One home air conditioner filter or two?
Question:just had some ductwork done. unit had one filter behind grate in ceiling, another like halfway along the attic unit itself. Tech took out the ceiling filter, told me only need one of the two, else will reduce output of unit without adding protection. As they both tend to get pretty cruddy, I am skeptical that we don't need two.or will the one filter now collect all the crud that the ceiling filter won't, on account of it not being there? Opinions please.thanks!
Answers:
I personally have three filters on my system. Two 20x20s and one 18x 20 inside the air handler.
But on the other hand my systems was designed for this application. As you can see my 1st filter (set) provides me with 1600 sq in of air flow and the second provides 360 sq in.
The system only requires 360 sq in for return air so basically the two larger filters are transparent to the system causing no air flow restriction.
Multiple filter is not uncommon but, your system has to be designed to handle them. If your air conditioner was not designed for two then only use one quailty filter. Remember, just becuase it has a place for 2 filters desn't mean it as designed to operate using 2 of them. I would tend to go by the recommendations of the tech that has seen your set first hand.
only one filter is needed it is usely place a the beginning of the output duct
Two will reduce the airflow to the unit. Especially if they go too long without being changed and get a lot of build up. Use one good pleated filter and change them more often is my suggestion. Once every three months is pretty much the status quo.
The other answers are good ones, but here is another possibility. I installed a media filter. It is a big, about 4 inches thick instead of one, that removes more of the smaller particles, increases air flow and lasts longer than thin filters. These cost a few hundred to install though.
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