The smart blog 9138

I’m Rick Callahan, owner of Plumbing Supply And More. I’ve spent three decades elbow-deep in equipment rooms, rooftop units, and tight crawlspaces, helping contractors, facilities teams, and serious DIYers keep buildings comfortable and efficient. If you’ve ever asked, “Which filter do I actually need?” or “Why did that blower motor die after two seasons?”—you’re in the right place. Consider this your insider’s map to getting filters, coils, and motors right the first time, with real specs, brand examples, install tips, and buying guidance straight from a working hvac supply house that supports pros every day.

And here’s the truth: Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components—the same parts I’ve installed on critical jobs where downtime isn’t an option. We’re the nearest plumbing supply with real knowledge, serving contractors throughout our region with same-day delivery, technical guidance, and the right parts on the shelf.

Why Filters, Coils, and Motors Decide System Performance

Filters, coils, and motors are your AC’s lungs, heart, and muscles. If one is wrong, weak, or clogged, you’ll see high head pressure, iced evaporators, supply house electrical short cycling, or blown capacitors. I’ve seen a $12 wrong-sized filter collapse into the return and take out a $300 ECM motor. I’ve seen poorly cleaned coils add 20% to an energy bill. And I’ve replaced a lot of PSC blower motors that failed early because the system was never commissioned with proper airflow.

Here’s the quick framework:

Filters: Select by MERV rating, size, static pressure drop, and service interval. Cheap filters that choke airflow can cost you a compressor. Coils: Keep them clean, maintain laminar airflow, and match tonnage and refrigerant (R-410A vs R-32 vs legacy R-22 in older systems). Coil fouling is the silent killer of efficiency. Motors: PSC vs ECM vs X13 matters. ECMs save energy but are unforgiving of duct issues and low CFM caused by restrictive filters.

When Home Depot or Menards runs out of the right filter sizes? When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More—because we carry the professional sizes and specs you actually need, plus the specs to match.

Filter Fundamentals: MERV, Media, and Static Pressure Made Simple

I get this question daily: “What MERV should I run?” For most residential and light commercial, MERV 8–11 is the sweet spot for balancing air quality and airflow. Hospitals and clean rooms push MERV 13+, but if your blower or ductwork wasn’t designed for it, you’ll starve the system.

Common sizes we stock daily: 16x20x1, 20x25x1, 16x25x4, 20x20x2, and media cabinets like Aprilaire 1213 (MERV 13 compatible). Brand examples: Aprilaire 213/413 media; Honeywell FC100A1029; Nordic Pure MERV 8–12; Glasfloss Z-Line (MERV 10). Watch pressure drop: A 1-inch MERV 13 can impose 0.25–0.35 in. w.c. pressure drop at rated CFM—too high for many PSC motors.

Pro tip: If a customer insists on higher MERV for allergies, move them to a 4-inch cabinet (Aprilaire 2210 or Honeywell F100) to keep static in check. Media cabinets lengthen replacement intervals and protect ECM motors.

Service intervals: 1-inch filters every 1–2 months in peak season; 4-inch media every 6–12 months depending on load and environment. If there’s renovation dust or pet hair, err on the short side.

And about coupons—yes, we’ll help you save: If you’re hunting for a supply house coupon, supply house coupon codes, a supply house discount code, or a supply house promo code, ask our counter team. We run seasonal promotions on bulk filter packs for contractor accounts.

Evaporator and Condenser Coils: Clean, Matched, and Protected

You can’t cheat physics. Dirty coils spike head pressure, reduce latent removal, and make motors work harder. I’ve watched a 5-ton package unit drop from 17 SEER performance down to the equivalent of 10 SEER just because nobody cleaned the coil fins for two summers.

Product examples we stock and support: Goodman/Amana cased coils (CAPFA series), ADP aluminum coils (HE series), and Carrier/Bryant compatible coil replacements. For refrigeration, we carry Heatcraft and Russell coils commonly used in small walk-ins. Refrigerants: Match coil metering devices and refrigerant: R-410A is today’s standard; R-32 is coming fast; old R-22 systems need compatible replacement coils and correct TXV/orifice. Cleaning: Use non-acid foaming cleaners for evaporators (Nu-Calgon Evap-Green) and alkaline or microchannel-safe cleaners for condensers (Nu-Calgon Tri-Pow’r HD). Rinse thoroughly—leftover cleaner can corrode fins.

