Since I am getting my first heat pump installed next week, I decided that it would be a good idea to get a better filter system installed as well. The sales guy talked me into the Airscreen 1000 (after I groaned at the price of the Honeywell F300 Electronic Cleaner that they want 650 for). They want 299 for the Cimatec Airscreen 1000 and he told me it was a great product for the price.

I asked about the media filters instead but he really discouraged me from those products (they offer the Honeywell F200 or F150). He said the replacement filters for those media filters are very costly and need to be replaced every 3-4 months whereas the Airscreen filters are very reasonably-priced (even though they also have to be replaced at least as often).

I can't find much research out there about these filter systems and the pros and cons so I'm hoping I can get some advice out there. Will I be okay with the Airscreen 1000? I'm hoping so!

thanks
Monica

 

I am not familiar with the Cimatec AirScreen model. On the EACs, there are many negative opinions. I don't know. One of the regular HVAC posters on this forum mentions he takes out more electronic air cleaners than he installs. It may be helpful to you if other posters in this thread offer their opinion. I have a Trane 5" media filter cabinet(TFM) and while Trane says they are not as effective with microscopic dust, they don't clog up and have to be attended to like the EAC which I am told has to be cleaned at least monthly and possibly even more frequently. I would definitely cover this maintenance issue with your dealer. Depending upon one's lifestyle,number of people in home,pets, location, the filter in the 5" filter media cabinet can last up to 1 yr before it has to be changed out. Cost of filter varies but usually around $40-50. It takes only a minute to replace as long as access to cabinet is easy. Weigh this against the questionable effectiveness of an EAC along with the minimum monthly maintenance/cleaning(12 times a yr) and this becomes an easy decision. I would review with my dealer the Honeywell and AprilAire media cabinets.

By the way,did you decide to connect your 14XLi heat pump to your Carrier furnace and you are getting a new evaporator coil?

My opinion.
Good Luck!

 

TigerDunes...

Indeed I did decide to pair the Trane 14XLi heat pump with my Carrier gas furnace (I hope this will work out okay). I don't think I have a coil yet do I since I do not currently have any a/c or heat pump.

The contractor that I am getting my Trane heat pump through did not offer the Aprilair products so it may not be an option for me. I think I will ask him about it anyway though.

What's the price point on those Aprilaire products anyway??? Significantly more than the honeywell media air cleaners?

Monica

 

Monica,

I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the comfort and operating savings of your Trane Heat pump both in heating and cooling mode. Since this is an add-on, the appropriate matching evaporator coil will have to be installed. Your dealer will also have to install the dual fuel kit that allows you to set the temperature point that the heat pump will switch over to gas back-up in the heating mode. Make certain he shows you this during installation. My suggestion would be to start somewhere between 35 and 40 deg-then you can adjust to what is good for you. Very easy to do. I assume you will be getting new thermostat as well. Honeywell has a good line.

On the 5" media filter cabinet, ask your dealer about the Honeywell. They are certainly good filters and should be an easy install for your dealer. Just make certain access for filter changeout is conveniently located.

My opinion.
Good Luck!

 

TigerDunes--

I'm worried. I had seen this advice from you before so I asked my dealer if I would be able to adjust the temperature on my own and he said that no, they would set it permanently for me and that it would not be wise for me to adjust the temps. He said I technically could do it myself but I would have to use a screwdriver to get to it. He looked at me like I was strange for even asking that question!

Also, the thermostat I am getting is not Honeywell but I can't remember what it was called at the moment. Pro something?

Monica

 

Monica,

I would not make a big issue of this dual fuel kit. There is a mechanical thermostat in the cabinet of your XL14i Trane heat pump outdoor unit(unless dealer is using another method to set the temp). Why the dealer would make a comment like this is absurd as long as you know how to use an adjustable wrench. Maybe it's because you are a female. Anyway, you tell the dealer where you want the temp set. My advice again between 35 and 40 deg.

I would find out the brand/model of the thermostat the dealer is providing.

Let us know how your install goes.

 

Monica
You may want to check this Honeywell site out on filter choices.

http://electronicaircleaners.com/dat...e_features.pdf

 

TigerDunes,

Thanks... I'm leaning towards the Honeywell F200. Depends on cost. I haven't called the dealer yet to tell him I want to change my order. The installation is this Friday.

Oh... I was wrong. The thermostat is a Honeywell afterall. It's the Vision Pro Heat Pump Thermostat Model TH8321U1008.