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joshpit2003 OP t1_jbzozw3 wrote

Buy "dumb".

One with a mechanical switch.

Dumb air filters are ideal, because they always kick back on when the power flickers (or is switched) and they are not filled with seemingly useless electronics, apps, lock-outs, annoying lights, or IOT features.

I've had a (not sold any more) 3M Filtrete Ultra Purifier (model: FAP 03) for over a decade now. It has 4 switch positions: OFF - SPEED 1 - 2 - 3. I suspect a cheap box fan would work too.

Buy large.

The larger it is, the less frequently you will need to clean it and the faster it can filter air for a given room size.

Consider energy costs.

Use a programmable wall outlet device.

Box fans pull around 60 Watts on low. My large (pictured) filter pulls 85 Watts on low, 100/150 Watts on med/high. In general, the more effective your filtration, the more power it takes to pull air through it.

I've been using the Fosmon 24 Hour Programmable Digital Timer Outlet for a few years now, and think they are great. Simple, small, cheap, easy to program, and reliable.

Consider filter costs.

K&N sells reusable (washable) HVAC filters that are rated merv 11.

My stock (Filtrete FAPF03) filters for my machine were costing me $20 a piece. HVAC disposable options (of similar size) were costing me $13 a piece. This K&N reusable setup costs me $30 for the filter and $10 for a large bottle of cleaning fluid.

For my application I had to modify my K&N filter length: I knocked the plastic corner tabs off with a hammer/screw driver, then cut accordingly, and knocked the plastic tabs back in.

Hope that helps.

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TheKoziONE t1_jc2hvl6 wrote

What’s the part number of the k&n filter?

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joshpit2003 OP t1_jc2tzw7 wrote

I didn't see a part number listed on the Amazon page where I purchased it. Just this description:

K&N 12x24x1 Air Filter, Merv 11, Washable Air Filter, the Last Furnace Filter You Will Ever Buy, Breathe Safely at Home or in the Office (Actual Dimensions .8 x 23.6 x 11.6 inches)

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maybewonderful t1_jc3rkaa wrote

I'm curious, I understand the point of dehumidifers, humidifiers when you have a cold/flu, but outside of a hazardous workspace e.g. laboratory, factory floor etc... or if you have a lung condition e.g. asthma or cystic fibrosis, why would you need an air filtration system? I've never had one, and I've never been able to think of a reason why someone (asides from the above) would want one, please help me understand.

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joshpit2003 OP t1_jc3yedp wrote

For home use: It's helpful for those sensitive to dust or allergies.
Or for those in California: It's helpful for scrubbing wildfire particulate matter from the air.

Otherwise, I agree it isn't needed. Your HVAC filter should be your first line of defense. These stand alone filters are just extra.

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maybewonderful t1_jdn6bjh wrote

Allergies and wildfires are very good reasons, thanks for getting back to me :)

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secular_dance_crime t1_jc4iys1 wrote

The purpose of filtering the air is to keep a house cleaner vacuum. It prevents the house from absorbing dust by filtering it from the air before it settles.

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Hang-Fire-2468 t1_jbzqbyg wrote

I had no idea they made household filters. Do they require the special cleaning fluid like the automotive ones?

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joshpit2003 OP t1_jbzrf57 wrote

They introduced them a year or two ago. They only offer limited popular sizes, and only in 1" thickness (as of this date).

The filter is a dry one (not oil-impregnated like their automotive filters). They require a cleaning fluid, and it's not the same as the cleaning fluid used for the automotive filters.

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Easy_Independent_313 t1_jc1i6fv wrote

I have one of these in my basement that the previous owners left. Maybe I'll go get a new filter and set it up.

I have a two story house, where should I place it? Upstairs or down?

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