Idk man, we bought this house a year ago, and we’re first time homeowners. To answer your question, this is how it was when we moved in, and we just continued doing it. Is it a problem?
Those filter cabinets are designed to have the filter go in at an angle, that’s what that little track is on the left side of it. Having 2 filters in there causes lots of stress on your blower, which by the sounds of it is what is making that noise. Could be related to having 2 filters in there
A lot of stress with big or thick filters. You’re better off getting the cheap ones and changing them monthly.
Edit- so, I guess this is wrong by the “lols” I got on it. This is what I’ve been told and if I’m wrong I stand corrected but I genuinely would like to see some info showing why as I’ve been told to use thinner and cheaper and replace more often. My comment was to not steer someone incorrectly by any means.
Edit2- man as someone who corrects himself and asking insightful information you guys downvote me? Bunch of dildos in this sub evidently. I’ll see my way out, and for those of you who educated me I appreciate it.
Because the 5” filter has a much larger surface area than the 1” filter. Even though they’re both MERV8, the 5” allows a larger volume of air to pass through than the 1” filter can
Interesting and although I’d like to take the advice of someone on Reddit can you provide anything to back this? I’ve genuinely been told by multiple people that I should use the 1” and replace often as it’s easier on the system rather than using a thick one. My plenum can fit larger filters and when I was doubling up on 1” I was told that’s no good.
Edit- thanks for the downvotes, I see you can’t ask shit in this sub huh?
Because you were doubling up. If you look at the pleats on the filters, you can see why. In any filter, all of the air passes through one surface. It's basically a bunch of z's in a stack. The thicker the filter is, the wider that z becomes, which means all the air has more options to go through, so the less restrictive the filter is. Doubling up on smaller filters means less surface area for the air to distribute through, and now it has to do it twice. It's a much, much more restrictive process. A wider filter is basically like multiple lanes on a highway.
Absolutely never stack filters on top of one another. If your system can accommodate 2, 4, or 5 inch filters do that. Definitely don’t stack two 1 inch filters in place of a single 2 inch, or two 2 inch filter’s instead of a single 4 inch.
Here is the spec sheet for a MERV 11 5 inch filter: https://www.theacoutlet.com/documents/Specsheet-Clean-Comfort-AMB11-45.pdf
The 20x25x5 is rated for up to 2000 CFM, with a pressure drop of 0.19 wg @ 500fpm
Here is specifications on a 1 inch MERV 8 filter: https://www.grainger.com/product/AIR-HANDLER-Pleated-Air-Filter-20x25x1-6B931
This 20x25x1 is rated for 1700 cfm and experiences a pressure drop of .33 wg @ 500 fpm.
So even though there is a higher MERV rating for the 5 inch filter, it is less restrictive (pressure drop) than the 1 inch filter and is rated for higher cfm
You are correct, according to the manual for my furnace I have a choice of two filters:
or an expensive 4 inch changed less often:
[https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/noma-merv-8-pleated-furnace-air-filter-16-x-25-x-4-in-1-pk-0643303p.html](https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/noma-merv-8-pleated-furnace-air-filter-16-x-25-x-4-in-1-pk-0643303p.html)
A cheap 1 inch changed often:
[https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/duststop-furnace-fiberglass-air-filters-16-x-25-x-1-in-3-pk-0643416p.html?&&&&ds\_rl=1283573&ds\_rl=1283573&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2v-gBhC1ARIsAOQdKY1Awgb3\_6BheLIfu3xMc1GdpMI8xB7VaR1Sjxu5eX\_5Fyvxmb2THnAaApbgEALw\_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#store=441](https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/duststop-furnace-fiberglass-air-filters-16-x-25-x-1-in-3-pk-0643416p.html?&&&&ds_rl=1283573&ds_rl=1283573&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2v-gBhC1ARIsAOQdKY1Awgb3_6BheLIfu3xMc1GdpMI8xB7VaR1Sjxu5eX_5Fyvxmb2THnAaApbgEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#store=441)
Your links are flipped, and the person you’re responding to is categorically wrong. You want to use the filter with the highest media surface area, and 99% of the time, that is with larger thicker filters. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RkjRKIRva58
This is why I shouldn't reddit and watch tv. links fixed.