Best practice: Add a pan treatment (Nu-Calgon Pan-Treat) during service to prevent slime that blocks condensate. Consider a secondary drain pan with float switch on attic AHUs to stay code-compliant and avoid drywall disasters. Our local code inspectors expect a float switch on overflow pans in our area—ask our team for the exact section used in your jurisdiction.

And for coil protection: hail guards, coastal coatings, and regular fin combing are cheap insurance. We’ve got coil guard kits that fit common Lennox, Trane, and Rheem cabinets.

Motors 101: PSC vs ECM vs X13—and When to Upgrade

Motor selection isn’t just about horsepower—it’s airflow stability, efficiency, and control strategy. PSC motors are rugged and cheap; ECMs and X13s cut energy use but require correct static and proper commissioning.

PSC example: Genteq 1/2 HP 1075 RPM, 5KCP39 series. Great for straightforward replacements where the system was designed for PSC and static is under control. X13 ECM example: Genteq Evergreen 6205 (variable speed, constant torque). Ideal retrofit when you want efficiency without complex controls. Full ECM example: Genteq Evergreen EM (ECM programmable) or OEM models for Carrier/Bryant and Trane variable-speed handlers.

Capacitors kill PSCs: a $12 bad capacitor can cook a $180 motor. Always replace capacitors with exact microfarad ratings (e.g., 7.5 µF, 10 µF, 370/440 VAC) and test under load. For ECMs, verify low-voltage control signals and ensure static pressure stays within the blower table.

Noise complaints? Sometimes that “bad motor” is actually duct velocity. Move from a 1-inch restrictive filter to a 4-inch media cabinet, and you’ll often quiet the system without touching the motor.

And if you’re stuck: Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support—we’ll match blower tables to your system, check taps, and get you out of a jam the same day.

Sizing and Spec’ing Correctly: Avoiding the Hidden Landmines

I’ve seen perfect parts installed into imperfect systems. Avoid these traps:

Filters: Never downsize the face area. If the return box was built for 20x25, don’t cram in a 16x20 and “make it work.” You’ll spike static and burn amps. Coils: Match coil tonnage, TXV/orifice, and refrigerant. Mixing a 4-ton coil with a 3.5-ton condenser without proper metering equals sweat on every register and slugging risk. Motors: Always read the blower performance chart. If your total external static pressure is 0.9 in. w.c. and your blower tops out at 0.6, you’ve created a motor martyrdom.

Pro tip: Invest 15 minutes to measure TESPs (total external static pressure) with a digital manometer. It’s the cheapest diagnostic you’ll ever buy. We stock Testo and Fieldpiece manometers—ask for a quick demo at the counter.

Need the spec sheets? We provide OEM installation manuals and airflow charts at pickup, or we’ll email them before your tech rolls. While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise.

Maintenance Schedules That Actually Prevent Failures

Here’s the field-tested schedule I give property managers and serious DIY homeowners:

Filters: 1-inch monthly during peak, bi-monthly off-peak. 4-inch media every 6–12 months. Coils: Inspect every spring; clean as needed. In dusty or coastal environments: twice a year. Motors and belts (if applicable): Inspect quarterly for noise, heat, amp draw, and belt tension. Replace worn belts annually or as needed. Condensate systems: Clear traps and add pan treatment every cooling season. Code calls for proper trap depth and cleanouts—don’t skip it.

Price ranges you can expect:

1-inch filters: $4–$12 each depending on MERV/brand. 4-inch media: $30–$70 per cartridge. Coil cleaners: $12–$30 per bottle. PSC blower motors: $120–$220. X13/ECM motors: $220–$480. Capacitors: $8–$30.

Installation timeframes:

Filter swap: 5–10 minutes. Coil cleaning: 45–90 minutes depending on access. Motor swap: 45–120 minutes including wiring and commissioning.

If you don’t have a service program, call our counter—we can recommend vetted local contractors we trust.

