Advice Needed for Third Party HRV Filters

xsolider on 16/12/2024 - 16:24
Last edited 16/12/2024 - 16:40 by 1 other user

We had our HRV system installed about four years ago, and I replaced both filters myself about two years ago when the panel indicated a filter change was needed. I purchased Supercell brand filters from Bunnings for around $49 each using Powerpass.
https://www.bunnings.co.nz/supercell-f8-generation-2-deep-pl…

I just received a call from HRV informing me that my system is due for a filter service. They charge $140 per filter, excluding installation. According to them, their filters last for two years, whereas aftermarket filters only last six months.

My questions are:

How often do you change your filters? Every year, every two years, or only when the control panel displays a message?
Do aftermarket filters actually only last six months, or is HRV just trying to upsell?

For context, we run the system 24/7 and no message about the filter on the penal yet.

• 

  kinetic9 on 16/12/2024 - 17:09

  +4

  Don't know which system you have but with ours I'm pretty sure the filter change message is just based on a timer from when you reset it. There's no way for it to know if the filter is dirty or not. I've used those Supercell ones in the past and I've also just left them in way too long before, like 2 and a bit years. I bought some filters from TradeMe last time I changed them.

  I mean it's literally just a box fan with a filter and ducting in the roof. I wouldn't listen to anything HRV have to say, they're known for pushyness and upselling. We only have one because it came with the house. They charge a ridiculous price for 10 mins work to change a couple of filters.

  • 

    CheapAzChips on 16/12/2024 - 18:36

    +4

    This. HRV aren't just there to sell you a one-off product, they're actually more about the ongoing servicing. Every new customer is a lucrative potential ongoing source of revenue for them. Just keep buying the cheap filters and doing it yourself.

  • 

    ABCDEFG on 16/12/2024 - 20:36

    +2

    I'm with this guy. We've run a DVS system for over a decade and it is definitely just a timer that I reset when I change the filter. Have used Supercell and Trade Me filters and they've always been fine.

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  Kate1 on 17/12/2024 - 07:24

  +2

  Supercells filters we replace every 2 years, not sure why other than HRV upselling they would tell you otherwise. Have used them since our system was out of warranty, was installed 2006. If worried talk to Supercell, we buy direct from them. They are very knowledgeable, friendly and great to deal with. Note not affliated in any way with them, just a very happy customer.