how often are you supposed to replace these? i just looked up at mine and it looks quite filthy. i've been here almost 2yrs, but i'm guessing they don't last this long. i was at Lowe's today looking at them, altho i forgot to measure the existing filter, and they had cheapie ones all the way up to $16 for the "top of the line" 3M filter. do the more expensive ones last longer, or is it better to buy cheap ones and change them more often?

 

Cheap ones are supposed to be replaced every few months. The more expensive ones will last longer and usually do a much better job.

 

The el cheapo ones get replaced once a month. The more expensive ones are good for 3 months but I tend to change them more often than that.

Since you haven't changed yours in years, your ductwork is now full or dust and crap so you might as well keep buying the cheap ones because nothing will now make a difference.

If you ever get your ductwork cleaned move up to the better filters.

 

Yup. I change my 3 month 3M's about every 2 months - amazing how much more crap they catch than cheapo blue see thru stuff...

 

is it expensive to get the ductwork cleaned? the place is 1100sq ft. wish i had known this before. you live and learn.

 

I did a similar sized home in 2003. It cost $200. We used Macy's.

I always thought duct cleaning was a scam, but it really did make a difference in the house. Much less dust.

 

i use the 3m ultra filter (abouy 20 bucks) and check it every three months. Usually i change it every six months. BTW, its the purple packaging not the red.

 

^^^ I sorta miss daytona.......


I have a really really odd size, i cant find it anywhere - hd or lowes (cant remember the size off the top of my head right now) But anyone have any sites that they use?

The adjustiable ones done work either....cant get them short enough on one side and long enough on the other. For now I have a 3M filter cut out of the frame and glued to the intake vent - its working but its a bitch to change.

 

I stay far away from the el cheapo ones. I generally get the middle of the line 3M's and replace them every 3 months. My thermostat keeps track for me... so I reset them to 90 days when I put the new ones in, and when it's time to replace them, it blinks to remind me...

 

Used these guys to order an odd sized filter. Got a case of the MERV 11 (between the red and purple 3M filters, and a lot cheaper than HD or Lowes.

http://www.filtersonline.com/

 

I got to replace the ones in our condo as soon as the carpets gets changed. Luckily when we had out place inspected the inspector said the ducts that he had access to seemed to be clean so chances are the seller did like she said and changed them frequently.