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Old 10-24-2016, 08:12 PM   #1
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Air Conditioner ... I Can't Take Credit for this Idea ... Your Thoughts?

The factory filter for the Airstream ducted air conditioning return vents is a cheap spongy filter (see photo #1).

I heard of someone else with the Airstream ducted air conditioning cutting residential filters "down to size" to fit the Airstream air conditioning return vents (see photo #2) and replacing the "spongy" filter with the residential filter material.

So I decided to try the same idea (see photos #3 - 5).

My primary concerns are:

1. Restricted air flow resulting in poor performance (it didn't appear to have a negative impact whatsoever).
2. Could the use of a residential filter cause the RV air conditioner to work harder, negatively affect the RV air conditioner, cause the warranty on the RV air conditioner warranty to be voided?

Has anyone else tried this?

Does anyone have thoughts on this experiment?

Would you continue to do this or would you discourage it?
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Old 10-24-2016, 08:21 PM   #2
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I like it. Should not cause any issues
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Old 10-26-2016, 06:46 PM   #3
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I like it. Should not cause any issues
Thank you for reading the thread, viewing the photos and replying with your input. Appreciate it very much ... will continue to try these as filters.
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Old 10-27-2016, 05:27 AM   #4
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I like that idea....please keep us updated on your experience with the home made filter. I may try it myself!
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Old 10-27-2016, 11:10 AM   #5
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I made a similar air filter to use in an air vent / exhaust fan in my house just a couple of weeks ago using a replaced furnace filter. Great idea I say!
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Old 10-27-2016, 11:21 AM   #6
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The ends of the folds need to be sealed (duct tape?) to prevent unfiltered air from bypassing the filter. You want to keep the folds, as it increases the filter media surface area, which reduces the resistance to air flow.
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Old 10-27-2016, 11:42 AM   #7
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I work for a filter company that has just the filter material without the cardboard frame.
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Old 10-27-2016, 11:49 AM   #8
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I work for a filter company that has just the filter material without the cardboard frame.
That seems like the answer. I also was concerned about the unfiltered air along the edges. Gives me an Idea for my sponge circle filters on another Moho.
Thanks all, the sponges seem quite porous then on the other hand, wouldn't they want their products to last? At least through the warranty period anyway
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Old 10-27-2016, 12:00 PM   #9
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I am assuming the filter is cut a little big and there is a "margin" or edge of overlapping filter material (media) all the way around the return grill between the ceiling of the trailer and the return grill- the filter media is cut the size of the return grill, which is larger than the actual return opening in the ceiling of the trailer- The filter is compression fitted between the ceiling and the return grill.
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Old 10-27-2016, 12:13 PM   #10
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I could be wrong but the Z shape of the filter provides more material for dust to collect on and flattening it down would reduce this area so the question is how much efficiency of the filter is reduced (if any) by pressing it flat. The next question is doubling up maybe for better filtration, but would it be too restrictive?
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Old 10-27-2016, 01:14 PM   #11
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It should only be flattened at the edges and still "pleated" in the middle filtration area.
Yes, the pleats make it a better filter, and all pleated filters are rated at least MERV 8.


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Old 10-27-2016, 01:26 PM   #12
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Seems some duct tape on the sides would correct the airflow issue... Was just at the factory and they charged $12+|- for one of the foam filters... I've got two AC's! This looks to be a good idea - Thanks Frank & Mike!
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Old 10-27-2016, 05:36 PM   #13
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You Are Correct

Quote:
Originally Posted by m.hony View Post
I am assuming the filter is cut a little big and there is a "margin" or edge of overlapping filter material (media) all the way around the return grill between the ceiling of the trailer and the return grill- the filter media is cut the size of the return grill, which is larger than the actual return opening in the ceiling of the trailer- The filter is compression fitted between the ceiling and the return grill.
You are correct. I cut the filter a little larger to allow the filter to be compressed between the ceiling and the frame of the grill.

Thanks all for the input. I'll keep you posted of any positive or negative results. But last weekend I didn't know any reduction in airflow.
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Old 10-27-2016, 08:26 PM   #14
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the pleats mainly give the filter more surface area to hold more dust. It does not matter if the media is flat or pleated the efficiency is the same.

doing this adds another layer of filtration to the system which is good. This help prevent dust build up on the coils which reduces cooling and in some cases heating efficiency of the system.

more than one way to skin a cat so to speak.. good deal and good idea.
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Old 10-28-2016, 05:34 AM   #15
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Sounds like a filter man to me.
It is still a MERV 8 filter whether it is flat or pleated.
Pleated is just more of it- more surface area.
Also, it gives dirt a place to accumulate or gather down in the V or valley of the pleats.


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Old 11-02-2016, 08:05 AM   #16
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I don't see how the grill can fit snug against the ceiling with the household filter in place.
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Old 11-02-2016, 10:09 AM   #17
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It is just the filter material compressed between the return grill and ceiling like a sandwich.
One slice of bread fits snug against the peanut butter and jelly fits snug against the other slice of bread...
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Old 11-02-2016, 10:37 AM   #18
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It is just the filter material compressed between the return grill and ceiling like a sandwich.
One slice of bread fits snug against the peanut butter and jelly fits snug against the other slice of bread...
Or ham snug one one side and the cheese on the other
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