Water Softeners and Air Filtration Systems - Furnace Air Filter

Hello everyone.

We have a non functional electronic air filter system for our furnace. We would instead like to begin using pleated filters. Do we have to get the electronic air filter system removed and a slot installed for the pleated filters? (One HVAC/R contractor told us that we could simply remove the electronic system's inner workings and pop a normal filter in).

We are changing because 1) the electronic system doens't work, and 2) because we are looking to remove more dust and pet hair and other contaminants that the eletronic system doesn't do.

If what the contractor told us is fine, then that's great, but we wanted an extra opinion. Thanks!

It's okay now everyone! Saw from previous threads that mentioned someone else remove his EAC cells to install a pleated filter, and everyone rooting for the pleated. You all helped without knowing it! :p

I do have one question - with the EAC we had two screen filters also. Should we keep them out with the new pleated?

Yes keep them out they will reduce air flow.

Thank you airman, much appreciated!

Just thought of something else I might ask - is the 3 month change interval good for these pleated filters? Ours is a highly recommended 25" x 16" x 5" pleated filter from Canadian Tire and 3 months seemed to work for others. Can we really tell how bad it is just by sight or does 3 months work fine?

As mentioned this filter was inserted into the shell of our old Honeywell electrostatic precipitator that no longer works (they never work that great anyhow).

Also if someone has an even better filter recommendation, please say so.

Id check on it a 3 months put most 5 inch filters will go 6.