The Air Cleaner Replacement Element I ordered from Amazon was original equipment and I was able to install it myself in less than 30 minuites. I had to order two elements because of boxing and transportion problems but no big deal as I now have one media in reserve.
I admit I had done it before and had some trouble because I tried to install it without reading the instructions are on the box. They must be followed very very carefully. You must have very good lighting because the instructions on box are dim and the instructions on black plastic of Air Cleaner itself are difficult to see. Two things to watch out for: Step 4 removing pleat spacers. They snap into holes and do not twist as instructions say. Merely apply pressure upward and pull them out of snap-in holes. Second problem area is Step 8 where you have to unsnap the edges which hold the element. Aprilaire has a special Figure 4 drawing for this and you should look at it very carefully because it is critical. If you follow the instructions carefully you will have no problem installing the media. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO INSTALL WITHOUT READING THE INSTRUCTIONS. The company that would normally install the element in my home charges $50 just to come to home plus $75 per hour for installation charge and full retail price for the replacement element. It is definately a lot cheaper and easier ordering the element from Amazon and doing the job yourself. It was also nice to have the media delivered to my doorstep rather than drive to the distributer in rush hour traffic and pay full retail price.
If you do the same remember to "read the instructions carefully" before attempting the replacement. If you try to replace the element without reading the instructions you will have trouble -I guarantee it.I've been buying the 501 filter for years and have noticed a very consistent defect in the product the area along the pleat will often times have a slit varying in degree of length. It is often difficult to see this so I would encourage you to spread apart the length of each fold/pleat and look for daylight on the other side (see customer pic)....you'll be surprised by what you see. There are 2 sides to the filter the front side of the pleat where the air enters which is a completely white material, and the backside of the pleat which has a black strip along each pleat inspect both sides of the filter pleats.
On the conservative side I'll say that 8 out of 10 filters I've purchased from various sellers have been defective to some degree, some worse than others. This makes me wonder how closely the HVAC techs who install these products are inspecting the filters or if it's even considered...
Please keep in mind this is not a petty issue/review any opening in your furnace filter completely defeats the purpose of this filtration system, causes dust to collect in your hvac unit and ultimately spreads dirty/unfiltered air throughout your home... I've resorted to spending double the money to buy locally and inspect them in store to avoid the hassle of returns....the last 2 I purchased from this company were defective the company was very compliant in issuing two replacements, paying for return shipping etc...for that I give them credit and would recommend them as a seller. The Aprilaire 5000 came highly recommended however in this case the unit is only as good as its filter. Happy 2012!:)
Buy 501 Aprilaire and Space-Gard Replacement Filter (2 Pack) Now
The aprilaire filter did the job. It is exactly as described and fit perfectly. The price was excellent and it was shipped quickly. I will order again when I need to change the filters.Read Best Reviews of 501 Aprilaire and Space-Gard Replacement Filter (2 Pack) Here
Okay, I gotta admit,since this was my first new filter for my new furnace, I thought it was the wrong filter (too small), not so, it's like a accordian! Besides that, everything was peachy,filter came with good instructions (essential for 1st timers) seemed to be same quality as the OEM in furnaceWant 501 Aprilaire and Space-Gard Replacement Filter (2 Pack) Discount?
The replacement filters come in a week and they are in good condition. Installation was easy if you follow the instructions on the package. I am happy.

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