Can you put a filter on a return air vent?

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.

How do you install an air return air filter?





If your home has an air return vent, locate your air return vent.

  1. Turn the unit off. …
  2. Open up your vent and remove the used filter.
  3. Make sure the Air Flow Arrows are pointing toward the HVAC Unit.
  4. Install the new filter and close your vent.
  5. Turn the unit on and you’re done!


Does return duct need air filter?

So, do you really need to put filters on the return vents? AC return vents do not need filters. Putting extra filters on air conditioning return vents will reduce the performance and lifespan of the air conditioner. The filters will reduce the airflow and put stress on the AC fan motor.

How do you install a vent register filter?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: By tucking it in between the top grill vent and the closure on the bottom of the event. Use two hands to flip the register. And push the filter in place arrange the filter.

How do you cover a return air vent?





Here are some simple ways you can do just that:

  1. Keep couches, chairs and other large pieces of furniture at least 10 inches away from your cold air return vents.
  2. Avoid covering your cold air return vents with curtains, drapes or rugs.
  3. Always check your air filters and replace them when needed.


Where is the return air filter?

It may be difficult to locate on some HVAC systems, but you can usually find the air filter in the return air duct. Or in layman’s terms, that big metal grate on your wall, floor, ceiling or utility closet door. Return air ducts can be just about anywhere.

What is a return vent filter?

Return Vent Filters. Supply vent filters have the job of straining out any left over pollutants from your AC/furnace. Whereas a return vent’s filter stops outdoor particles from ever entering your HVAC system.

What is return air filter?



Return Vents: These air vents suck air from the rooms in your home back into your HVAC system. They are typically larger in size than supply vents and you will not feel air blowing out of them.

Can I cut air filter to fit?

Some manufacturers can even customize the filters for you to fit perfectly when you or your HVAC team puts everything together. Simply put, yes, you can cut an air filter if you know what you are doing, and if the filters you use will not become too weak from the cutting.

How do you install a return air vent grille?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Open the filter grill door and remove it if possible then begin removing the screws that secure the frame onto the wall or ceiling. And set aside the frame and filter.

How many return 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.

How big should return air vents be?

There usually are fewer return vents, but they are much larger. A typical supply vent is 4 by 10 to 12 inches and a typical return vent is 16 by 20 inches or larger. Houses often have two or more return collecting points, each with a filter, which join before re-entering the heating unit.

How do you increase return air flow?

5 Ways to Improve Airflow in Your Home

  1. Check Vents and Registers. One of the simplest things you can do to increase airflow in your home is to check the vents and registers in each room. …
  2. Turn on Ceiling Fans. …
  3. Schedule HVAC Maintenance. …
  4. Consider Duct Cleaning. …
  5. Invest in a Ventilator.


How large should return air duct be?



Generally, if you are using a Duct Sizing Chart or calculator (such as the Trane Ductulator), size the re- turn ducts for 0.05 inches/100 ft (0.40 Pa/m) based on the expected airflow through that return air duct. The total sum of air from all the returns should be at least 250 CFM/nominal ton (33 l/s per-kW).

Can a return air duct be too big?

Can an air return be too big? No, an air return cannot be too big, except in extreme cases where a closed room is temporarily under negative air pressure. Return vents maintain air pressure, filter out debris, and are critical to the efficient operation of any HVAC system.

What happens if there is not enough return air?

If there is not enough return air available, your HVAC system will not heat or cool properly. They must be properly sized — Return air ducts must be large enough to carry a sufficient amount of expended air back to your furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump.

What size return do I need for a 3 ton AC unit?

Recommended airflow is typically 400 cfm per ton of AC. A 3 ton AC would therefore need 1200 cfm airflow. With only 423 sq in of return your air velocity through the grille would be just over 400 ft/min, a good number as far as noise is concerned.

Can flex duct be used for return air?



Flex duct is widely used for return air in commercial air conditioning systems. Flex duct is able to withstand a certain negative pressure of return air. When installed properly, a flex duct is a reliable and convenient ductwork solution. Flex duct often gets a bad rep because of airflow issues.