Real-World Case: The Filter That Cooked an ECM

A maintenance team from a mid-rise called us after their ECM motor repeatedly tripped. Their “upgrade” was a 1-inch MERV 13 shoved into a return built for 4-inch media. Static was 0.95 in. w.c. at the blower; the ECM was screaming at max torque to hit setpoint. We swapped them to a Honeywell F100 cabinet with a 4-inch MERV 11, cleaned the evap coil, and rebalanced a starved return. TESP dropped to 0.55; amps fell by 30%, and noise disappeared. Cost to fix: under $400 in materials. Cost avoided: $1,200 in repeated ECM failures and tenant complaints.

That’s the difference when you buy from pros: Unlike big-name websites and warehouse outlets, Plumbing Supply And More stocks pro-grade parts and backs them with real technical guidance.

Buying Smart at an Air Conditioner Supply House: What to Bring and What to Ask

If you’re heading to an air conditioner supply house, come prepared:

Exact model/serial of the air handler and condenser Filter size and desired MERV Measured TESP if available Photos of the blower housing, motor label, and coil connections Refrigerant type (R-410A, R-32, or legacy R-22)

Ask us:

“What’s the pressure drop on this media at my system CFM?” “Is this X13 a direct replacement for my OEM motor?” “Do I need a TXV swap with this coil?” “What coil cleaner is safe for microchannel?”

We’ll give you straight answers and the parts that fit. And yes, we carry cross-trade essentials too—if you need supply house electrical items like capacitors, contactors, relays, or whip kits, we’ve got them on the shelf.

Where Plumbing Supply And More Fits In—and Why Pros Keep Coming Back

Let me be blunt. I’ve bought from everyone. Ferguson, Johnstone, SupplyHouse.com, Grainger—they all have their place. But when you need speed, accuracy, and pro-only stock, our local crew is hard to beat. We run a true plumbing supply store and hvac supply house hybrid, with the inventory HVAC and plumbing pros actually use, not just what moves on a website.

Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components from Genteq, Packard, Aprilaire, Honeywell, ADP, Goodman/Amana, and Nu-Calgon. While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise—you’ll talk to techs who’ve done the work, not just read the label. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support, from blower table matching to coil cleaner selection. When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More to find the part, deliver it fast, and stand behind it.

If you searched for a plumbing supply near me, plumbing supply store near me, or a full-service plumbing supply house near me, we’re your answer. We’re a true plumbing supply company offering both plumber supply house and refrigeration supply house capabilities—filters, coils, motors, capacitors, TXVs, line sets, PVC drains from our pvc supply house aisle, and all the plumbing parts you’d expect from a top-tier plumbing and supply operation.

FAQ: Quick Answers That Save Time in the Field

What MERV rating should I use if my blower is an older PSC motor?

If ductwork is typical residential and returns aren’t oversized, stick with MERV 8–11, ideally in a 4-inch media cabinet to keep static pressure under 0.5 in. w.c. total. If you must run a 1-inch, favor MERV 8 to protect airflow. We can test your static at the counter and recommend a filter with known pressure drop.

How do I know if my coil needs replacement or just cleaning?

If you’ve got chronic high head pressure, poor delta-T even after cleaning, or a leaking coil confirmed by UV dye/sniffer, it’s time to replace. Match tonnage, metering device (TXV/orifice), and refrigerant. We’ll cross-reference the coil to your air handler and condenser model to prevent mismatches.

Can I replace a PSC blower motor with an ECM to save energy?

Yes, with an Evergreen X13/ECM retrofit, but confirm the system’s static pressure and wiring. You’ll likely need a compatible harness and to set torque profiles. We’ll help you program and verify airflow targets. Expect 15–30% energy savings if the ductwork is sound.

Which coil cleaner is safe for microchannel condensers?

Use microchannel-safe formulas like Nu-Calgon Tri-Pow’r HD at proper dilution. Avoid acid cleaners. Rinse thoroughly with low-pressure water to avoid fin damage. We’ve got brand-specific guidance for Carrier, Trane, and Lennox cabinets—ask our counter team.

Do you offer same-day delivery and contractor pricing?

Yes. We offer same-day delivery within a 30–40 mile radius for in-stock items, emergency runs for critical sites, and contractor accounts with bulk discounts. Call for the route schedule and to set up your account. Ask about current promotions and our contractor discount program.

