Help! Replace Electronic Air Cleaner????

I installed a new furnace/air system 5 years ago with an electronic air cleaner. I don't think it's working as I hear no zapping noise. The guy who serviced my air conditioning system today says I should replace the cleaner with a Spaceguard Air Cleaner (?). I am a single mother of three boys on limited budget. This sounds expensive to me. Can I just remove the electronic filters and replace with your average furnace filters from one of those do it yourself superstores??? I really need good advice. I am sorry if I sound stupid, but I just have no clue and don't want to get ripped off. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. My kids have allergies and I need clean air! Thank you.

 

pull out the cells and measure the size for replacement
go to home depot, they have 20 X20 X 4 and 20X25 X4, as well as 5 inch filters. use one of them, they fit nicely, done all the time

 

hvac is right. Those pleated filters will slide right in and do a better job than a malfunctioning electronic filter. As a matter of fact, from a maintanence standpoint, I would rather have the 4" pleated paper than an electronic. If you like the way it works, you could ask the next serviceperson that you have in to work on the furnace to disconnect the wiring to the power supply. Don't make a service call just for that, but it would take someone 2 minutes to disconnect the wires, and that completely removes the electronic filter from the electrical circuit.

Ken

 

With the Guys here for sure. On a unit like you have you have to hear the zapping all the time. The filter part that is in there should be taken out every 2 weeks and washed. Id for get it and go with the pleated kind there for sure. There could be a on off switch on the filter that you could turn off for now.


ED

 

The manufacturer of your air cleaner also sells a (media) filter that will fit perfect. The manufacturer offers their air cleaners with a filter as a low cost entry level option. The filter customer can later upgrade (plug-and-play) to the electronic. The electronic air cleaner is built to last the life of a heating system, 25 years, but may require repair along with the heating system. Media filters do not remove allergens as well as electronic. Electronic air cleaners can eliminate having to dust. See manufacturer brochures for media versus electronic comparison.