filthy filters

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downatsealevel

filthy filters

Post by downatsealevel » Sat Dec 06, 2014 9:29 am

I have Philips Respironics REMstar Pro C-Flex+ that has worked fine for almost 4 years. I have noticed that the white replacement filters that I receive run out so I order extras from a different company. In any case, whenever I change it, about every 2 weeks, it is filthy. Last night I checked after only one night and it is again black. anyone know what's going on? Is it dangerous?

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Pugsy
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Re: filthy filters

Post by Pugsy » Sat Dec 06, 2014 9:37 am

When was the last time you washed (or replaced) the black/gray foam filter.
Black after one night....makes me wonder if the foam filter is breaking down or is dirty.
If not the black foam filter...then it really makes me wonder about the overall air in your house. What type of heating system are you using? What does your furnace filter look like? When was the last time it was changed?

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downatsealevel

Re: filthy filters

Post by downatsealevel » Sat Dec 06, 2014 9:51 am

I washed the black filter yesterday and replaced the white filter last night before bed and checked this morning, wanting to see how long it would take to get that dirty and it was one night! I used to replace the white filter every 2+ weeks and then it was not even that dirty. It's only been in the last several months that I've noticed this happening. It's not the air in my house - the furnace filter is fine.

downatsealevel

Re: filthy filters

Post by downatsealevel » Sat Dec 06, 2014 9:52 am

The black filter was replaced (by Medicare) in August.

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Pugsy
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Re: filthy filters

Post by Pugsy » Sat Dec 06, 2014 10:00 am

You don't happen to burn candles in the bedroom do you?

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Re: filthy filters

Post by chunkyfrog » Sat Dec 06, 2014 10:22 am

If you have a fireplace, or an old fuel oil heater, it could explain soot in your room air.
If you are using any kind of heat other than electricity, you need to invest in a carbon monoxide detector.

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downatsealevel

Re: filthy filters

Post by downatsealevel » Sat Dec 06, 2014 10:24 am

No candles. We also have a carbon monoxide detector in the bedroom. Fireplace (in the living room) is gas and this problem predates our use of it. Forced air gas heat but also predates our use of heat.

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Pugsy
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Re: filthy filters

Post by Pugsy » Sat Dec 06, 2014 11:12 am

Then I don't know what might be causing the yucky looking filters so soon.
I would typically see mine getting yucky looking at 2 weeks....and my house is an old farmhouse with old heating system that I know is less than efficient. I have never checked after 1 day though..maybe it is uglier than I thought but I have checked at 1 week and they weren't yucky looking. Mine are worse in the the winter though so I know the furnace has some impact but not a huge impact.

Maybe you have a bad foam filter even though it is relatively new and recently washed. That would be what I might swap out if I could and I were in your shoes.

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atsealevel

Re: filthy filters

Post by atsealevel » Sat Dec 06, 2014 11:21 am

I have an old black foam filter that I will wash and try tonight and report back. Thanks.

Amenite

Re: filthy filters

Post by Amenite » Sat Dec 06, 2014 12:14 pm

downatsealevel wrote:... It's not the air in my house - the furnace filter is fine.
What are the specs of the furnace filter? Would you expect it to capture the same size particles as the ultra fine filter in the machine? You may comparing apples and oranges there.

downatsealevel

Re: filthy filters

Post by downatsealevel » Sat Dec 06, 2014 12:45 pm

My point is...this is a fairly recent problem. Last winter (same furnace and filter etc) there was no problem. This is new. I will check out another foam filter tonight and see if it still happens. To be black within one use is suspect.

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palerider
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Re: filthy filters

Post by palerider » Sat Dec 06, 2014 1:27 pm

maybe the new filters are catching more crap than the old ones were.

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Re: filthy filters

Post by jacobsbd » Sat Dec 06, 2014 3:02 pm

I would check out your furnace anyway. Years ago we had a problem with a furnace. they came and "fixed" it. A few years later we were getting ready to move and had them do an inspection. the new person found that the furnace had not been installed properly and that there was fiberglass insulation in the chimney.

Later when we moved the furniture, we found soot under things near the duct openings
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Re: filthy filters

Post by surf_rower » Sat Dec 06, 2014 6:18 pm

Any chance you are putting the white one on the outside when it is supposed to be on the inside, to catch the small stuff after the black one catches the big stuff?
Also, the white ones are not reversible, they are supposed to face a certain way.
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Backdownatsealevel

Re: filthy filters

Post by Backdownatsealevel » Sun Dec 07, 2014 10:53 am

As it turns out, the white filter was in reversed - but I have been doing that a long time. But I DID change out the black reusable filter to an old one and it made a difference. There was marginal discoloration, not black like before. I have ordered new black reusable filters so with a new black filter and the white one in the correct way, that should solve the problem.