Carbon Filter Fabric in a 22M

[Eagle5]

Carbon Filter Fabric can be ordered from Amazon, to reduce smoke and particulates inside the RV.

Step #1: Remove the four screws holding the ceiling air return panel using a #2 Phillips Driver

Step #2: Cut a 15"x15" piece of Carbon Filter Fabric to supplement the existing mesh filter. In this example, you can use the existing filter as a template. When reinstalling the air return panel, first get all four screws started, and then gently tighten them.

Step #3: If you are plugged-in on just 15amp service, it is fine to run the fan without the air conditioner. Select <SYSTEM FAN> & <FAN AUTO LOW>.

As our 22M has an inverter, we use a household HEPA Filter with fresh Carbon Filter Fabric while we drive down the highway. Selecting <Max Air> on the E-450 will partially recirculate the inside air, reducing the amount of smoky outside air drawn into the cab.

Smoke 'em if you got 'em!
Eagle5

[Phil G.]

Hmmm ... I've never heard of that, but maybe it's a great idea!

However:
- How does this filter take particles out of the air?
- How often do you have to unscrew the A/C's intake plastic rim in order to clean/replace the carbin filter, and how many times doing this before the screws finally get stripped?
- How often does one have to clean the carbon filter, and how do you clean it?
- How much is the A/C air flow reduced by the carbon material as it fills up with particles and what effect is this reduction going to have on the A/C's effectiveness and long-term A/C system mechanical reliability?

[Eagle5]

Hi Phil,
1.) Both the original mesh filter and the Carbon Filter Fabric are very open weaves. Some additional physical particles would be filtered-out, but nothing like a HEPA filter can do.
2.) Carbon prefilters are replaced on HEPA Filters on a two-month schedule. If you are easy with the self-tapping screws, they should hold-up just fine.
3.) You replace Carbon Fabric Filters every two months, as they are spent trapping smells, just as an organic respirator's Carbon Filter would do.
4.) By replacing the Carbon Fabric Filter, and washing-out the mesh filter every two months, I doubt you will affect the air conditioner's performance. The air flow coming though the system seems the same, both before and after the alteration.
Thanks, Eagle5

[Phil G.]

Originally Posted by Eagle5

Hi Phil,
1.) Both the original mesh filter and the Carbon Filter Fabric are very open weaves. Some additional physical particles would be filtered-out, but nothing like a HEPA filter can do.
2.) Carbon prefilters are replaced on HEPA Filters on a two-month schedule. If you are easy with the self-tapping screws, they should hold-up just fine.
3.) You replace Carbon Fabric Filters every two months, as they are spent trapping smells, just as an organic respirator's Carbon Filter would do.
4.) By replacing the Carbon Fabric Filter, and washing-out the mesh filter every two months, I doubt you will affect the air conditioner's performance. The air flow coming though the system seems the same, both before and after the alteration.
Thanks, Eagle5

Thanks much for the additional info.

For when you don't need to run the A/C for cooling per se, then just running the A/C's blower fan by itself during moderate outside air temperatures - with a real good "almost HEPA grade" filter covering the plastic grill - might just be an outstanding way to keep air inside the coach nearly free of particles.

We sometimes run the A/C blower fan just to circulate the inside coach air. When drycamping in not too hot conditions it doesn't take much 120V power to run only the A/C system blower, so only a small generator (or inverter generator almost idling, or moderate capacity battery/inverter setup) could run it to provide some comfort.

[Wyatt]

We purchased an electrostatic filter (custom size) to replace our very (too) porous OEM filter, that really only keeps small cats from being sucked up into the system.

The Winnebago manual said to take down the vent, and rinse the plastic thing out every three weeks, or more, depending upon usage. I’m thinking about replacing the four corner screws with a latch system, so as to not eventually, strip out the ceiling. Hey, let’s face it the screws are going to go in and out only so many times before they don’t bite anymore.

I read a lot about HEPA filters as an option, but the MERV rating warned about constricted air flow, and damaging the motor if not changed religiously. In the same test, these washable MERV 8 did better, with less air flow restriction.

Just another option. We had it custom cut for the opening.