 months. I buy a 3-pack at Home Depot that runs mid-$20 range I believe. Not sure exactly but it is definitely less than $10/filter.

I know this is a fairly dead thread but between my rental house and home furnace and our refrigerator water filter and humidifiers and all, I was spending a lot of money on filters. I've got no storage to buy in bulk and need a cheaper option!!!

[MonkeyMama]

I checked and the washable ones are generally lifetime warranty. Have any of you considered buying something more permanent and less disposable? You'd save a lot of $$.

[artwest]

I pay about $3-$4 and change it quarterly.

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

MonkeyMama, I did look into permanent filters but they did not seem to be as effective in pulling out particles. We have an asthma issue, so small particle filtration is a priority. We also run a separate air filter whose filters I do wash, though they are not sold as re-usable.

[YLTL_Dan]

Originally Posted by MonkeyMama

I checked and the washable ones are generally lifetime warranty. Have any of you considered buying something more permanent and less disposable? You'd save a lot of $$.

I switched to washable filters from Lowe's (around $20 each). They are cheaper over the long run, greener, and our AC guy said they do a much better job of filtering out dust. I try to clean them monthly just to keep the highest efficiency for our units. They are almost two years old and still work great.

Remember, if your filter is full of dust/hair, your unit has to work much harder to pull in sufficient air and costs you more money!

[SNRote]

I honestly got tired of throwing money away on furnace filters. We too decided to buy washable filters and they have worked out really well for us. I think they are efficient in pulling out particles. We have to be cautious of dust, etc. b/c of our kiddo with asthma. I think the washable filter does a great job of that.

[snafu]

The research confirms the greatest cost efficiency per unit is 25mm pleated furnace filter; don't use a MERV filter unless approved by a furnace technician. Get major help reducing particulates by removing footwear at entry, regularly dusting flat surfaces, vacuuming carpet and upholstered furnishings using an efficient vacuum, and improving air tightness. Major contributors are smoking and pets.

The EPA's major studies on claims by Industrial Duct Cleaning business's have shown 'No discernible difference' in spite of the claims. The EPA noted over time, ducts get dusty and recommends using your vacuum.

[SNRote]

Originally Posted by snafu

The research confirms the greatest cost efficiency per unit is 25mm pleated furnace filter; don't use a MERV filter unless approved by a furnace technician. Get major help reducing particulates by removing footwear at entry, regularly dusting flat surfaces, vacuuming carpet and upholstered furnishings using an efficient vacuum, and improving air tightness. Major contributors are smoking and pets.

The EPA's major studies on claims by Industrial Duct Cleaning business's have shown 'No discernible difference' in spite of the claims. The EPA noted over time, ducts get dusty and recommends using your vacuum.

Wow, snafu, this is interesting. Where did you find this information about 25mm furnace filters? I just invested in the washable one BUT I might have to give the 25mm a try. Also, do you really think that little things like removing shoes at the front door makes your furnace more efficient? Who knows?! But it's worth the effort to reduce dust and particles from being spread through the house and furnace.