“I would give it a 5 star review but can't for 2 reasons - first, the sizing info. is VERY misleading. The Aprilaire 410 (different seller) shows this filter is 20x25 and then this seller shows,in the description, the size of 30 x 5 x 5. That is probably correct for the filter "as packaged" since it collapses (a clever idea by the way) but most people, when looking for sizing information on a filter, are looking for the size "as used". Even though I knew my unit took a 410 or 413 Aprilaire filter I was hesitant to purchase either until after my question was answered. It would do both sellers well to change (or at least clarify) the sizing info. because if you read all of the questions, there seems to be a lot of confusion with such a small and seemingly simple detail.The other reason I can't give a 5 star review is I just installed it so only time will tell if this is a good filter and will last the year recommended time frame. The recommended time frame is just that, a recommendation, it all depends on how dirty the return air is. Given that this is a MERV 13 rather than a MERV 10, I figure it will load more quickly. Now sure that I needed that high of a rating but given the minimal price difference between the 10 and 13, I thought I'd try it. I am a little concerned about the static pressure drop being higher with the 13 - possibly increase energy costs slightly but there's always a trade off.”
“When we replaced our furnace in 2009, our HVAC guy said we should keep our Aprilaire, which was essentially a plastic box to hold the filter. Since then, we've had to retrofit its 'innards' to accomodate this media. It's harder to install, and seems to get dirty MUCH faster than the previous filter.I went on Aprilaire's website, which recommends changing these expensive filters 4x a year if you have your furnace fan set to 'always on'. Those of you with allergies will appreciate that setting, which helps remove pollen and other sneeze-makers.However, the original filters cost between $24 and $26 each, AND LASTED A YEAR.These are $40 a pop, and you need to change them FOUR TIMES A YEAR.”
“The filter works just fine, but the packaging it arrived in was not robust--just thin paper board. It could easily have been damaged during shipping. If you are going to ship something this large and delicate (the filter itself is not heavy), the packaging should be sturdier than a cereal box.”
“These are pricey filters and are not fully true HEPA. True HEPA would probably restrict airflow through a whole house HVAC filter system. They are also a bit difficult to get on the guide tracks to the Aprilaire system. I also wonder if a washable prescreen couldn't add life to the filters. The manufacturer might not want this, however as it would cut into the sales of the replacements.”
“TL;DR: I use it. I will buy it again. I recommend it. My 4 stars means 'great product'.(Please note: I reserve 5 stars for over-the-top outstanding; if everything gets five stars it becomes meaningless. My 4 stars is everyone else's 5 stars - it means the product is good, I'll buy it again, and I recommend it. It's does just what I *expect* it to do; no better, no worse. I do the same with standing ovations at plays and live performances, btw... Usually I'll know within a few minutes it deserves a standing ovation; it's beyond expectations.)My favorite way to evaluate something: if I knew then what I know now, would I buy it?This filter: Yes. I would, and will buy it again. I recommend it without reservations.How I installed the filter:Open plumbingsupplyandmore package.Pull down attic hatch, unfold ladder steps.Climb up ladder.Forgot filter, have daughter throw filter box up ladder. Miss. Repeat; catching box this time.Crawl over to air conditioner (low ceiling in attic...)Open filter box.Lift cover off air conditioner.Slide old filter out. Ick! Full of dusty and crud. (we got the 410 filter last time; better 413 this time)Open new filter box, slide filter out of it.Pull apart to open it. (accordion-like)Slide bottom piece (slightly) onto air conditioner. Bump nearby chimney so it falls off (filter from air conditioner; the chimney didn't fall off)Slide bottom piece onto air conditioner again.Slide top piece onto air conditioner. (being careful not to bump the chimney again)Push both pieces to slide filter into air conditioner. Slides right in, fits perfectly. (410 did too)Replace cover over the filter.Crawl back to ladder. Toss empty box down to daughter. (don't toss old filter unless you want an upset dust-covered daughter!)Crawl back down ladder, carefully carrying old filter.Put old filter into trash bag.Fold ladder steps up, push attic hatch closed.Put trash bag with old filter in garage. (awesome daughter already put new filter box into recycling bin)Wash hands.Congratulate self on doing a wonderful job. Family stands around smiling and applauding; bask in their adulation. (not didn't happen... - but congratulate self and cross off the 'to-do' task)It took longer to write this - and probably for you to read this - than it took to actually change the filter.Air conditioner is immediately working better - cycling quicker than before. I can't actually tell, but I'm sure our air is cleaner. (that's not a reflection on the filter; more on me...)Make a note to change it again in six months or so. Cheap and easy way to keep the air conditioner working better!Summary:I use it. I will buy it again. I recommend it.”
“I've been using this filter for years. This particular one had an arrow sticker facing one way on one side, and the opposite way on the other side. This makes confident installation a bit difficult. Should the air flow in the direction of the visible wire mesh, or in the direction without visible wire mesh?”
