Lets talk furnace filters and dust

redtom

Well-known Member
Okay, I know dust is a way of life and its always gonna be with us. That being said, I got way too much in my house. I got a one story ranch with forced air heat and central AC. I use a free standing woodstove in the basement for supplement. I get literal balls of dust in the walkways. A heavy coat covers any surface rather quickly. I know wood burning does add dust. Don't suggest humidifying! I have to run a basement dehumidifier at least 6 mos a year! Or more. I have a high eff, furnace with the added space guard pleated filter about 4in. thick. When I built in 93, Electro-static filters were all the rage. Are they still? Or were they debunked? My folks live next door with literally almost the same exact setup. Even the same brand of furnace and wood stove and they don't get near the dust. What gives?
 
My furnace has the 4 inch thick filter too and recently I asked a service tech about any added benifit of an electrostatic filter. He said they are useful for removing allergens but unless someone in the house has a sensativity they are not worth the money-they don't remove any more dust than a high-quality 4 inch filter. Make sure the filter is installed right side up - they are directional.
 
What you describe indicates (A)Air leaking into return duct OR (B) Filter not fitting properly allowing air to bypass filter. I am only aware of two Space Guard cabinets #2200 and #2400 both use 6 inch filters. If you are useing 4 inch that might be the problem. Contact Aprilair if you are unsure about filter size.
With as much dirt as you say is in house,filters should be covered quickly.
 
You need to find the source of your dust and fix it. Are you sure it's the woodburner? If so, then I'd inspect it carefully for cracks in the firebox. Also, for fifty bucks a carbon monoxide monitor would be a wise investment.
 
I guess I need to be specific when posting. The 4 inch thickness of the filter was a guess I made to let readers know I have more than the standard 1 inch filter. My woodstove is a freestanding one with no blower or tie-in to my heat ducts. A crack in the stove would be very obvious with smoke emitting. My house is protected thoroughly with smoke and monoxide detectors. thanks
 
do you dust with feather dusters and move the dust around or catch it with something and get it out of the house?

Also any 4 legged critters in the house?

Carpet or hardwood/vinyl floors? Once carpet gets full of dust....
 
The newer vacuum cleaners have better filters that capture more dust rather than spraying it back into the room. Leaving windows open brings more dust inside. An inexpensive fiber-mesh filter air ahead of your main filter will prolong the life of the main filter.
 

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