Air filter sensor apparatus kit and method

Claim 1

An air filter sensor kit for permitting a person to modify the filtering portion of a heating or cooling system having an existing air filter duct grill with an exterior exposed to ambient air pressure and an associated air filter with two sides located adjacent to and behind said existing air filter duct grill to enable the determination of when the air filter is dirty and needs changing for use in conjunction with a hole formed through said existing air filter duct grill comprising an air filter sensor for sensing differential air pressure caused by said air filter located adjacent to and behind said existing air filter duct grill becoming dirty, said air filter sensor having a portion thereof sized and shaped to be inserted through said air filter located adjacent to and behind said existing air filter grill and having an indicator portion adapted to be located on the exterior of said existing air filter duct grill with indicating means for providing an indication of the differential air pressure sensed by said air filter sensor, said air filter sensor having sensing means for sensing the difference in air pressure between the ambient air pressure at the exterior of said existing air filter duct grill and the air pressure located on the opposite side of said air filter than said existing air filter duct grill, and air filter sensor connecting and support means for connecting said filter sensor to said existing air filter duct grill and for providing support for said air filter sensor, said air filter sensor connecting and support means being sized and shaped to be inserted into the hole formed through said existing air filter duct grill.

Claim 21

A method for permitting a person to modify the filtering portion of a heating or cooling system having an existing air filter duct grill to determine the need to change an air filter located behind said existing air filter duct grill comprising: 1. providing a cutting tool, an air filter sensor with means for indicating when an air filter located behind the existing air filter duct grill should be replaced, and an air filter sensor connecting and support member, 2. using said cutting tool to cut a hole in said existing air filter duct grill for a portion of said air filter sensor connecting and support member, 3. inserting the a portion of said air filter sensor connecting and support member in the hole in said existing air filter duct grill, 4. inserting said air filter sensor through said air filter sensor connecting and support member in said existing air filter duct grill and through said air filter, 5. exposing said air filter to particulate matter while operating said system using said air filter, and 6. monitoring said air filter sensor for an indication from said air filter sensor when said air filter should be replaced.

Claim 22

A method for permitting a person to modify the filtering portion of a heating or cooling system having an existing air filter duct grill to determine the need to change an air filter located behind said existing air filter duct grill comprising: 1. providing a cutting tool, an air filter sensor with means for indicating when an air filter located behind the existing air filter duct grill should be replaced, and an air filter sensor connecting and support member, 2. using said cutting tool to cut a hole in said existing air filter duct grill for a portion of said air filter sensor connecting and support member, 3. inserting the a portion of said air filter sensor connecting and support member in the hole in said existing air filter duct grill, 4. inserting said air filter sensor through said air filter sensor connecting and support member in said existing air filter duct grill and through said air filter, 5. exposing said air filter to particulate matter while operating said system using said air filter, and 6. monitoring said air filter sensor for an indication from said air filter sensor when said air filter should be replaced.