Ok. One more test for Air Filters. Get a 1 inch and a 4 inch filter. With the same MERV rating.

Weigh both filters separately and take note. Now use 1 inch filter for one month and weigh. Then cut filter in half and note where particulates are. Are they on the surface or within the media.

Now do the same with the 4 inch filter within its recommended 6 month use. Did you find the 4 inch filter 6 times the weight? No? This tells me its letting particulates pass through.

Now on to more ducting issues. The New Thinking is to have fresh air enter the home through the air handler. Are you kidding me? No I am not. The thinking is the new air handlers are so efficient that the loss of outside air treatment cost coming into the home is negligible. Are you kidding me. Why have a more efficient air handler then? Why spend the extra money for new? Do you want fresh air in your home? Open a window or door...

My mind is boggled.

Again. In conclusion I feel it is better to have a 18+ MERV 1 Inch filter and change monthly.

Thanks for your time.

Fresh Air Induction:

Now that homes are being built “tighter” a problem has risen. Humidification, you may see it as condensation on your windows during temperature extremes. The solution is dehumidifiers or Fresh Air Induction. Fresh Air Induction is ducting that transfers fresh air into your air handler to reduce humidity and add fresh air to your home. The down side is this air has to be conditioned to the homes interior temperature that is a cost to the homeowner in power and gas usage.

This is done in two ways, either using the release of static pressure by opening a door or window. Which allows fresh air to enter the home through the fresh air intake. However it does not stop the constant temperature exchange with an open duct to the outside direct to your air handler.

Or by using a Heating Recovery Ventilator (HRV) to exchange the air. The HRV conditions the incoming outside air with the inside conditioned air. Which can recover 60%-70% of energy loss from exhausted air. The HRV is also controlled to only allow fresh air in at specific times. Either through a timer or when humid conditions apply.

 

In short, your 90% efficient air  handler just got less efficient and more expensive with added costs of heating, cooling and maintenance. Click on Video icon for Youtube videos.

 

HEAT LOSS:

A FLIR imaging camera is very helpful finding heat loss in the winter. I found a 16 inch area that went from ceiling to floor with no insulation. what started my search was a 9 degree difference between two rooms. First I opened the balance flap inside the air vent. With that ajustment it gained 5 degrees. Then I used a laser temperature gun. Then the FLIR, then I purchased a inspection camera drilled a hole and had proof of missing insulation. Once insulation was installed, both rooms are now the same temperature. See picture below.

 

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Updated 2.17.19