All HVAC systems have the furnace filter, however, the majority of homeowners are purchasing the air filter for their vents. These filters are available in sheets that are then cut to accommodate vents for air return and registers across the home. Although they are useful vent filters can be useful, they aren’t suitable for every home and might prove to be a waste of expense.
Beating against the Pros and Cons
As with every other optional part that is part of the HVAC, these vent filters come with both negative and positive aspects which can impact how they are beneficial to your home. Understanding these characteristics will allow you to make an informed choice before you purchase.
Advantages to Vent Filters
The addition of vent filters to your home is an additional line of defense against allergens and dust. The particles can get into the vents through cracks and get through the furnace’s primary filter. Dust may also collect in the vents during times of absence, further contaminating the air in your home.
The drawbacks of vent filters
The most significant drawback of vent filters is that they restrict airflow. Filters restrict the movement of air. As particles accumulate on them, the volume obstructions increase. This could make your system be more efficient, drawing more power and could cause overheating of components.
Furthermore they will need periodic cleaning, much like your primary filter will. This is why it requires you to go to every vent with the filter at least once each year. While this isn’t necessarily difficult in certain circumstances but it could be a problem when the vent you want to access is located in an area that is difficult to reach like high on a wall that is above furniture.
Think about the MERV Rating.
When you are choosing a venting filter, it is recommended to look for an the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating between 6 and 8. The lower the rating that is lower, the less air will be blocked, however it also allows more particles to pass through. This scale of rating is a standard in the industry and is a fantastic method of balancing filtering and restriction of airflow.
6
Filters that have a MERV rating of 6 are of the lowest quality for household use. When compared to a standard fiberglass filter MERV 6 filters work about eight times more effectively. Filters that have this rating can be able to remove big particles, such as:
- Allergens, such as pollen, pet dander and dust mite dust
- dust and dirt
- Lint
- random small debris
8
Air filters for your home could have a MERV rating between 13 and 13, 8. MERV 8 is the most suggested for the vent filter. These filters allow adequate airflow, however they are 20 % more effective than fiberglass filter. This makes them a great option for homes with family members smoke or who are more sensitive to allergies.
However, they don’t completely eliminate allergens but just larger-particle ones.
Are Filters the Right Choice for Your Home?
The air filters make a significant impact in certain situations however, they don’t necessarily solve the air quality issues. The quality of air can be caused by many different causes and the furnace filter is doing a great job in protecting against airborne particles in normal conditions.
When should you get vent filters?
Vent filters are ideal to add the primary filter. They can be beneficial in homes where the HVAC system is off during the majority of the year.
In these areas, the filters can help reduce dust buildup in the vents. It can also reduce the smell of dust heated that happens when the furnace is turned on for the first time after sitting for a lengthy period of.
Although they can’t completely eliminate the issue Vent filters can aid in the reduction of airborne allergens, like pet dander and pollen. The particles are usually pushed into the return vents , and get caught up in the furnace filter. However, they could also be drawn into cracks in your ductwork , forcing them into rooms via registers.
How to avoid vent filters
Sometimes installing vent filters on a home that is older isn’t any better than placing an ointment over a fractured bone. The ductwork can develop cracks or holes over long periods of time and the seal could rupture. One of the most common signs is a house where rooms accumulate dust quickly and the furnace’s filter is kept clear.
In these situations vent filters will catch many particles. However, the holes in your ducts could also affect your heating costs. The ductwork being examined and fixed is the most effective option and could be cheaper in the long run.
Another issue that can be found in older houses is usually that the furnace is not working properly. Furnaces need to be fed air to prevent from becoming overheated or struggling to remain in operation. In these instances installing filters on your air return can limit the amount of airflow enough to cause problems for the furnace.
Make sure you have a filter that has an MERV rating of six can help to reduce the amount of contaminants that get into the main filter from outside the home, but blockages to the vents or other issues may make low-density filters could clog your furnace.
If you’re unsure if the filters inside the return vents can affect your furnace, it is recommended to consult an expert or stay clear of these completely.
