Panel Filter with Reduced Restriction

A panel filter element comprising filter media having a border frame configured to mount said panel filter element in an orientation reducing incoming flow resistance to and also outgoing flow resistance from said panel filter element.

A method for servicing a filter assembly having a filter housing with a mating base and cover defining a filter chamber retaining a panel filter element when said base and cover are mated to each other, said panel filter element filtering fluid flowing from a housing inlet to a housing outlet, said panel filter element dividing said filter chamber into an inlet plenum and an outlet plenum, said panel filter element being configured to a) reduce inlet flow restriction from said housing inlet into said inlet plenum and b) reduce outlet flow restriction from said outlet plenum to said housing outlet, said method comprising providing said panel filter element and at least a selected one of said cover and said base with respective complemental first and second configurations, and disabling mating of said base and said cover to each other with said panel filter element in place unless a panel filter element is selected having said first configuration complementally interacting with said second configuration.