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Pipe over Filter thing

I don't know anything about HVAC. I bought a house in Nebraska and lived in it for about 9 years. I try to change the filter regularly but it's such a pain, i do neglect it. To remove the old filter, I rip it in half and yank it out. To install a new one I fold it in half, a bit, shove it past the pipe, unfold it and jam it into the grooves. I've had it serviced and was told whoever installed it was an idiot. I can't afford to fix it l. My roof has a tarp on it.

Am I doing it wrong. Every time i change the filter i come away with cuts on my hands and it's a horrible experience. Would the foldable filters i see on Facebook work? I hate this furnace. I'll add pictures.

Comments

  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 11,610

    Whoever installed it didn't think about how to service it. Several ways you could fix it. I'd probably put a shorter nipple in the gas valve with a 45 on it, turn the tee on the gas riser 45 degrees, and put a longer nipple on one side of the union or the other. This is gas piping so whoever does it has to know what they are doing.

  • pecmsg
    pecmsg Member Posts: 5,672

    find the installer and beat the living hell out of him.
    that’s inexcusable.

    Find a contractor that will adapt a 4 inch meteor filter into that system.
    It pulls out the side

    mattmia2PC7060delcrossvEdTheHeaterMan
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 11,610

    fun fact, i got suspended from posting to facebook groups for a similar comment about painting wallpaper.

    you could also just change that filter housing to one that slides out the end instead of the top.

    PC7060delcrossv
  • delcrossv
    delcrossv Member Posts: 1,872

    I would have made the same comment. Bunch of weenies on FB- duly noted. 👍️

    Trying to squeeze the best out of a Weil-McLain JB-5 running a 1912 1 pipe system.
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 11,610

    it was the automatic flagging and that i said "shot", not someone reporting it.

    delcrossv
  • delcrossv
    delcrossv Member Posts: 1,872
    Trying to squeeze the best out of a Weil-McLain JB-5 running a 1912 1 pipe system.
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,599

    Based on some reactions I've seen, the same thing would have happened on NextDoor.

    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • Jason23
    Jason23 Member Posts: 2

    Thanks for the info. Um l, I can't do the gas nipple thing. I haven't thought about a side access. I have a sawzall. Can I just cut down the side and make a side access door? I take full responsibility for my actions.

    EdTheHeaterMan
  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 10,074
    edited February 14

    YES. I have actually made a door hinge from duct tape and added a knob for opening the door. Duct tape folded over on the other side as a gasket

    Edward Young Retired

    After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?

  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 11,610

    I would cut the slot 1/3 to 1/2 the width of the filter box in the part where the filter is and get another piece of sheet metal and some sheet metal screws and screw a piece over the hole you cut. Could get some thumb turn buttons and screws and hold it on that way too.(actually I would move the gas pipe but my 2nd option would be to replace the filter box with a slot in the side.)

    Look at the manual for the furnace, is there a filter holder inside the furnace? Could you just remove the one from the duct and put the filter in the blower compartment?