[goof2]

101Lifts2 said:
Also, I've worked construction for 15 years and never seen the filter not near the furnace. Must be a southern thing.

In Houston there aren't any basements so things like HVAC and hot water heaters are put in attics. It also isn't uncommon to have 2 or 3 HVAC units for larger houses. If you want the return to be in the same area as the air supplied for the first floor you need at least 15 feet from the return to the HVAC unit. It is much easier for the homeowner to change a filter at the return than to go in the (typically hotter than hell) attic. Also keep in mind the attics in Houston have a lot more framing to provide additional strength against hurricanes making it a pain in the ass to move around once up there.

 

[RACER X]

home builder has been called. neighbors have had good luck w/ builder doing the right thing.

 

[ducati_atx]

RACER X said:
home builder has been called. neighbors have had good luck w/ builder doing the right thing.

It'll be like a 2 hour fix w/ a sawsall; little or no cash out of their pocket - should be pretty easy to get them to fix.

 

[RACER X]

depends, cutting it only, might not be an option, they will prolly have to box it in. and reenforce the area that will be cut out.

 

[JumpmasterRT]

101Lifts2 said:
OK...furnace filters catch stuff like feathers, hair, yarn:redflip they will pass sand and dust easily so I'm thinking the effectiveness of catching the big shit isn't gonna change.

It must be a southern thing man, my return filter is the ONLY filter in my house and it's about 30' from the handler. Of course my handler is in the attic.
The sole purpose of that filter is to keep the dust and dirt OUT OF THE BLOWER UNIT so you're not buring up bearings or coating the heating/cooling elements.

I'm not in construction and I know that much.... are you a plumber? :twofinger
Besides I thought you worked for GM :confused

Anyway, add to that I'm a Respiratory Therapist so I know the importance of keeping allergens out of the circulated air. My prefered filter traps particles down to .3 microns in size and it doesn't restrict air flow more than 20%. It's also washable and reuseable.

 

[Unregisturd]

Flexin said:
Slow down. Z might like an extra 3".

James

No, Ed talked her into starting small. :redflip

 

[101Lifts2]

It must be a southern thing man, my return filter is the ONLY filter in my house and it's about 30' from the handler. Of course my handler is in the attic.
The sole purpose of that filter is to keep the dust and dirt OUT OF THE BLOWER UNIT so you're not buring up bearings or coating the heating/cooling elements.

I'm not in construction and I know that much.... are you a plumber? :twofinger
Besides I thought you worked for GM :confused

Anyway, add to that I'm a Respiratory Therapist so I know the importance of keeping allergens out of the circulated air. My prefered filter traps particles down to .3 microns in size and it doesn't restrict air flow more than 20%. It's also washable and reuseable.

Yes I figured the filter was to protect the unit, not to filter the air considering the air is being drawn from inside the house.

I work for Isuzu..used to work for GM.

 

[david wise]

First of all, That filter doesnt look dirty at all. Dont waste your money on cleaning ducts that dont need it...

Now, Having a filter grill is very common and usually makes it easier for the home owner to replace the filter without going into the furnace.

What should have been done with that is the beam running through the filter needs to be cut and the filter grill framed out. This way air flow isnt hurt and structural integrity is maintianed.

Oh yeah, I'm an HVAC tech...

Yeah you are right is really good