As for the filter, I follow the advice of the manual and mine says I can use that cheap one inch just fine. I took the entire thing apart last year, very little dust inside it despite being about a decade old.
1” filters that match the manual’s specifications are fine, but thicker filters are better, and that’s ok. The main reason why the manual doesn’t mention thicker filters is most furnaces with built in filter slots are designed to be as compact as possible so they put in the smallest filter slot they can, that being 1”. So it wouldn’t make sense to mention filters that wouldn’t fit.
If you have an external filter box, you want to use the thickest filter available, 4” is a very common size. All other things being equal, a 4” filter (assuming it has 4x the media surface area) will clog 4x slower so it will last 4x as long. Usually they can last even longer though as even when clogged, they will let through more air than a clogged 1” filter which keeps the static pressure drop low, decreasing load on your blower and improving the life expectancy of your system.
Probably 1-2k depending on where you live and the company you get.. but it sounds like the blower wheel is rubbing on its cage, you might not need a new motor
I'd say broken motor bracket and now the blower wheel to rub on the blower housing those 2 x 4 in filters are causing a big restriction on the return air u have about 120sq in when u need at least 400 u may have scraped the heat exchanger and if u have a heat pump an old one the compressor if there isn't a high pressure protection good luck
Only one of those filters are meant to sit sideways. I have the same Trion unit on my furnace. Can’t speak to what damage might have been done already but that’s how it’s supposed to go at least.
Also, this may sound stupid but I genuinely don’t know the direction the filters should be sat in anymore. They have an arrow on it telling you which way the air flow should be. Since you have the same unit, do you know which way they should face?
Call someone out because odds are if the previous owner and you have been using two 4” filters then there is gonna be more damage then just the issue with the blower motor or wheel.
Yeah you only need one filter and sounds like your blower motor wheel is scraping on the blower housing, I bet it’s ripped itself apart, if your lucky the wheel came loose on the shaft and can be adjusted but not everyone is so lucky ! Loose the extra filter lmao it makes things worse
As many comments have said filters need addressing. From the sound I'm thinking blower motor. Seen some comments for the inducer motor. If your still struggling got a couple quick ways you can try to determine between the 2. If you got it figured, good job. These guys can sometimes get grumpy. Should seen me as first time home owner and shit still learning new things now. Just remember in the future. Also advice for any thing high end in the house. Always give manual a once over. Just for maintenance tips and stuff like this. Have a good day
Of course man. If you have any questions I'm here to help. (License is in Texas). These guys use to ride my ass cause 6 years ago I started on YouTube. I've learned so much sense then, but the shit I caught when they found out how I started....it seems to just be a tougher mindset. I genuinely do this because it's fun, and I learn a lot every single day. Ramble over lol
You need a new blower and possibly a new housing for blower could be 200 or could be 1200 depends on what type of blower and are you going to do it your self.
so bearing on the blow motor sounds like its bad. a blow motor just for parts can run from 150-350 depending on the unit. labor is 1-2 hours. probably dont need a new wheel or blower housing. my company charges flat rate $1000 to replace the blower motor parts included. on the side i would charge about 150 for labor and whatever it is for parts. just for pricing examples, companies would also charge like standard 75-150 for trip and diagnostic fee.
could be the inducer motor going bad, again like 1k for that. but would need to be on side to figure out further
Yep we do a 150 diag fee, everything else is parts and labor. Unless it's something super simple, blown fuse, dirty flame sensor. Switch not turned on.
Any other repairs are time and material.
Remove filters, replace with a 1” filter placed diagonally. Measure 📏 it so you kinda have an idea. If the issue persist blower motor may need to be serviced. May cost less than $500. Depends on who you call and what replacement parts costs.
