Furnace Filter vs. Return Vent Filters: Do You Need Both?
They may be a small part of your home’s HVAC system, but air filters are important. They help you protect your home’s comfort and air quality. They capture airborne pollutants, improve your HVAC system’s efficiency, and protect its components from damage. However, there’s often confusion between furnace filters and return vent filters, and homeowners can wonder if they need both.
At Hopkins Air Conditioning, we’re here to clear up the confusion. Understanding the differences and purposes of these filters can help you maintain cleaner air and a more efficient HVAC system.
Your Home’s Air Quality Depends on What Air Filter You Use
How often do you think about the air inside your home? Yet, it plays an important part in your family’s overall health and comfort. Indoor air quality even impacts how your HVAC system runs. To help improve indoor air quality, homeowners often turn to air filters. Air filters help capture dust, allergens, pet dander, and other pollutants, preventing them from circulating throughout your home.
In addition to improving indoor air quality, filters help your HVAC system run more efficiently by stopping dirt and debris from reaching the mechanical parts of your system. A clogged or improperly maintained filter can reduce airflow, causing your system to work harder. This can lead to higher energy bills, reduced comfort, and potential system breakdowns.
With the right air filters, you can breathe easier, save money, and extend the life of your HVAC equipment.
Do Return Vents Need Air Filters?
To determine whether you need air filters for your return vents, you first need to know what they are. Return vents are an important part of your HVAC system. They pull air from your home back into the system for conditioning and redistribution.
So, should return vents have filters? While return vents don’t always require filters, adding them provides additional filtration, improving indoor air quality and keeping dirt and debris out of your system. However, there are pros and cons to consider.
Pros of Return Vent Filters
Some of the benefits of return vent filters include:
- Adds an extra layer of air filtration
- Helps reduce dust and allergens in the air
- Protects the ductwork and HVAC system from debris buildup
Cons of Return Vent Filters
Some of the downsides to return vent filters include:
- May restrict airflow if not installed or maintained properly
- Could create inefficiencies if the wrong filter type is used
If you decide to use return vent filters, make sure to select the correct size and type for your system and replace them regularly to avoid airflow restrictions.
Return Air Filters vs. Furnace Filters
Most HVAC systems come with furnace filters, so many homeowners are well-acquainted with them. Because return air filters are less common, it may be useful to review the differences between the two types.
Location and Purpose
Furnace filters go directly into the HVAC unit. They work by trapping pollutants before air circulates through your home. Return vent filters, on the other hand, are installed at the return air grilles and serve as a secondary line of defense.
Filter Size and Type
Furnace filters are not one-size-fits-all. They come in a variety of efficiency ratings and are more effective at capturing smaller particles. Return vent filters are usually thinner and less efficient but can still help reduce dust and debris entering the system.
Maintenance Needs
Most homeowners need to change their furnace filters every 1-3 months, depending on the type and your system’s usage. Return vent filters, if used, also need regular replacement to avoid airflow issues.
By properly maintaining both types of filters, you can get great airflow, reduce strain on your HVAC system, and rest easy knowing you have cleaner air.
Improve Your Home’s Air Quality with Hopkins Air Conditioning
At Hopkins Air Conditioning, we want your home to be as healthy as possible. That’s why we specialize in providing expert air quality solutions. We take a whole-house approach to indoor air quality and HVAC efficiency.
With over 40 years of experience, our team has the skills to tackle any air filter service, including air handlers and return vent filters. We service all brands and are ready to help you with air quality assessments, filter replacement, and HVAC system maintenance.
Contact Hopkins Air Conditioning today for expert air filter solutions and HVAC maintenance!