How We Serve Every Customer Type—Without Guesswork

Professional Contractors & Plumbers: You care about uptime and margins. We carry OEM-grade parts, provide spec sheets, and offer same-day delivery. We’re the contractor plumbing supply partner that picks up the phone and solves problems. Serious DIY Homeowners: We’ll help you choose the right MERV filter, the correct coil cleaner, and the correct-rated capacitor. Our team will walk you through safe installation steps—no jargon, just clear instructions. Property Managers & Maintenance Teams: You need consistency. We stock blanket sizes for filters, standard motor SKUs, and pan treatments in bulk. Want a standing order? We’ll build it and deliver on schedule. Retail Customers: You want better than big box. We’ll show you the difference between bargain-bin and professional-grade. Visit our showroom to see the quality difference.

Looking for the right plumbing supply shop, commercial plumbing supply, or wholesale plumbing supply partner? That’s us. Whether you searched for plumbing supply online, local plumbing supply, closest plumbing supply, or plumbing wholesale near me, you’ll get the same expert guidance. We also support mixed trades: city plumbing and electrical supply needs, plumbing and heating supply, and even economy plumbing and heating supply solutions when you need budget-conscious, reliable options.

Insider Tips, From My Bench to Your Jobsite

Always label the airflow direction on the filter rack. It prevents accidental reverse installs that raise pressure drop. On motor swaps, verify rotation before buttoning up. Saves you 30 minutes of do-over. Coil clean in the morning or late afternoon—hot fins flash cleaners off too quickly to work effectively. For coastal installs, consider coil coatings and stainless hardware. Salt eats equipment fast; protect the investment. Take smartphone photos of nameplates and wiring before you touch anything. It’s your instant “as-found” record.

Need a specific model? We routinely stock Genteq 5KCP39 PSCs, Evergreen X13 retrofits, Aprilaire 213/413 media, Honeywell F100 cabinets, ADP aluminum coils, and Nu-Calgon cleaners—plus capacitors, contactors, and TXVs. Check our current inventory online or call ahead.

Your Local, Knowledge-Driven Partner for Air and Water

We’re more than a plumbing supply store—we’re your full-stack plumbing supply house and ac supply house. If you need plumbing supply places that carry everything from bathroom plumbing supplies and plumbing kitchen fixtures to HVAC coils and motors, we’ve got it. Whether you’re seeking discount plumbing supplies, cheap plumbing supplies for temporary fixes, or the best plumbing supply lines for long-term reliability, our counter pros will guide you.

For the record, we also support:

general plumbing supply, plumbing spares near me, and plumbing shop near me plumbing and heating supply, coastal plumbing supply, and commercial plumbing supply wholesale plumbing supply company, plumbing supplies direct, and direct plumbing supplies After-hours needs? We offer a 24 hour plumbing supply on-call option for account customers.

We keep hearing, “I tried the supplyhouse site and got lost.” No problem—our crew speaks plain language and knows the brands. If you’ve searched supplyhouse plumbing, the supplyhouse, the supply house, or the supply house electrical, come talk to a real human who’s installed the parts you’re buying.

Ready to Get Filters, Coils, and Motors Right?

Here’s how to make your next visit count:

Bring your model numbers and photos. We’ll match parts fast. Ask about contractor accounts for bulk pricing and same-day delivery. Call our technical team for project-specific recommendations. Visit our showroom to see the quality difference. Ask about current promotions—we often have a supply house coupon or a supply house promo code for bulk filter packs and motor kits.

And yes, you’ll hear it from me straight: Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components, and we back them with the experience to help you install them right. This piece may be titled Air Conditioner Supply House: Filters, Coils, and Motors 101, but our bench team will take you well past “101” when you walk through the door.

Air moves. Water flows. Buildings breathe. Get those three right, and the rest of your day goes a lot smoother. If you’re looking for a trusted partner—a true internet plumbing supply and boots-on-the-ground counter team in one—Plumbing Supply And More is ready. We’re the local plumbing supply expertise outfit serving contractors throughout the region with the largest inventory, pro-only stock, same-day delivery, and the know-how to keep you moving.

Call us, swing by, or order online. Our experts can walk you through the installation process—and if you need help on a rooftop in a hurry, we’ll be there.