Frequently Asked Questions     


How does my filter work?
After air circulates through the home, it passes through the cold-air return duct and through a filter before entering the furnace to be re-heated. The basic furnace filter removes dust collected in the air through its travels. A basic furnace filter is not designed to improve Indoor Air Quality, but is rather simply designed to prevent large dust particulate from collecting on the furnace fan.

Clogged filters have negative effects and they force the furnace to work harder, which dramatically increases furnace wear and hydro consumption.

How often should I replace my filter?
If you want the air in your house to be as clean as possible, particularly if occupants in your home have allergies or are prone to winter colds, then change the filter frequently. Most experts recommend changing air cleaner filters every six months and humidifier pads once per heating season. This will minimize the amount of natural airborne pollutants including mold, pollen, fungi, dust, and self-contributed pollutants like tobacco, pet dander, and cooking smoke. The minimal cost of the replacement pads will be quickly offset by the improved operating efficiency of the furnace and the dramatic improvement in Indoor Air Quality.

Why do you use only genuine factory replacement parts?
Simply put, you get what you pay for. The water panel absorption rate and the filter media efficiency are greatly compromised with cheaply priced substitutes.

Why don't local big box stores sell these filters?
Big box retailers do not have the technical expertise for products that they do not retail within their stores. This equipment is sold through mechanical contractors because of its technical nature.

I found a similar filter and it almost the same dimensions. Do I really need to buy the manufacturers replacement filter?
It is crucial that the filter fits properly and meets the manufacturers performance standards
Improperly fitting filters will allow particulate matter to pass in to the blower, cooling coil and duct work.
These filters are tested and rated by Ashrae to meet the stated efficiency. Manufacturer knock offs do not adhere to the same efficiency standards. They may be using materials that can release toxic gases and promote mold growth (glue)

What is the difference between a 1" filter and a 5" filter?
1” filters are designed to prevent large particulate from plugging the blower wheel and A/C cooling coil
Media filters are designed to protect the occupants as they capture particulate like pollen, spores & dust mites
The holding capacity of media filters is 3 to 4 times longer
The capture rate of a media filter

Can I clean my media filter, wash my carbon filters, and humidifier water panels?
Media air cleaner filters are designed with dense media that have small porous holes that trap and hold the tiniest of particles. They permanently imbed in the media itself. The media is not water resistant and will fray and tear easily.

Carbon filters are disposable not washable and remain activated for about 3-4 months.

Humidifier water panels are honeycomb in design and the mesh is coated with a ceramic spray to slow the flow of water. The minerals and calcium in the water load the center core of the pad preventing proper water absorption and lead to very expensive and wasteful water consumption.

What happens if I leave my furnace filter in too long?
A filter left in too long will increase electricity consumption, reduce air floor, lead to icing and water problems during the summer, and greatly reduce both the life and reliability of you air handling heating/cooling system.

There is an arrow on the face of my filter, how should it be pointing?
The air flow directional arrow should always be pointing at the appliance irrespective of whether the air cleaner is installed in the up flow, down flow or horizontal left or right position.

How does carbon filtration work? Where do I install carbon filters?
Activated charcoal is charcoal that has been treated with oxygen to open up millions of tiny pores between the carbon atoms. When certain chemicals pass next to the carbon surface, they attach to the surface and are trapped. The surface area of activated charcoal gives it countless bonding sites. When all the bonding sites are filled, an activated charcoal filter stops working (2-3 months)

Carbon filters should be installed in the channel of the air cleaner closest to the appliance

How often should I change my humidifier water panel?
Replace your humidifier pad once per season. Frequency can increase if you have extremely hard water in your area.

How does a modern day (Bypass Flow-Through Style) humidifier work?
A water line brings water directly to an electrically-controlled valve at the top of the humidifier. Air passes through a disposable aluminum pad. The pad or “water panel “is similar to a piece of extremely coarse aluminum steel wool. The pad has a coating of matte ceramic, resulting in an extremely large surface area within a small space. When the hygrostat calls for humidity, the valve is opened and causes a flow of water through the pad. Hot air is passed through the pad, causing the water to evaporate from the pad and be carried into the building.

The relative humidity should be set between 35% and 45% depending on the ambient temperature
How does DAX detergent work?

DAX Air Cleaner Detergent is an extra-strong liquid detergent specifically designed for cleaning electronic air filters. Containing surface-active agents, grease solvents, alkaline cleaners, corrosion inhibitors and water conditioners Dax rapidly cleans dirt, grease, dust and tars from electronic concentrations. This detergent comes in a ready-to-use 32oz sprayer.

What are pre-filters?
A washable pre-filter is constructed of multi-layers of aluminum mesh for maximum filtration of large particles

How often should I change my media filter?
Regular 1" furnace filters should be replaced every 2-3 months.

We provide a free 6-month post card reminder service and recommend you check the condition of your filters every six months. Most manufacturers will generally recommend up to one year. We suggest 6-8 months as the frequency has more to do with the living conditions in your home. (Examples: pets, smokers, etc.)

Is my filter easy to install?
Most filters have filter-changing instructions right on the packaging. We can assist you by phone or send a technician to provide this service for you. (Additional cost)


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