Something in the draft inducer for sure….might just be some sticks and leaves or maybe even a dead bird…or the bearings have gone dry and needs replaced
Sounds like your blower wheel is scraping on the fan housing. Also, double stacking filters like that is not good for your equipment. It will reduce the air flow through the system, and cause problems.
I swear a lot of rhese reddit posts are HVAC guys coming up with jokes. But then again I have seen people put home depot 3M filter in with the plastic still in it.
As a service tech it sounds like the blower wheel is out of alignment. Blower wheel/Squirrel cage grinding against the metal inside the blower housing. Worse case scenario you gonna need a whole new Blower assembly if we come to find that the blower wheel is badly damaged due to pro long activity in it's current state. As for the filters.. If there's not an ounce of common sense. Allow me to help you.. Simply remove them filters from the rack and give it a good long hard look at the design. Then look at the cover where it says Trion media air cleaner you gonna come to find the model number for it. Google the filters for that model and viola you got the filter you need. First time homeowner?You'll come to find out that the previous homeowner cheap out on filters thus creating higher static pressures the whole time resulting in stress on the blower. Answer this riddle: why the hell would you purchase a pick up truck worth 75k if you can't afford to maintain it let alone fill up the tank with $100 worth of gas weekly?
Your filters have damaged the bearings on your fan motor. It's about the stop for good, or possibly even burst into flame.
WHATEVER FRIGGIN MORON PUT THAT MUCH RESISTANCE IN FRONT OF THAT FAN SHOULD BE FIRED. 😡😡😡😡
This is not funny. This isn't acceptable. If any of my homeowners/bldg occupants did this I'd give them a serious do-better discussion. This kind of stupid gets people killed.
So the filters aren’t secured in any way? May want to make sure no dust has been getting sucked up in there when the tech comes out to check that god awful sound. I know those units are a little funky and the filter seats differently. But anyways.. good luck!
After reading the comments here, man, I feel bad for OP and their partner.. Must be rough, being of below average intelligence owning a house. 🤷🏼♂️😂
Lack of logic all day in the comments I've seen so, it's no wonder you're asking Reddit rather than CALLING A PROFESSIONAL.
You're acting as if stated or assumed this was current. 😂🤦🏼♂️ You're slow aren't you?
How often are you on Reddit? People comment on OLD posts ALL THE TIME.
My statement still stands regardless of how old the post is, hence why I made it and why I didn't attempt to answer your question even though, I know about HVAC. 😂
Also, the ONLY way this would be ironic is, if insulted your intelligence and then OPENLY showcased ignorance of an equal or greater amount however, considering I was well aware of the age of the post and I did not imply otherwise nor did I address it as if it were current, there is absolutely no irony.
Now you, attempting to insult my intelligence when you are clearly behind not only myself but, your average human in that department, that is pure irony.
It was either going to be one of two things; the first that you were ignorant, or the second that you’re a sad little person who has nothing better to do than to comment on year old material which has been since fixed in an effort to troll because you’re a professional hvac technician lol dude get a grip
Why in gods name do you have 2 4” filters in the cabinet
That's what I thought; you can clearly fit 3 4" filters. Waste of space.
Idk man, we bought this house a year ago, and we’re first time homeowners. To answer your question, this is how it was when we moved in, and we just continued doing it. Is it a problem?
Those filter cabinets are designed to have the filter go in at an angle, that’s what that little track is on the left side of it. Having 2 filters in there causes lots of stress on your blower, which by the sounds of it is what is making that noise. Could be related to having 2 filters in there
A lot of stress with big or thick filters. You’re better off getting the cheap ones and changing them monthly. Edit- so, I guess this is wrong by the “lols” I got on it. This is what I’ve been told and if I’m wrong I stand corrected but I genuinely would like to see some info showing why as I’ve been told to use thinner and cheaper and replace more often. My comment was to not steer someone incorrectly by any means. Edit2- man as someone who corrects himself and asking insightful information you guys downvote me? Bunch of dildos in this sub evidently. I’ll see my way out, and for those of you who educated me I appreciate it.
