FPL07-2PK-24 10x20x1 Flat Pan Filter - Quantity 24

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I've always wanted a decent filter that allowed for superior air flow after pleated filters pushed the old fiberglass filters out of the market. These excellent, inexpensive, free-flowing filters are perfect. Several reviews here are complaining about the airflow arrow being backwards. Just follow the installation instructions, don't second guess the engineers, and you'll be fine. I've been using these for years in my own home (two air handlers, four filters) and two rental units (one air handler each). Never had a problem. They work well, they're light but durable. And they definitely improve heating/cooling efficiency over the restrictive filters most people use now. Worth noting that studies done on HVAC air filtration show that no matter what kind of filter you use, you don't get most of the dust in your house anyway because it's resting on surfaces and embedded in carpets and pillows. So no matter how high a MERV rating you use, you end up breathing all the dust as you move around the house stirring it up before it ever gets near your filter.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The Air Flow direction has been changed (redesigned maybe) with the a stronger stretched wires first and the pleated material second. In addition, the paper each is reversed. I installed them (I have two AC systems) and could see they worked just fine. My question is was this redesigned to improve performance or was this a mistake in the manufacturing process? Can you explain this new design?

I do not like the new design of the 1085 filter that I bought today. It had a cardboard support across the back of the filter that is very flimsy and certainly will do nothing to prevent the filter from bending inward due to air intake from the heater. It may even rip and bits may get sucked into my heater. No thanks. I returned it. Thank goodness there were a few of the old style still in the store so I bought them. Please go back to the previous style without those cardboard supports.

I bought two of these about Lamont ago so I would have them on hand and ready to go. Just got them out and noticed the air flow arrow. Others have commented it looks like it's going the wrong way. The other problem is because the cardboard frame is beveled or slanting out it does not go in the furnace easily and i think it would kink if forced. I am not going to take the chance of installing these and have one sucked into my fan. Money wasted and I won't buy again. I hope no one lost their job because of the air flow. Maybe they are working from home and are making them on the kitchen table. Seriously 3M should change back.

The Basic air filter is poorly designed, having the wire support on the intake side of the filter material. It used to be on the back side, and whoever made this change must have made a mistake. A strong airflow can pull the filter material off the support wires, and into the blower, if the filter is installed per the arrows on the frame of the filter. I'll turn my filters over, so the support wires are on the outgoing side. Next time, I won't buy 3M filters.

I have been buying these Basic 3M filters for years and when we built a new home, I continued to use this filter. Recently the look of the filters changed so I knew it had been re-engineered. Then the air returns with the new filters became very noisy and the filters were nearly being sucked into the duct. The cardboard seemed to be flimsy - (didn't take a micrometer to it but wish I had). The new style filters are noticeably smaller in both directions. Next time you re-engineer to cut costs, remember to account for the varying size of the lip on air return duct openings. Not all are 1".

I always purchased the 3 pack Filtrete Basic Air Filters, but recently they changed the wire coils that wrapped throughout the filter with what looks like plastic thin strips that don't look secure. Sure enough, they aren't very sturdy. I had to replace 2 in one month due to bending in the cardboard trim and it caused the air passing through to whistle due to the bent cardboard. I always replaced my filters once a month, now I'm on my third filter within a month and half. Unsatisfied with new filter design. I would recommend the old 3 pack filters, not these with the new design.

I purchased 20x30x1 filters for my 2 HVAC systems and tried to install them in factory manufactured return air grills. I removed the old 20x30x1 hardware store branded filters and attempted to install the new Filtrete basic ones. They were so tight I had to force them into the opening causing them to bow, allowing the air to go around the filters. I ended going back to the hardware store and purchase the cheaper brand that fit properly. I had this same issue at another property I own. Picture it the filter that fits correctly.

Bought the same ones I have been for years, or so I thought. Went to install them only to find they shrunk them another 1/8" all the way around. The last ones the perimeter was very sturdy, these are junk. Had bend retaining tabs so they would stay in frame. The smaller size now allows more air the chance to bypass the filter. Hum didn't see the price of the new smaller package drop. Will have to find another brand now. Father has been a 3M stockholder since 1965, he was very disappointed to hear the change in quality.

Bought 3 at Fleet Farm to try as were on sale. Air flow was not good and filter pulled away from frame. Shouldn't support be on the opposite side? Are the air flow arrows printed wrong? Replaced with regular brand I was using. Not worth the worry to ruin a furnace. Threw the other 2 away. Waste of money. Sorry, would NOT recommend.