August 21, 2020

Shopfox W1690 โ€“ 3 Speed Air Filter Review [UPDATED]

Air filters are essential machines in the workshop. The Shopfox W1690 โ€“3 Speed Air Filter might be a great addition to your shop. It features a control panel that enables you to turn the filter on and off as well as set up the fan speed. It also comes with a remote control unit that has a signal receiver which means you donโ€™t actually have to be by the machine to make it work.ย 

The Shopfox W1690 is used in conjunction with a dust collector system. It removes fine wood particles in the air that many dust collectors cannot. With this air filter, you are guaranteed clean air and pure breezes within your workspace. You donโ€™t have to worry about anything at all.ย 

Shopfox W1690 - 3 Speed Air Filter

Unlike most dust collectors that collect the dust, this air filter will ensure that every dust particle, no matter how tiny, is cleared from the air. This filter has key features like a 5-micron outer filter, a washable 1-micron inner filter, three fan speeds, 110V operation, remote control functions, and a compact design. So why wait? Get yours now.ย 

Prosย 

  • It has an easy to read control pane
  • Includes a timerย 
  • It comes with a remote control
  • It is easy to use and understandย 
  • Can filter even the tiniest dust particles

Cons

  • If damaged can cause more dirt
  • It is a bit expensive

Specifications and Features

  • Motor: 1/5 HP, 115V, 1725 RPM, single-phase
  • Motor Amperage: 2A, 2-1/2A, 3A
  • Motor speeds: 750, 960, 1200 RPM
  • Fan sound rating: 62 dB, 67 dB, 69 dB
  • Airflow: 556, 702, 1044 CFM
  • Outer primary filter: 5 microns, pleated type
  • Inner secondary filter: 1 micron, bag type
  • Unit dimensions: 30-1/4โ€ณL x 24-1/8โ€ณW x 12-1/8โ€ณH
  • Approximate shipping weight: 78 lbs.
Shopfox W1690 air filter

Guide to Air Cleaners

How are HVAC/furnace filters rated?

There are several commonly used filter rating methods. These include the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, Filter Performance Rating, Microparticle Performance Rating, etc. MERV is based on a national consensus standard. The FPR and MPR rating methods are proprietary. The higher the filter rating, the higher the removal efficiency for most particle sizes for all rating methods.

How do I choose an HVAC/furnace filter that will most effectively remove small particles of the most significant health concern (PM2.5)?

Use the highest-rated filter that your system fan and filter slot can accommodate. Filters with a MERV of 13 and above must demonstrate at least 50% removal efficiency for the smallest particles tested.

How do I know if my system can accommodate a MERV 13 filter or higher?

Most furnaces and HVAC systems can accommodate a MERV 13 filter without creating equipment problems, provided that the filter is replaced frequently. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell whether a system can use a higher efficiency filter since HVAC systems are not commonly labeled with any filter recommendations. Consult a professional HVAC technician to be certain a filter will work with your system. The technician can determine the most efficient filter that your system can use. An HVAC technician can also modify the system to use a higher-efficiency filter.

How can I tell if the filter is the right size for my furnace/HVAC system?

Filters commonly come in thicknesses of 1 to 5 inches, with various lengths and widths to match common sizes of filter frames in furnaces and HVAC systems. Make sure the filter fits snugly so air does not leak around the filter, and you do not have to bend or crush the filter to make it fit.

How often do I need to change my filter?

Replace filters according to the manufacturerโ€™s recommendations. Many factors can affect how quickly filters get dirty. Manufacturers typically recommend replacement every 60 to 90 days. If you notice that filters appear heavily soiled when you replace them, you should consider changing them more frequently.

What if I have a window air conditioner or a wall-mounted โ€œductlessโ€ air conditioner?

Most window air conditioners and wall-mounted units are intended for temperature control rather than air filtration. These units typically have limited filtration intended to keep the inside of the air conditioner clean rather than remove fine particles from the indoor air.

What size do I need?

Below we outline three steps you can take to determine the air filter size you need to give you more confidence in your buying decision.

  1. First, turn off your air conditioning system. When you remove the filter, it is easy to knock dirt loose. Depending on where your air filter is installed, you will either suck the dirt into the air conditioning system or blow it out into the house. Take it out and look for the air filter dimensions. Now look for numbers printed on the filter. Some places donโ€™t print dimensions on the filter, or you might find they are faded. If that is the case, try step 2.
  1. Take out your measuring tape and get the exact dimensions yourself. These are written as length x width x depth. Lay the filter flat on the ground and start by measuring top-to-bottom length, left-to-right for width, and front-to-back for depth. You should have three numbers written in inches. Except there is a small hitch to make things more complicated. When shopping for air filters, you will see the words โ€˜nominal dimensionsโ€™ and โ€˜actual dimensionsโ€™ together. In all likelihood, your measurements are not a nice round number, so what should you buy?ย 
  1. If all else fails, refer to your air conditioning system product manual or contact the manufacturer directly with your system model number. They can help you figure out the exact specification of your unit.

Our Verdict

The most effective ways to improve your indoor air are to reduce or remove the sources of pollutants and to ventilate with clean outdoor air. Research shows that filtration can effectively supplement source control and ventilation.

Using a portable air cleaner and upgrading the air filter in your furnace or central heating, ventilation, and the air-conditioning system can help to improve indoor air quality. So get this filter for your home.ย ย 

David D. Hughes

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