Hello all,

Next house project coming up and am hoping to get some knowledge opinions. The house hvac system came with two electrostatic air filter cells (one upstairs and one downstairs). From what I've read and seen online, these are usually in the furnace, not embedded in the wall so it's been tough getting the right information. However, most tend to agree they're not worth the time and effort to keep up vs a media filter. So I'm wanting to rip out the cells and use a simple 4" media filter. Has anyone done this before or have some good resources?

I have this exact setup from 1980 Carrier new build - raquetball buddy at the time - only mine is in ceiling.
Honeywell electronic cleaners are keepers and can go into dishwasher at off times, even the "piano wires" can be found - one broke thanks to fumble fingers.

Electrostatic filter must GO, even IF someone SAID the system was designed for such an air flow inhibitor. No tears since
a) todays filters are so advanced, they are even rated for crying out loud
b) the electronics are taking better care of the smoke & particles than any electrostatic can
c) electrostatic filters were designed for systems w/o elextronic filters in the day, so betting a nickel the owner bought & installed it, thinking mo' is better .... such an air restriction makes me want to check for duct leaks caused by such a setup

So what is the replacement? My Honeywell twin to your photo only has a metal screen filter (link below is similar) that gets washed same time as the big boys do. If you bought a paper one, give air flow specs more attention than MERV ratings, OK?

https://www.amazon.com/20x25x1-19-63x24-63-Inch-Metal-Filter/dp/B0087QNC22

IMHO, Measure it, find a 4" filter that fits and swap it out - if I recall there may be a tab you need to remove. Change your filters every 6 months or so and never look back. I had a set and they arc'ed every time they got the least bit dirty and honestly they never seemed to catcht much dust. Mine were too large to fit in dishwasher and were a pita to clean monthly.

I'm not exactly following. You're saying keep the Honeywell cell that's in the wall and replace the electrostatic mesh? Is that correct? Also you are right in that there are leaks in the air ducts I need to fix.

That's what I'm planning on doing. Did you replace them yourself? Trying to figure out how to properly replace them. Do I need to turn off the breaker to them before pulling it out?

Correct
Wall side are keeper electronic that need hosing clean every 3-6 months, turn off switch on side, CAREFULLY remove, wash, drip dry, replace.

Right side novelty is the electrostatic you can clean, then donate, replace with the link to metal screen given or a free-flowing paper disposable one.

Thanks! Are the wall side keeper things worth it though. I think they're from the 90s

Not only worth it, these and the outside grill are made like tanks to last forever and make the new ones look cheap. Mine work like new and love the buzz/zap sound that comes with dead mosquitoes.

IF you were doing a new house only THEN would the Trane ultra filteration system be worth the money. That said, just replaced another 20yo Carrier system w/Trane and continue to use these Honeywells.

Thanks again for all the info. If these are too big to fit in my dishwasher what is the best way to clean them? I'm guessing I can find an old manual online that'll give proper steps to remove and clean?

The SOP is to hose them outside, no soap
Bad weather will find them in the shower getting clean