Thinking about your air filters is not something you do on a daily basis; however, they are important to your home’s overall indoor air quality and the efficiency of your HVAC system. Your home’s HVAC system works hard to pull air in, cool or heat it and then blow it back through your home. So how do you help take care of it? Utilizing filers is critical to keep your HVAC operating at its peak.

 

One question often asked is “Should I put air filters on my return vents?” Yes, air filters are an important part of your HVAC system. The air filter helps to keep your indoor air clean by removing airborne contaminants, like allergens, from the air. HOWEVER, air filters are ONLY needed at one location either at your return vents or at your HVAC unit.

 

Why ONLY at one location should you place your filter? If you place filters at both locations, you actually suffocate your HVAC system. Air flow becomes restricted creating static pressure. This will cause your HVAC system to burn out as a result of being overworked. 

 

For example, if you were to take a straw, and poke three holes in it, and blow through the end, none of the air comes out of the sides. It goes straight down the middle, the path of least resistance. But if you use your finger to block one end and you blow, the air will go out the sides. That’s static pressure in action.

It works exactly the same way in your ducts.

In HVAC, static pressure is the resistance to airflow in ductwork. Too much static pressure can cause problems. Too little, and you get different problems. If left untreated it can result in premature failure of the system. This is the exact case that will occur when filters are placed both at the return vent and at the HVAC system. 

Regardless of where you place your filter, you MUST have a filter.

Top 3 benefits of filters:

• Better Indoor Air Quality
• Keep your HVAC system running efficiently
• Reduce dust in your home