Existing duct work was used, but this was still a pretty healthy chunk of cabbage (a little under $8K USD with the extended maintenance plan). Overall, I was quite pleased with the project – from the initial consultation – to the price haggling – to the actual installation. Handled via Sears Home Services – the actual heat pump system is a middle of the line Kenmore unit (14 SEER 2 Ton) with an advanced air handler (which essentially makes the overall system 14.5 SEER – at least that is what the salesman claimed).
Because my previous system was a 1.5 Ton unit, the installers had to expand the return air filter grille from its existing filter size of 12x20x1. I could have sworn remembering them mentioning the dimension 20x20 for some new opening – I assumed they were talking about the return air filter grille. For some reason, 20x20 stuck in my mind.
Anyways, where the hell is this heading? Oh yeah. So I was in Lowes Home Improvement in North Durham in mid-December and decided to pick up air filters for the upstairs and downstairs. In retrospect, the prudent thing to do would have been to, before purchasing filters for the new system, to, oh, I don’t know, actually measure the return air filter grill dimensions. Not necessary, I know that something was 20x20. So I boldly went ahead and bought not just one, but two, of the 3M Filtrete 20x20x1 Air Filters.
Cut to the middle of February and after three months it is time to change the filters. Of course, come to find out that the actual filter slot size of the new system is actually 15x25x1 not 20x20x1. Adding further insult to my self-induced injury, the downstairs return air grille takes a 16x20x1 filter. So I am SOL – having thrown the receipt out back in December. Idiot.
If any faithful blog reader has a need for two unused 20x20x1 3M Filtrete Air Filters, please contact me. Free shipping to the continental United States.
