Dust, pet dander, and other allergens can wreak havoc on your household if they’re not controlled properly. From coughing and sneezing to dry eyes and an itchy throat, the symptoms caused by allergens can range in severity. To limit or even completely remove common allergens from your home, consider adding filters to your home’s vents as an extra line of defense.
While your HVAC system likely has a filter built into the system itself, many homeowners are beginning to install return air filters in their home’s vents as well. This will help to remove any allergens that might have accumulated within your vents, as well as catch any allergens that might’ve slipped through the cracks and gotten through your HVAC system’s filter.
Benefits of Return Air Filters in Your Home’s Vents
Allergens such as dust, pet dander, and airborne bacteria can cause common allergy symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and dry eyes, but the issues don’t stop there. Common household allergens can also develop sicknesses like the flu or the common cold in anybody who breathes in the contaminated air.
By adding air filters to your home’s vents, you’ll catch and remove any allergens before they reach your loved ones within your home. Those within your home will likely notice the difference in the air quality almost immediately, as their allergy symptoms are greatly reduced.
Negatives of Air Filters in Your Home’s Vents
While the benefits are certainly noticeable and important, it’s also a good idea to consider the drawbacks in adding filters to your vents.
After adding an air filter to your vents, you’ll likely notice decreased airflow. This can cause your HVAC system to stay on longer as it tries to match your thermostat’s set temperature, leading to higher energy bills and consumption.
Additionally, vent filters are more of a short-term solution. In order for your filters to work effectively and limit the airborne allergens within your home, you’ll have to change the filters quite frequently.
How to Install Filters
Clean and Clear Your Vents
Before installing filters within your vents, you’ll need to turn off your heating or air conditioning system and make sure that your vents and return air vents have been cleaned and cleared of any dust or debris. Properly cleaning your vents before adding a vent filter will help to reduce the immediate workload that your filter will have to endure.
Cut Sheet Appropriately
Typically, vent filters will come in the form of one large sheet. You’ll have to cut the sheet down to an appropriate size for your individual vents and return air vents. Make sure that the vent filter you’ve cut out is the proper size and that there are no openings where non-filtered air can leak out.
Apply Filter
After you’ve cut the sheet appropriately, apply the supplied tape or velcro to the grille of the vent and simply press onto the areas where the adhesives are attached. The filter should be secure on the grille of the vent.
Where Can You Buy Return Air Filters?
Vent filters are becoming far more popular among homeowners, leading to increased availability at affordable prices. Check your local hardware or home improvement stores to find vent filters. If they don’t have any in stock, you’ll surely be able to find them on their website.
How Often Should Filters Be Replaced?
While filters for vents and return vents are certainly a great way to reduce the number of indoor allergens within your home, they’re not a long-term or permanent solution. As a general rule of thumb, vent filters should be replaced once a month or every other month.
For a more long-term solution to limiting your home’s indoor allergens, consider installing a media air cleaner or a UV air purifier.
Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating for Indoor Air Quality Services
For more information on how to improve your home’s indoor air quality, or to inquire about media air cleaners or UV air purifiers, get in touch with the professionals at Douglas Cooling & Heating. We’ll provide you with any information you’re seeking and will let you know how our IAQ products can positively benefit your home.
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