furnace filter size problem

**sinopa27** · 10-16-2011, 12:24 AM

What do you suggest I do if the filter I need for my furnace isn't the size I need? Any particular filter I should or should not use? Thank you!

**frugalwarrior2** · 10-16-2011, 12:29 AM

If i understand you you are saying its not a standard size? Our isn't and we have to go to a shop here that sells electrical supplies. We pay about $25. ea. and i always get 2 at a time because we need minimum 2 per year. Drives me crazy when the hardwares have those $5. sales!!!

**frugalfranny** · 10-16-2011, 12:42 AM

I have one "odd size' too.........and Lowe's and HD never carry
them but the Ace Hardware will usually have them.

Our utility co. is saying to use the 'fanned' heavier filters........but a furnace guy told me not to..........that it worked the furnace harder and to just change the 'cheap ones' more often. Who knows................

I write the date on the furnace filter when I put it in there......then I know. Also will put it on my calendar during the winter so I remember to change it often.

**sinopa27** · 10-16-2011, 12:59 AM

oh....ok....I was thinking I was the only one with this issue. I do have an Ace hardware nearby. Thanks!

**sinopa27** · 10-16-2011, 01:00 AM

Originally Posted by frugalfranny

I have one "odd size' too.........and Lowe's and HD never carry
them but the Ace Hardware will usually have them.

Our utility co. is saying to use the 'fanned' heavier filters........but a furnace guy told me not to..........that it worked the furnace harder and to just change the 'cheap ones' more often. Who knows................

I write the date on the furnace filter when I put it in there......then I know. Also will put it on my calendar during the winter so I remember to change it often.

i had the AC man man say not to put the filter there. So....i don't know either.

**savvy_sniper** · 10-16-2011, 07:49 AM

I have an odd shaped filter. My A/C guy can get me good ones, but I have to buy like a dozen at a time. He said I can use the less expensive ones that are the correct size at Ace Hardware. I change it on the first of every month. I also vacuum it on the 15th of the month during the summer (when it runs a lot). I also have a filter on the unit in the attic that is changed once a year on April 1.

**sinopa27** · 10-20-2011, 05:30 AM

what is the best way to clean the dust off the actual furnace. I don't have a vacuum cleaner at the present. I am thinking i could scrub it. It is metal. I guess I should turn off the power to it.

**alternativelyfrugal** · 03-01-2012, 08:29 PM

Okay, first of all the furnace guy always says that the beveled filters are hard on the furnace. But the only empirical study ever conducted on the subject (CMHA) disagrees. Beveled filters with high MERV ratings are not at all bad for your furnace.

Getting back to the odd sized filters, just get one of those stiff blue fiber filters that you can cut to size.

**Saule** · 03-02-2012, 09:59 PM

It depends on how old your furnace is - one of my friends blew out his furnace motor because it had to work too hard with the more efficient filters. I have an old furnace too, it requires two filters, so I use one high efficiency and one of the cheap type. So far so good. My furnace is probably 60 years old.

**udwe** · 03-07-2012, 09:36 AM

I use the 3 month filters but change them every month on the first, except during summer (non-heating season).

**Mr Fixit** · 03-07-2012, 11:31 AM

I have used the allergy trapping thicker filters for years and they have never hurt my furnace. They make the house a healthier place, and trap more dust and pollens than the cheap ones.
Good luck finding a filter!