Does mold grow when trapped on my air filter?
I have a Trane 4TEE3F31 air handler which uses the 1″ (looks more like 3/4″) 20×20 air filters. I buy the cheap ‘Basic’ level filtration filters at my local Lowes because the others just seem so darn expensive and I’m skeptical (ignorant) that they would really do much better? One thing I notice when changing them is I usually see a thin layer of dark mold and I always wonder if the mold is trapped but then continues to grow and release spores?I would like to upgrade to higher filtration level filter but it’s hard when I pay $4 each now and the next higher up level (11 MERV) is $12 each.
If you want a better filter invest in a 4″ filter cabinet!3M is good at marketing, not at making filters!
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I cant remember ever seeing mold on a filter ….Do you burn candles ? Vape ?
Tell your Cat I said “Psst Psst Psst”
3M filters are too restrictive for most applications. IMO, Aprilaire makes the best filter. They have a very low pressure drop.
The purpose of the air filter is to keep the equipment clean. Why do you feel the need for a better filter.
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Originally Posted by kdean1
Why do you feel the need for a better filter.
Thank you for the question. I am not sure what to think really. Perhaps I am just affected by the marketing as I stand there looking at the higher filtration rates while shopping and wondering if I’m being too cheap by getting the lowest rated filter. That said I do live on a very wooded lot and between us and the dog we track in a lot of dust, and we run a wood stove which I know puts out a good bit of dust in the winter. And like I said in my original post I’m a little perplexed about the mold(?) I see on my filter when I change it every couple of months. The filter I use says it is rated to be changed every 90 days and I try to do it every 60 days but sometimes I slip so I vary between 2 and 4 months.