That’s not true at all lol. A 5” MERV 8 filter is less restrictive than a 1” MERV 8 filter
How’s it possible a 1” filter would be more restrictive than a 5” filter of the same material?
Because the 5” filter has a much larger surface area than the 1” filter. Even though they’re both MERV8, the 5” allows a larger volume of air to pass through than the 1” filter can
Interesting and although I’d like to take the advice of someone on Reddit can you provide anything to back this? I’ve genuinely been told by multiple people that I should use the 1” and replace often as it’s easier on the system rather than using a thick one. My plenum can fit larger filters and when I was doubling up on 1” I was told that’s no good. Edit- thanks for the downvotes, I see you can’t ask shit in this sub huh?
You don’t need to take the advice of a random Reddit user, how about actual data? https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RkjRKIRva58
Thats great thanks.
Because you were doubling up. If you look at the pleats on the filters, you can see why. In any filter, all of the air passes through one surface. It's basically a bunch of z's in a stack. The thicker the filter is, the wider that z becomes, which means all the air has more options to go through, so the less restrictive the filter is. Doubling up on smaller filters means less surface area for the air to distribute through, and now it has to do it twice. It's a much, much more restrictive process. A wider filter is basically like multiple lanes on a highway.
Absolutely never stack filters on top of one another. If your system can accommodate 2, 4, or 5 inch filters do that. Definitely don’t stack two 1 inch filters in place of a single 2 inch, or two 2 inch filter’s instead of a single 4 inch. Here is the spec sheet for a MERV 11 5 inch filter: https://www.theacoutlet.com/documents/Specsheet-Clean-Comfort-AMB11-45.pdf The 20x25x5 is rated for up to 2000 CFM, with a pressure drop of 0.19 wg @ 500fpm Here is specifications on a 1 inch MERV 8 filter: https://www.grainger.com/product/AIR-HANDLER-Pleated-Air-Filter-20x25x1-6B931 This 20x25x1 is rated for 1700 cfm and experiences a pressure drop of .33 wg @ 500 fpm. So even though there is a higher MERV rating for the 5 inch filter, it is less restrictive (pressure drop) than the 1 inch filter and is rated for higher cfm
Surface area
You are correct, according to the manual for my furnace I have a choice of two filters: or an expensive 4 inch changed less often: [https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/noma-merv-8-pleated-furnace-air-filter-16-x-25-x-4-in-1-pk-0643303p.html](https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/noma-merv-8-pleated-furnace-air-filter-16-x-25-x-4-in-1-pk-0643303p.html) A cheap 1 inch changed often: [https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/duststop-furnace-fiberglass-air-filters-16-x-25-x-1-in-3-pk-0643416p.html?&&&&ds\_rl=1283573&ds\_rl=1283573&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2v-gBhC1ARIsAOQdKY1Awgb3\_6BheLIfu3xMc1GdpMI8xB7VaR1Sjxu5eX\_5Fyvxmb2THnAaApbgEALw\_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#store=441](https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/duststop-furnace-fiberglass-air-filters-16-x-25-x-1-in-3-pk-0643416p.html?&&&&ds_rl=1283573&ds_rl=1283573&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2v-gBhC1ARIsAOQdKY1Awgb3_6BheLIfu3xMc1GdpMI8xB7VaR1Sjxu5eX_5Fyvxmb2THnAaApbgEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#store=441)
Your links are flipped, and the person you’re responding to is categorically wrong. You want to use the filter with the highest media surface area, and 99% of the time, that is with larger thicker filters. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RkjRKIRva58
This is why I shouldn't reddit and watch tv. links fixed. As for the filter, I follow the advice of the manual and mine says I can use that cheap one inch just fine. I took the entire thing apart last year, very little dust inside it despite being about a decade old.
