In air filtration, the return grille filter is a term you are perhaps unfamiliar with, making it a bit of a mystery. If you’re a clean air guru who wants the best ambiance possible, these devices boost your HVAC system, which shouldn’t be ignored. Let’s go over what they are and why you need them.
What is a Return Grille Filter?
A return grille filter, or a return vent filter, is designed to fit inside return vents and help remove solid contaminants from the air. The vents are usually located within the wall, but in some instances, they can be found on the floor or the ceiling. Return grilles are typically made of steel and intended to be effortless to clean.
Why are Return Air Grille Filters so important?
Return filters can benefit your home in many ways. The first is that they help provide clean, free-of-contaminant air. Improved indoor air quality will enhance your residents’ productivity and awareness. It will also improve breathing for anybody with asthma and allergies.
The grille return air filters also help keep your return ducts clean. This not only maintains your air quality but also aids the efficiency of your HVAC system. An efficiently running system can save money by avoiding repairs and consuming less energy.
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Should you put filters in your return vents?
Depending on your HVAC system, you may not need a return air grill filter. An excellent way to find out is to check and see if your system has an air handler. If it does, you do not need to use a return filter.
Are all return grille air filters universal?
The short answer is no. Not all return vent filters will work for your system. You’ll need to consider some factors to ensure you have the right one. But don’t worry—that will be covered in a bit!
What is the difference between return vents vs. return grilles?
The main contrast between return vents, registers, and grilles is that registers usually include controllers that allow you to regulate airflow by opening or closing the vent. Grilles lack shutters and generally appear in homes with an HVAC system. A return air vent collects and circulates air from a room through hallways or ceilings.
What is the difference between return air grille filters and furnace filters?
Both return air grille filters and furnace filters attempt to provide clean air throughout your home. They just take slightly different approaches. The furnace filter is installed before the furnace, which means it has direct access to the air flowing within the device, allowing it to provide marginally better air quality.
Air return filters are more convenient to install since they are usually in easily accessible areas. They also allow clean air to pass through your ducts and pathways.
To summarize, use a furnace filter if you’re looking for optimal air quality and don’t mind going through whatever loopholes are needed to access the furnace. However, a return air filter is the best choice if you are concerned about convenience, cleaner ducts, and quality air.
What about deep pleat filters?
Deep pleat filters take advantage of the extra space behind your return grille, extending further into the ductwork. This allows these filters to pack much more filtration surface area without crowding the system.
Benefits of more surface area:
- Better airflow so your system doesn’t have to work as hard to run.
- Longer lasting. Deep pleat filters can last up to six times longer than basic 1-inch filters. This means fewer filter changes and fewer filters to buy.
- Lowered pressure drop. It helps the HVAC system use less energy and reduce wear and tear.
Swapping out your standard filter for a deep pleat model is like upgrading from a bicycle to an e-bike: you won’t have to “pedal” (replace) as often, and your system will thank you for the smooth ride.
It’s important to note that deep pleated filters are not the same thing as return grille air filters.
Can I use return air grille filters and furnace filters?
If you are utilizing return air grille filters, it is recommended that you avoid using furnace filters. Using both can restrict airflow too much, damaging your system.
Why should you replace your return air filters?
Replacing your return vent filters consistently might seem like a task you can put off, but we wouldn’t recommend it. Eventually, the air pollution your filter collects will start to clog it. A dirty filter can cause the system to run inefficiently, using more energy to push air.
This can result in the HVAC system breaking down and needing repair. To maintain high-quality, clean air and avoid unnecessary spending, change your filter.
How often should you replace return air filters?
Now that you understand why replacing your return air filter is essential, you naturally want to know how often you need to do so. How frequently you change your return air grille filter depends on several details, including air quality. The recommended interval is around 3 months. However, some return grille filters may last anywhere from 6 to 12 months before they need to be replaced.
Simple enough, right? But with life going back and forth like a ping-pong ball, it can be challenging. To make things easy, a great tip is to use an auto-delivery system as a reminder. It could do the trick! Our Home Filter Club subscription program is a delivery system designed with simplicity in mind.
You need only select Subscribe + Save at checkout and your delivery interval. That’s it!
How do I change the return air grille filter?
Replacing a filter is easy… at least it should be. And we already know that it’s essential. But replacing it incorrectly could be just as bad as not replacing it at all. That’s why showing is better than telling to ensure you do it correctly. Check out the video below.
How do you find the best return air filters?
Finding the correct return air filters for your home can be as tricky as remembering to replace them. Fortunately, your friends at FiltersFast.com are here to help. You want to consider several factors when searching for the best replacement return air filters for your home. Let’s go over them.
What’s it made of?
The first factor you need to consider is the return filter’s make. This includes everything from the materials used to its design. The details that matter the most are durability, efficiency, and maintenance. This is important because you want to know how strong the filter is and what is required to keep its operating standard high. Also, some filters are better at removing certain pollutants than others. To examine how efficient the filter is, you’ll need to understand MERV ratings and ensure you have the correct MERV for your system.
Just the Right Size
The second factor you want to think through is the size and dimensions. Incorporating this into your decision is necessary as it will prevent you from returning the wrong product and getting another one. Make sure you take the time to correctly measure the grille opening if your return grille doesn’t already have a filter placed in it.
If you need tips on sizing the filter, remember that return air grille sizes are measured by dividing the HVAC unit’s cubic feet per minute (CFM) by 350 to get square feet, then multiplying by 144 to get square inches. In general, you’ll want 200 square inches per ton.
Filters are labeled by their dimensions, so double-check before you check out. The “short side” and “long side” are the key measurements you’ll need. And don’t forget the depth!
Carefully measure the length, width, and depth of the grille opening. The opening is key. Do not measure the outer edges of the frame, as that will not give you the dimensions you need. If there’s an existing filter, locate the size printed on the old one.
Here’s a quick tip: Most return air grilles are designed to fit 1-inch-thick filters. Standard sizes usually go up in even numbers, like 10″, 12″, 14″, 16″, 18″, 20″, 22″, 24″, and 25″ for the short side, and for the long side, you might see options like 10″ all the way up to 36″. You can usually find the right replacement filter from brands like Honeywell, Filtrete, and Filters Fast.
Getting the exact size that you need ensures a snug fit. That way, no air or dust leaks past the filter.
Ensuring you have the correct size will save you time, money, and hassle in the long run.
The Price That’s Right
Lastly, you’ll want to factor in the price of your filter. Compare the value that the filter adds versus the cost. Return air grilles come at various price points and with specific features. Remembering this and any included warranties is the best way to get the most out of your budget.
If you’re looking for a reliable place to shop for replacement return grille filters, FiltersFast.com is an excellent choice. We have quality filters available for your unique needs, so please feel free to search using the link below.
Mystery Solved, Clean Air for All!
Now that the word is out and the enigma of the return grille filter has been resolved, we know their goal is like that of air filters—to provide clean air for your home. Utilizing them will regulate your HVAC system’s efficiency and maintenance. In addition, the improved indoor air quality will enhance your health and wellness.
For more information on air filtration, please check out the following articles:
- Why Is Air Filtration Important During the Winter?
- 5 Tips to Make Your Air Filter Change Smoother
- How to Save Money on a HVAC Repair
- How to Have Healthy, Clean Air in Your Home
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