HVAC return vent

[Maddie2009]

Hello,

I would like to ask if anyone know the return for HVAC by the thermostat should have a filter in it? I know that the one at the system in the garage has a filter so that dust does not make the coils dirty.

Where I am from in VA, we do not have filter at the return vent. It may reduce the dust to go into the duck work; but I am not sure if it prevents or reduces the amount of air returning to the system which may not be good and cause the system work more often.

Thank you.

[DangeloInspections]

The return vent grills in most all the homes here in The Villages do not need or are designed for a separate filter. The filter cabinet in your garage is more than enough. You can install either a Merv 8 or Merv 11 filter. The most common size is a nominal 19x20x4. Adding more risks restriction of the airflow and can damage your unit.

This is assuming that you have a Carrier heat pump system.

Hope this helps....

Frank D.

[Maddie2009]

Frank, thank you for your expert opinion which confirm my understanding. The unit I mentioned is Rudd. I do not understand why they put the filter in the return vent either. Will take it out. Again, thank you.

[DangeloInspections]

Maddie,
Without seeing pictures there is no way I can tell if the filters are starving the unit, etc.
Everything I posted assumed that you had a Carrier heat pump. Basically, we would have to see pictures of both filter locations.

If the return grill has a latch and a frame to accept a 1" filter, then it IS designed for a filter.....the question remaining is if it is needed or not and if it is hurting the system by restriction or not.

Hope this helps!....but we need more info here to really be helpful.

Frank

[rjm1cc]

Do you have an outside air intake? Some homes do. This has a filter and should be changed when it gets dirty which could be 90 to 120 days.

Your theromostate probably has a setting (need to look through all the options) to adjust the amount of outside air taken into the system.

[Maddie2009]

Thank you both. I have not seen one with a filter until now. Saw a few houses in TV without a filter here. I don't know the answer to the outside air intake. I will take the pictures and post it to see if you can help me determine. Thank you kindly.

[Maddie2009]

Also, will the unit manual tell me if a filter at the return vent is required?

[DangeloInspections]

Also, will the unit manual tell me if a filter at the return vent is required?

No, typically not. Units are somewhat customized and designed for your home. As it is wise to have your A/C system cleaned and serviced at least once a year, the serviceperson should be able to tell you your proper filtering needs. Typically you will have one filter. Some folks add another in a return grille, the concern here is if it is too restrictive you can starve your unit of airflow.

Happy to help if you like to post pictures....

Frank

[rjm1cc]

Thank you both. I have not seen one with a filter until now. Saw a few houses in TV without a filter here. I don't know the answer to the outside air intake. I will take the pictures and post it to see if you can help me determine. Thank you kindly.

Look in the overhangs outside of your home. Probably around the front door or maybe the patio. There will be a cover that looks like the ones you have inside your home. You will probably need an 8 foot step ladder to reach.
I would not put a filter on the return inside. What you are doing is putting two filters on the return air. One at the heater and one in the ceiling.

[villagetinker]

OP, try calling home warranty, they will be able to give you the name of the company that originally installed the AC equipment, Then you can call them about the additional filter, and get the info directly from the installer.

[Maddie2009]

68761Thank you all for your kind assistance. I don't see a filter by the unit in the garage that normally most units have. The filter in the vent is across the room from the thermostat. The size is 20x30x1. 68761

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[dirtbanker]

No filter (electronic or media) at the furnace = need filter in the return air grill (by thermostat).

[rjm1cc]

In your last picture is their a "door" that opens by the orange dot? This where a filter goes on some units.
If there is no filter in your heater then you need the one in the vent. Size sounds correct for a filter. Probably easer to replace.
I had a heater that had the filter outside of the heater but where the return duck work entered the heater. The heater had no place for a filter.
I would say one filter for return air and one filter for outside air coming into the house.

[DangeloInspections]

Yup, if there is no filter around the bottom portion of the furnace between the plywood support box under the furnace, then you would just have the filter in the grille. No problem. Just buy some higher quality filters, (like Filtrate) and replace every couple of months or as needed.

Frank

[Maddie2009]

Thank you everyone for your kind assistance/support. It's so fantastic to have this kind of support,..priceless. Have a great week.