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can you put filters in vents

by Prof. Jeromy Hoppe Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Do Filters for Air Vents Work? While filters for air vents can work effectively at decreasing dust, the biggest drawback is the restricted airflow, which causes your HVAC system to work harder. When your unit works harder it uses more energy and it can potentially cause components to overheat.Jul 14, 2022

Full Answer

What does it mean when you add a vent filter?

When you add vent filters, you increase the resistance of the air as it travels through the filter. Depending on the material and design of the filter, some create more resistance than others. Extra air resistance means that your HVAC system has to work extra hard to do its job.

Why do HVAC systems not have vent filters?

One of the major reasons why some HVAC professionals discourage supply vent filters is that they act as a Band-Aid for a larger issue: leaks in your duct work. You really should not have a ton of dust and debris spewing out into your home if your HVAC system is working properly and if the main filter is clean.

Why do HVAC professionals discourage vent filters?

One of the major reasons why some HVAC professionals discourage supply vent filters is that they act as a Band-Aid for a larger issue: leaks in your duct work.

What are the two types of HVAC vents?

You have two types of supply vents in your HVAC system: the return duct and the supply duct. The names for these ducts can be a little counterintuitive. The return duct sucks in air from the outside and brings it to the HVAC system inside your home, where it is heated or cooled.

How does an HVAC system work?

Your home's HVAC system works hard to pull air in, cool it or heat it and then blow it back out into your home. The machinery needs to stay clean in order to work efficiently. Plus, you want clean, fresh and healthy air circulating back into your home. Advertisement.

How does air pressure affect HVAC?

The overall air pressure within an HVAC system depends heavily on the number of supply and return ducts. Air pressure also affects the system's performance. The machinery will have to work much harder to pull air into the system and to push it out again if the air pressure balance is not ideal. Advertisement.

Does an air conditioner filter clean the air?

Regular maintenance is certainly recommended, but adding a return air filter can help to block some of this incoming debris and ensure that the air coming in is clean. Clean air means a clean system. However, realize that your air conditioner also has a filter that cleans the air right before it gets to the heart of your machinery.

How long do pleated air filters last?

These air filters are typically used for a period of 30 to 90 days.

What happens if you run a heat pump without an air filter?

If you run your heat pump system without an air filter, dust, dirt and other debris will collect on the evaporator coil inside the heat pump. During operation of the heat pump, condensation develops on the evaporator coil. This condensation is part of the heat exchange process and has to drain away from the heat pump.

Why is the return air vent located near the thermostat?

The return air vent is located near the thermostat so that the air drawing into the heat pump system closely matches the temperature displayed on the thermostat.

How many return air vents per thermostat?

The return air vent is generally much larger than the supply vents located in your floor ceiling. This is because you usually only have one return air vent per thermostat. If you have a multi-zone system, you have one heat pump being controlled by 2 thermostats.

What does MERV mean on air filters?

The MERV rating on air filters stands for Minimal Efficiency Reporting Value. The MERV rating starts at 1 which is low-efficiency up to 16 for high-efficiency. Most air filters will have a MERV rating printed on its packaging. If no rating is present it should be assumed that it’s a low-efficiency air filter.

Where are HEPA filters located?

These are generally located inside the ductwork. Since these air filters are somewhat harder to maintain, it is generally recommended do you have your heat pump on my service contract.

Where is the return air vent located on a heat pump?

In most heat pump setups, the return air vent will be located near your home’s thermostat. The thermostat should be located as close to the center of the space as possible to create a balanced system.

Why do you need a vent filter?

Adding vent filters to your home serves as an extra line of defense against dust and allergens. These particles can enter the ducts through cracks and bypass the main furnace filter. Dust can also accumulate in the vents during periods of inactivity, further polluting your home.

What is the best vent filter for a home?

While air filters for your home may have a MERV rating of up to 13, MERV 8 is the highest recommended for vent filters. These filters still allow for good airflow, but are approximately 20 times more efficient than fiberglass filters, making them an excellent choice for homes where family members smoke or people are more allergy-sensitive.

What are the drawbacks of vent filters?

