skip to main content

Heating & Air Conditioning

Return Air Filter Grill with Air Filter

9 years ago

Hi, I would like some professional advice on return air filters. I have an air handler upstairs in a closet and the air filter that goes under the unit is very difficult to access and is a non-standard air filter size. I have a grill in the wall below the air handler unit, which I believe is a return.

I looked into return air filter grills that come with a slot to insert an air filter. If I install one of these in the return down below, do I still need the air filter that goes directly in the air handler?

I really don't want to switch out 2 air filters, but then again I don't want to damage the A/C unit. My goal is to replace the hard to fit air filter with something equivalent.

Thanks

Sort by:Oldest

Comment (1)

dovetonsils
9 years ago
I think that is okay, at least it was in 1983 when our house was built. We have a filter at each return and none on the air handler itself which is in a very hard to get to crawlspace.

One bonus of this arrangement is that I know when the filters need to be changed. I get a slight "boom" in the ducts because there was negative pressure in the return ducts and the ducts "oil can" back when the blower stops. Then it's time to change the filters. ;-)

This post was edited by Dovetonsils on Mon, Dec 8, 14 at 16:40
Related Discussions
Relocating air filter at the returns
Q
Comments (3)
Look into the filter like the 5" media hepa type. An example is the "April Air 2200 or 2400". This would have to be installed at the indoor system, and the filter changed once a year. There is one that fits into the wall or ceiling as well. You can also get a return filter grill in a 2", and use one 2" filter or two 1" filters. I have systems I installed 20 years ago, and with the 5" media filter, there isn't even any dust on the inside of the air handler, needless to say- the indoor coil and blower has never needed cleaning.
...See More
About Air Filters; Which Vent Do I Need to Change Filter?
Q
Comments (7)
There's no way for the thermostat to know that you've gone into your attic and changed a filter unless it operates off some sort of sensor as RyanHughes mentioned above.Â Assuming the indicator is a simple timer that counts the accumulated blower run-time ... you have to to press a button or something to reset/restart the timing when you change the filter.Â My thermostat, for example, has a designated button labeled "Reset Filter."
...See More
modified air return grille for replacing filter
Q
Comments (3)
no. unfortunately that doesn't answer my question. i already have aftermarket grilles that i like. the problem is that the cold air return grille is not hinged, making replacing the filter difficult. i'm looking for a way to modify it to make this easier. completely different issue. additionally the ones we found that we like were from a company called Reggio: Here is a link that might be useful: Reggio
...See More
Do I need filter at return air vent if we have air cleaner in attic?
Q
Comments (6)
The only thing that I don't like is that the filter in the air cleaner is in the attic and not very accessible, so I don't do it myself. I would much rather be able to climb on a step ladder and unhook the ceiling grille to change the filter. Would it hurt if we put a filter there as well (like by restricting too much of the airflow) or help in any way? Would adding a filter there slow down the rate of how often we have to change the air cleaner one? (I think right now it is a once a year recommendation.)
...See More

Related Stories

HEALTHY HOME A Guide to Indoor Air Purifiers

By Laura Gaskill

Get the lowdown on air filtration systems for your house and the important ratings to look out for

DECORATING GUIDES 10 Ways to Hide That Air Conditioner

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

Feeling boxed in designing around your mini-split air conditioner? Try one of these clever disguises and distractions

HEALTHY HOME Get Cleaner Indoor Air Without Opening a Window

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

Mechanical ventilation can actually be better for your home than the natural kind. Find out the whys and hows here

DECORATING GUIDES 12 Ways to Cool Your Home Without Air Conditioning

By Shawn Gauthier

If your summer energy bill is leaving you hot under the collar, consider these savvy alternate strategies for cooling down

LIFE 6 Ways to Cool Off Without Air Conditioning

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

These methods can reduce temperatures in the home and save on energy bills

PATTERN 12 Great Decorative Alternatives to Curtains

Filter light and views while drawing the eye by dressing windows in specialty glass, artistic screens or snazzy shades

SHOP HOUZZ Shop Houzz: A Breath of Fresh Air

These stylish humidifiers and air purifiers will help you breathe easy

MOST POPULAR 5 Ways to Hide That Big Air Conditioner in Your Yard

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

Don’t sweat that boxy A/C unit. Here’s how to place it out of sight and out of mind

REMODELING GUIDES Cantilevered Stairs: Walking on Air

Floating Stairs Take Minimalism to New Levels

GARDENING GUIDES Got a Hot, Humid Landscape? Add Tropical Flair With Air Plants

By Falon Mihalic

Turn tree trunks and walls into lush canvases with plants adapted to the canopies of the rainforest

Sponsored

More Discussions

Cooling Mini Splits

65

Typical charge to install fuse

33

Engineered vs. Solid Hardwood over radiant floor heating

8

is this leak due to condensation?

21

Geothermal heat pump

0