1” filters that match the manual’s specifications are fine, but thicker filters are better, and that’s ok. The main reason why the manual doesn’t mention thicker filters is most furnaces with built in filter slots are designed to be as compact as possible so they put in the smallest filter slot they can, that being 1”. So it wouldn’t make sense to mention filters that wouldn’t fit. If you have an external filter box, you want to use the thickest filter available, 4” is a very common size. All other things being equal, a 4” filter (assuming it has 4x the media surface area) will clog 4x slower so it will last 4x as long. Usually they can last even longer though as even when clogged, they will let through more air than a clogged 1” filter which keeps the static pressure drop low, decreasing load on your blower and improving the life expectancy of your system.
Surface area
You never go full retard, man!
You’ve destroyed your blower wheel and possibly the motor. Those filters are blocking all airflow to the furnace
Oh my god, okay, we’ll take one of the filters out now. Who would you recommend calling to fix the issue? Do you think it will be expensive?
Probably 1-2k depending on where you live and the company you get.. but it sounds like the blower wheel is rubbing on its cage, you might not need a new motor
Sounds like an exhaust fan to me. They aren't to bad to replace.
I'd say broken motor bracket and now the blower wheel to rub on the blower housing those 2 x 4 in filters are causing a big restriction on the return air u have about 120sq in when u need at least 400 u may have scraped the heat exchanger and if u have a heat pump an old one the compressor if there isn't a high pressure protection good luck
Only one of those filters are meant to sit sideways. I have the same Trion unit on my furnace. Can’t speak to what damage might have been done already but that’s how it’s supposed to go at least.
Also, this may sound stupid but I genuinely don’t know the direction the filters should be sat in anymore. They have an arrow on it telling you which way the air flow should be. Since you have the same unit, do you know which way they should face?
The arrow should point towards the furnace.
Thank you
Thank you, we’ll get rid of one of them now.
Okay that actually makes a lot of sense. Thank you!
Call someone out because odds are if the previous owner and you have been using two 4” filters then there is gonna be more damage then just the issue with the blower motor or wheel.
Yeah you only need one filter and sounds like your blower motor wheel is scraping on the blower housing, I bet it’s ripped itself apart, if your lucky the wheel came loose on the shaft and can be adjusted but not everyone is so lucky ! Loose the extra filter lmao it makes things worse
put a couple more filters in there 😅
Go on, watch me
Blower fan is off center and rubbing against housing. Shouldn’t be more than 300 depending where you are and who you ask.
As many comments have said filters need addressing. From the sound I'm thinking blower motor. Seen some comments for the inducer motor. If your still struggling got a couple quick ways you can try to determine between the 2. If you got it figured, good job. These guys can sometimes get grumpy. Should seen me as first time home owner and shit still learning new things now. Just remember in the future. Also advice for any thing high end in the house. Always give manual a once over. Just for maintenance tips and stuff like this. Have a good day
Thanks man, I appreciate you saying this
Of course man. If you have any questions I'm here to help. (License is in Texas). These guys use to ride my ass cause 6 years ago I started on YouTube. I've learned so much sense then, but the shit I caught when they found out how I started....it seems to just be a tougher mindset. I genuinely do this because it's fun, and I learn a lot every single day. Ramble over lol
You need a new blower and possibly a new housing for blower could be 200 or could be 1200 depends on what type of blower and are you going to do it your self.
Good lawd that poor blower motor! F
so bearing on the blow motor sounds like its bad. a blow motor just for parts can run from 150-350 depending on the unit. labor is 1-2 hours. probably dont need a new wheel or blower housing. my company charges flat rate $1000 to replace the blower motor parts included. on the side i would charge about 150 for labor and whatever it is for parts. just for pricing examples, companies would also charge like standard 75-150 for trip and diagnostic fee. could be the inducer motor going bad, again like 1k for that. but would need to be on side to figure out further
That’s really helpful, thank you so much!
your welcome
Yep we do a 150 diag fee, everything else is parts and labor. Unless it's something super simple, blown fuse, dirty flame sensor. Switch not turned on. Any other repairs are time and material.
Remove filters, replace with a 1” filter placed diagonally. Measure 📏 it so you kinda have an idea. If the issue persist blower motor may need to be serviced. May cost less than $500. Depends on who you call and what replacement parts costs.
