Sanyo 24KHS72 filter mod

[Xringer]

It's December, so it's time to clean the filters again. They aren't real dirty (as usual).
But, I noticed that same little build-up of dust on the coil and in certain areas, on the plastic filter holder.

The filters aren't long enough. So, there's a small gap on each end of the filter.
There are dirt traces at each end, and in the center, indicating where
dirty air is getting into the coil..

There is a space between the two filters, I blocked up it's vent slots with clear tape.

I also installed a thin strip of weather-seal foam on the plastic on each side of the center divider section.
The foam insulation pushes the outside edges of the filters,
up flush with the end blocks, nicely sealing up the end leaks.

I looked around and found some more small dirt traces on the end-latches and
around the thermistor wiring channel. I used clear tape to block off the input.

With this mod, I expect to limit the amount of dust that has been bypassing
the filters.
This should help maintain coil efficiency and provide cleaner air.
(Some of the dust particles carry radioactive Radon by-products).

[Xringer]

Did my monthly filter cleaning a little late this month and found the Den filters
had a pretty fair amount of dust collected. Inspected the coil and found zero dust!
Sealing up those spaces around the filters worked very well..


When I started cleaning the living room filters, I noticed there was hardly any dust on the filters at all.
Those filters didn't really need to be cleaned yet. (But, I vacced them anyways).

This past month, both units have put on the same amount of hours (almost 24-7).
I wondered why Sanyo#1 filters were so clean, compared to dusty #2..?.

Is it because the #1 is mounted high up on the wall and number #2 is near the floor??
Less dust up high?

Maybe the extra dust comes from the wall-to-wall carpet in the den.
It's the only place in the house that still has the old carpet.
Even with spring shampooing and weekly vaccing, I'll bet that old carpet is a haven for dust.
It's on our list to be replaced after new paint goes up this summer.

Another factor that could be contributing to the extra den dust, is the kitchen stove and sink..
They are both directly behind the window above the IDU..
The stove is about 4 feet from the window and the sink is right next to it.

Moisture or cooking oils (or grease) in the air is going to accumulate on the filters.
That could be causing the filters to capture extra small dust particles, that would normally slip by..



When I smell the spaghetti sauce cooking, I turn off both units..
But, when I'm not around, those Sanyos keep on trying to clean the air..

[Xringer]

I've been keeping a close eye on the low mounted Sanyo in the Den.
There really wasn't much indication of dust on the filters.
But, it's been over a month, so I cleaned them up this morning.

I was very surprised to find that both sets of filters were still very clean.
With all the indoor cooking (and dusting my wife does), I figured
there would be some noticeable clogging of the filters.
Didn't take very long to get the job done.

The other thing I noticed was the lack of dust building up on the plastic cover. (No dust in the usual spots).
The mods (posted above) are working great!


Hint:
Use a good vac with a small brush nozzle.
I use a Kenmore Evo 21000 Hand held vacuum and it does a good job.
Lay the curved filters over the cover, to keep the filter from flexing while vacuuming it.