Do return vents have filters?

Installed at the return vent in your home, they pre-filter dust and other particles. This keeps your ductwork clean and extends the life of the main filter at your HVAC unit. If you have a standard-sized return vent in your home, it will be able to accommodate a regular, rectangular-shaped air filter.

Do filters go on return air vents?

In general, it is recommended to have an air filter in every return vent (as long as you choose the one of the right size and thickness). The filters will improve the air quality in your house and will protect the HVAC equipment from dust, pollen, pet dander, and hair.

Do all houses have a return air filter?

You should check each possible location to make sure you have found all of your air filters. Since HVAC units are usually hidden away in smaller and less convenient spaces, some homes are set up for air filters in return vents. Return vents are often in the wall but can be in your ceiling or even the floor.

Why is my return air vent so dirty?

Here are some of the most common culprits: Your air ducts are leaking. Cracked or damaged air ducts can allow contaminants to enter your system and cause your filter to clog up. They can also significantly increase your energy bills.

What kind of filter is for a return vent?

Using a MERV-2 or MERV-3 filter in your return vent works well if you already have a pleated filter at your HVAC unit. Fiberglass filters work well as pre-filters in return vents because they have low MERV ratings. This MERV-2 air filter comes in a pack of 12 and is a great solution for return vents.

Should I put filters in my return vents?

How do you clean an AC return vent?

Clean Out the Vents: Turn off your heat or A/C and cover furniture if your vents are in the ceiling. Vacuum your vents with a dust attachment, and then use a microfiber duster to loosen anything missed by the vacuum. Avoid using water and cleaning products, as they smear the dust around and turn it into a paste.

What does a return vent look like?

You can identify return vents by turning on the system fan and holding your hand or a piece of paper up. If the paper is pulled toward the vent or you feel a suction effect, it's a return vent.

Should every room have a return vent?

Does Every Room Need Air Return Grilles? While it is a myth that air return grilles are required in each and every room in the house, it is definitely necessary to have more than one of these grilles installed at strategic places in the house. The most important place to have these would be the bedroom.

Should you put filters in supply vents?

Supply vents do not need – in fact, should not have – an air filter. Why? The filter belongs on the return side of your HVAC's furnace and AC system. It's a “must” to have one there.

What do return vents do?

Return vents: What is a return vent? These vents suck the air from each room and send it back to the air conditioning or heating system. Return vents tend to be bigger than supply vents, and you won't feel any air coming from them. When an HVAC system delivers air to a room, it increases that room's air pressure.

Why does my central air have two filters?

A lot of central air units have at least two filters, though you can find systems that have only one. The reason why there are a couple of filters is because not only the air that is traveling into the air handler needs to be filtered, but also the air passing through the return vents.

What will blocking a cold air return do?

In the heating cycle, blocked cold air returns can cause the heat exchanger inside the blower compartment to store too much heat and eventually crack. If the cracks are too large, the furnace can emit carbon monoxide into your home's air.

Can I put furniture in front of a return vent?

Home Inspection Insider explains that an air return vent needs 6-12 inches of space in front of it, and recommends that you do not put large, bulky furniture like couches and bookshelves in front of an air return vent.

How many return air vents should a house have?

Your Home Might Not Have Enough Return Vents

Having several return vents (ideally one in every room, but even two or three is better than just one) creates consistent air pressure. If you have one return vent, your home is fine. Keep the doors to each room open so air can properly circulate.

Where does the return vent lead to?

The cooler air is, in turn, forced into the return vent, back to the furnace, reheated, and returned to the cycle. The size, location, and length of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) registers and ductwork are determined by measurement of air movement at cubic feet per minute (CFM).

How can you tell the difference between air return and vent?

Return vents draw air into the system in order to condition it and pump it back out into the home through the supply vents. To identify a return vent, take a piece of paper and hold it up to the vent. If the paper is drawn towards the vent, then it's a return vent.

How do you get something out of a return vent?

You can try folding down the arms of the hanger, or untwisting to get more length. Once you have your tool, drop the hanger as far down the vent that it will go. Gently move around the top of the hanger until you bump into your object and hook it. Slowly pull the hanger back out of the vent and retrieve your lost item.

How do I know if my air ducts need to be cleaned?

How do you clean dust out of air vents?

Are vent filters bad for furnace?

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.

Does AC unit in attic have a filter?

You can typically find it inside the attic or basement. When you find it, the replaceable filter is on the unit's left side, right side, top, or bottom. One tip about your air handler: The filter may fit in a small slot with directions demonstrating how to insert the filter.

Where do you put the air filter?

Is it OK to block return vents?

It's important not to block your return air vent because your HVAC system needs constant return air to work properly. Blocked air return ducts will cause your system to lose energy efficiency and cause premature failure of your HVAC system.

Should cold air returns be sealed?

Return air ducts must be sealed and unobstructed — Sealing return air ducts is just as important as sealing supply ducts. Sealing all duct section connections with mastic, a specialized rubbery sealant, or with metal tape prevents air leaks.