|
10-24-2016, 08:12 PM
|
#1
|
Rivet Master
2016 27' Flying Cloud
Georgetown
, Texas
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 796
|
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?
|
|
|
10-24-2016, 08:21 PM
|
#2
|
3 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
sacramento
, California
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 233
|
I like it. Should not cause any issues
|
|
|
10-26-2016, 06:46 PM
|
#3
|
Rivet Master
2016 27' Flying Cloud
Georgetown
, Texas
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 796
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flht2k
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.
|
|
|
10-27-2016, 05:27 AM
|
#4
|
Rivet Master
2016 23' International
Centennial
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 1,684
|
I like that idea....please keep us updated on your experience with the home made filter. I may try it myself!
__________________
Steve "Centennial Man"
|
|
|
10-27-2016, 11:10 AM
|
#5
|
Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Taos
, New Mexico
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 566
|
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!
|
|
|
10-27-2016, 11:21 AM
|
#6
|
1 Rivet Member
1972 31' Sovereign
Houston
, Texas
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 14
|
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.
|
|
|
10-27-2016, 11:42 AM
|
#7
|
Rivet Master
2013 30' Classic
Greenwood
, Mississippi
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 12,111
|
I work for a filter company that has just the filter material without the cardboard frame.
__________________
2013 Classic 30 Limited
2007 Silver Toyota Tundra Crew Max Limited 5.7 iForce
2006 Vivid Black Harley-Davidson Road King Classic
1999 Black Nissan Pathfinder LE
TAC #MS-10
WBCCI #1811, Region 6, Unit 56
Airforums #70955
|
|
|
10-27-2016, 11:49 AM
|
#8
|
Rivet Master
Commercial Member
New Borockton
, Alabama
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,593
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by m.hony
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
__________________
Randy...Converters, Inverters, Trimetric, Surge Protectors, Zamp, Smartplug, AGM Batts
888-828-1893
Bestconverter.com
|
|
|
10-27-2016, 12:00 PM
|
#9
|
Rivet Master
2013 30' Classic
Greenwood
, Mississippi
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 12,111
|
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.
__________________
2013 Classic 30 Limited
2007 Silver Toyota Tundra Crew Max Limited 5.7 iForce
2006 Vivid Black Harley-Davidson Road King Classic
1999 Black Nissan Pathfinder LE
TAC #MS-10
WBCCI #1811, Region 6, Unit 56
Airforums #70955
|
|
|
10-27-2016, 12:13 PM
|
#10
|
Rivet Master
Commercial Member
New Borockton
, Alabama
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,593
|
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?
__________________
Randy...Converters, Inverters, Trimetric, Surge Protectors, Zamp, Smartplug, AGM Batts
888-828-1893
Bestconverter.com
|
|
|
10-27-2016, 01:14 PM
|
#11
|
Rivet Master
2013 30' Classic
Greenwood
, Mississippi
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 12,111
|
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.
Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums
__________________
2013 Classic 30 Limited
2007 Silver Toyota Tundra Crew Max Limited 5.7 iForce
2006 Vivid Black Harley-Davidson Road King Classic
1999 Black Nissan Pathfinder LE
TAC #MS-10
WBCCI #1811, Region 6, Unit 56
Airforums #70955
|
|
|
10-27-2016, 01:26 PM
|
#12
|
E Pluribus Aluminus
2008 34' Classic S/O
1967 22' Safari
2005 30' Classic
Land Of Enchantment
, New Mexico
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,300
|
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!
__________________
.
Jaxon
WBCCI 7005 * AIR 9218
The trouble with trouble is it always starts out as fun...
|
|
|
10-27-2016, 05:36 PM
|
#13
|
Rivet Master
2016 27' Flying Cloud
Georgetown
, Texas
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 796
|
You Are Correct
Quote:
Originally Posted by m.hony
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.
|
|
|
10-27-2016, 08:26 PM
|
#14
|
Rivet Master
2005 31' Classic
Garner,
, North Carolina
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,031
|
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.
__________________
Carl, Raleigh NC
2-24-16 got a 2005 Classic 31D 460 watts solar, lithium 230 AH, 16" LT's, pulled by:
2003 F-250 SD, CC, 7.3L PowerStroke
WBCCI#1691, Piedmont Airstream Club, Unit #161, Region #3
|
|
|
10-28-2016, 05:34 AM
|
#15
|
Rivet Master
2013 30' Classic
Greenwood
, Mississippi
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 12,111
|
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.
Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums
__________________
2013 Classic 30 Limited
2007 Silver Toyota Tundra Crew Max Limited 5.7 iForce
2006 Vivid Black Harley-Davidson Road King Classic
1999 Black Nissan Pathfinder LE
TAC #MS-10
WBCCI #1811, Region 6, Unit 56
Airforums #70955
|
|
|
11-02-2016, 08:05 AM
|
#16
|
4 Rivet Member
2016 26' Flying Cloud
Southlake
, Texas
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 496
|
I don't see how the grill can fit snug against the ceiling with the household filter in place.
__________________
2016 Flying Cloud 26u
2017 Silverado Duramax 4x4
Equalizer Hitch
|
|
|
11-02-2016, 10:09 AM
|
#17
|
Rivet Master
2013 30' Classic
Greenwood
, Mississippi
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 12,111
|
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...
__________________
2013 Classic 30 Limited
2007 Silver Toyota Tundra Crew Max Limited 5.7 iForce
2006 Vivid Black Harley-Davidson Road King Classic
1999 Black Nissan Pathfinder LE
TAC #MS-10
WBCCI #1811, Region 6, Unit 56
Airforums #70955
|
|
|
11-02-2016, 10:37 AM
|
#18
|
Rivet Master
2015 25' FB Flying Cloud
Manassas
, Virginia
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 562
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by m.hony
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
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|