joshpit2003 OP t1_jc3yedp wrote on March 13, 2023 at 9:30 PM

Reply to comment by maybewonderful in Room Air-Filter: Dumb filter + K&N HVAC (reusable merv 11) + Programmable Outlet Device = Low cost and reliable. by joshpit2003

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.

joshpit2003 OP t1_jc2tzw7 wrote on March 13, 2023 at 5:10 PM

Reply to comment by TheKoziONE in Room Air-Filter: Dumb filter + K&N HVAC (reusable merv 11) + Programmable Outlet Device = Low cost and reliable. by joshpit2003

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)

joshpit2003 OP t1_jbzrf57 wrote on March 12, 2023 at 11:53 PM

Reply to comment by Hang-Fire-2468 in Room Air-Filter: Dumb filter + K&N HVAC (reusable merv 11) + Programmable Outlet Device = Low cost and reliable. by joshpit2003

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.

joshpit2003 OP t1_jbzozw3 wrote on March 12, 2023 at 11:35 PM

Reply to Room Air-Filter: Dumb filter + K&N HVAC (reusable merv 11) + Programmable Outlet Device = Low cost and reliable. by joshpit2003

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.