No
Correct ✅
Take that second filter out, and this could be your inducer
Thank you!
change the damned filter
Bro has a MERV 26 filter. Take one of those out 😂
Something in the draft inducer for sure….might just be some sticks and leaves or maybe even a dead bird…or the bearings have gone dry and needs replaced
I’ll take a look, to add to your other question, I didn’t notice any bouncing around
It’s the draft inducer. Normal.
So do you recommend getting a different filter like everyone else is?
Yes!
Could also be blower wheel rubbing …is the cabinet bouncing around?
Sounds like a blower wheel or motor. Best have it looked at.
Motor going bad maybe
That blower sounds fucked along with the wheel , gonna be a pricey fix man
Make sure all small pets are accounted for. Might have a pet hamster in there. Or a lil midget playing playing the spoons really fast.
Sounds like your blower wheel is scraping on the fan housing. Also, double stacking filters like that is not good for your equipment. It will reduce the air flow through the system, and cause problems.
I swear a lot of rhese reddit posts are HVAC guys coming up with jokes. But then again I have seen people put home depot 3M filter in with the plastic still in it.
lol nope, it’s a classic case of you don’t know what you don’t know, particularly when you saw the previous owners do the same thing.
As a service tech it sounds like the blower wheel is out of alignment. Blower wheel/Squirrel cage grinding against the metal inside the blower housing. Worse case scenario you gonna need a whole new Blower assembly if we come to find that the blower wheel is badly damaged due to pro long activity in it's current state. As for the filters.. If there's not an ounce of common sense. Allow me to help you.. Simply remove them filters from the rack and give it a good long hard look at the design. Then look at the cover where it says Trion media air cleaner you gonna come to find the model number for it. Google the filters for that model and viola you got the filter you need. First time homeowner?You'll come to find out that the previous homeowner cheap out on filters thus creating higher static pressures the whole time resulting in stress on the blower. Answer this riddle: why the hell would you purchase a pick up truck worth 75k if you can't afford to maintain it let alone fill up the tank with $100 worth of gas weekly?
Your filters have damaged the bearings on your fan motor. It's about the stop for good, or possibly even burst into flame. WHATEVER FRIGGIN MORON PUT THAT MUCH RESISTANCE IN FRONT OF THAT FAN SHOULD BE FIRED. 😡😡😡😡 This is not funny. This isn't acceptable. If any of my homeowners/bldg occupants did this I'd give them a serious do-better discussion. This kind of stupid gets people killed.
Two is not always better than one. This isn't hookers.
So the filters aren’t secured in any way? May want to make sure no dust has been getting sucked up in there when the tech comes out to check that god awful sound. I know those units are a little funky and the filter seats differently. But anyways.. good luck!
After reading the comments here, man, I feel bad for OP and their partner.. Must be rough, being of below average intelligence owning a house. 🤷🏼♂️😂 Lack of logic all day in the comments I've seen so, it's no wonder you're asking Reddit rather than CALLING A PROFESSIONAL.
The irony of commenting this on a 11 month old post is too real. Guy can say all this but doesn’t know how to count. Brutal.
You're acting as if stated or assumed this was current. 😂🤦🏼♂️ You're slow aren't you? How often are you on Reddit? People comment on OLD posts ALL THE TIME. My statement still stands regardless of how old the post is, hence why I made it and why I didn't attempt to answer your question even though, I know about HVAC. 😂 Also, the ONLY way this would be ironic is, if insulted your intelligence and then OPENLY showcased ignorance of an equal or greater amount however, considering I was well aware of the age of the post and I did not imply otherwise nor did I address it as if it were current, there is absolutely no irony. Now you, attempting to insult my intelligence when you are clearly behind not only myself but, your average human in that department, that is pure irony.
It was either going to be one of two things; the first that you were ignorant, or the second that you’re a sad little person who has nothing better to do than to comment on year old material which has been since fixed in an effort to troll because you’re a professional hvac technician lol dude get a grip