Most homeowners nightmares are how to control dust and allergens since they can pass through the smallest opening.
Because of the stubborn nature of dust, various technologies have come up to try and solve the problem.
One of them is the invention of vent filters.
But before you run into purchasing one, you must ask yourself if indeed filters work.
Are vent filters are capable of slowing down air passage?
Well, it can block even large particles, stop insects from crawling in and out of the vent.
In this article
What is a Vent Filter?
A vent filter is a specially designed grating that is inside an air vent.
HVAC filters are always outside in a home central air unit.
Meaning all air in the home must pass through it before proceeding to other parts of the system.
But vent filters offer the last step filtration that allows in air free of dust or bacteria.
It only provides a single filtration.
Youll need several vent filters if your home needs more than one filtration system.
It would help if you also replaced your vent filters regularly.
Vent filters come in three various forms.
The First one is the disposable activated carbon which does the filtration of dust, dirt, and fumes.
The other one is washable electrostatic polypropylene, mainly for dust and dirt.
The last key in of vent filter is disposable non-woven, which is also for dust and dirt.
How Do Vent Filters Work?
Vent filters main work is to prevent dirt and allergens from entering the air you breathe.
The air in your house comes from the central air system.
Vent filter purifies the air further after the air system has removed impurities, making it cleaner.
The vent filters are part of the central air unit though theyre in the outer part.
Its not easy seeing vent since there are at the back in a hidden layer after the filters.
Understanding how a vent filter works is never easy.
But you should know that air passes through the different layers of foam or fiber.
Then it goes through the central air system, where it forces its way into your home.
During this period, impurities such as dust or dirt get to come out and remain on the fabric.
Do Air Vent Filters Restrict Airflow?
Air vent filters have a way restricts airflow, which is one of the disadvantages of using it.
The filters will reduce the airspeed as objects pile up on them.
With time as the particles build-up increases, the air restriction also rises.
When air restriction happens in the vent filter, the system will strain and consume much power.
In the end, the air system will overheat, making it work slower.
The rating should range between 6 and 8 so that less air restriction happens.
But remember, it will allow more objects through if it doesnt restrict the air.
Well look at its advantages to enable you to know the additional value it can bring to your home.
The disadvantages are as follows;
Do Vent Filters Work?
You could be wondering if vent filters work effectively.
But if youve been keen, youll realize we have the answer just before this.
Dont worry well let you understand better if the vent filter works here.
First, you should understand that vent filters main work is to clean impurities in the air you breathe.
It works with the central air system to give your home fresh cool air.
Its the last layer where air filtration occurs.
The answer to the question above of whether vent filters work is yes.
However, it doesnt work effectively as other types of filters.
You must understand that the effectiveness of filters relates to the MERV rating.
The higher the rating, the less effective though vent filter doesnt have a MERV rating.
But if you want more pure air, consider combining it with HVAC.
Do I Need Filters in My Return Vents?
Like any machine, HVAC needs to operate when its clean and with no dust.
When you allow objects and debris to build up in it, it can result in overheating.
So, it is wise to do regular maintenance to have the machine serve you longer.
When its clean, youll also be getting clean and pure air.
Having a return filter will ensure your rig cleans the air before it gets into the machinery.
Its important to have it as it will clean the dirt making your rig serve you longer.
you’re free to maintain its cleanliness by replacing it with a new one.
How Often Should Vent Filters Be Changed?
When you want your vent filter to serve you for a long time, you should ensure its clean.
The best and easy way to maintain its cleanliness is by changing it regularly.
The major challenge most homeowners have is forgetting to change the filters to keep it clean.
But hey change the air filter in your home after every 30 days.
Thirty days is for the vent filter with cheap fiberglass.
Remember, this recommendation is in line with filters of average use and not their size or punch in.
How Many Return Vents Should A House Have?
Some years back, contractors could install one big return vent for the whole house.
However, with time this has changed as homeowners have seen the importance of having sufficient airflow.
If you have several return vents in your house, youll have consistent air pressure.
Failure to fire up the doors or windows means your home wont have adequate air circulation.
Conclusion
There are many debates on whether vent filters work or not.
You should understand all these well before installing them in your home.
Suppose you want pure air; you should fix vent filters.
Remember, they can trap insects and other objects, which are always a nightmare in most homes.
If you want the machine to serve you longer, ensure you maintain its cleanliness by changing it regularly.
Get to understand the different types of vent filters so that you dont end up buying the wrong one.
Dont forget to look at its disadvantages since its something that can inconvenience you.
You should also ensure you have more return vents to have a constant and clean air supply.