The biggest drawback of vent filters is restricted airflow. Filters slow the passage of air. As particles build up on them, the amount of obstruction increases. This can cause your system to work harder, using up more power and potentially overheating components.

Why do furnaces need filters?

In such places, the filters help to reduce dust accumulation in the vents themselves. This may also help reduce the heated dust smell which occurs when your furnace is first turned on after sitting for a long time.

Can you use a vent filter over a broken bone?

Sometimes, using vent filters in an older home is no better than placing a bandage over a broken bone. The ductwork may accumulate holes or cracks over time, and seals can break. A common symptom of this is a home where rooms gather dust quickly, while the furnace filter stays relatively clean.

Do all HVAC systems have a furnace filter?

All HVAC systems include a furnace filter, but many homeowners are also purchasing air filters for their vents. These optional filters are bought in sheets which may be then cut to fit both register and air return vents throughout the house. While helpful, vent filters are not ideal for all homes and may or may not be worth the investment.

Do furnace filters help with air quality?

Air filters can make a big difference in some situations, but do not always solve air quality problems. Air quality can be caused by a number of sources, and your furnace filter does a good job of protecting from airborne particles under normal circumstances.

Why do you filter air at the vents of a furnace?

In colder climate regions, you filter your air at your furnace. This is because in colder climate region s furnaces are more accessible. Contrarily, in warmer climate regions you filter your air at your vents. This is because furnaces/ heat pump systems are less accessible as they can be located in attics or even in crawl spaces.

Why is it important to have an air filter in a furnace?

Having air filters not only in your furnace, but also in your vents will ensure your HVAC system is clean and efficient. Therefore, it is important to invest in high quality air filters.

What is the difference between a return vent and a supply vent?

Whereas a return vent's filter stops outdoor particles from ever entering your HVAC system.

Why is it important to check ductwork?

Such issues manifest themselves in rooms that accumulate dust quickly, while the air filter in your furnace stays clean. It is very important to get your ductwork checked if you have suspicions there is underlying issues with the air quality in your home. Repairing old ductwork is a positive course of action in the long run for your home.

Does Aria Vent have an air filter?

Currently, an Aria Vent does not have the ability to have an air filter inserted. Our R & D team is currently working on a solution for this by developing our own air filter.

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1.Should You Put Filters In Your Return Vents? (Find Out …

Url:https://upgradedhome.com/should-you-put-filters-in-your-return-vents/

7 hours ago  · You shouldn’t put filters in the supply vent. There is a proper fitting filter on the return side of the AC system. If you place a good fitting, high quality filter on the return vent, …

2.Should You Put Filters in Your Return Vents?

Url:https://homeinspectioninsider.com/should-you-put-filters-in-your-return-vents/

16 hours ago Can supply vents have filters? Yes, filters can be placed on supply vents as well. In fact, putting a filter on a supply vent is a lot more common than using one on a return vent. This is the best …

3.Do Vent Filters Work? - Home Reference

Url:https://www.homereference.net/do-vent-filters-work/

34 hours ago Yes, you can put filters on your air vents. This can help to improve the quality of the air in your home and to reduce the amount of dust and allergens that circulate through your vents. There …

4.Everything You Need to Know About Air Filters – Aria Vent

Url:https://ariavent.com/blogs/blog/air-filters-for-vents

18 hours ago  · High-efficiency pleated air (HEPA) filters: HEPA filters are thicker than the air filters installed at the air return. These are found inside the ductwork. These are found inside …

5.Can I attach filter to intake vent? - DoItYourself.com

Url:https://www.doityourself.com/forum/ducting-air-circulation-ventilation-systems/419289-can-i-attach-filter-intake-vent.html

25 hours ago  · Can you put filters in return vents? Do not put filters in your supply vents. Your AC system should have a proper fitting filter on the return side. By placing a good fitting, high …

6.Videos of Can You Put Filters in Vents

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26 hours ago  · By adding a filter on the supply vent, you’re merely putting a Band-Aid on an issue instead of resolving the main problem – hence why HVAC professionals discourage the …

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