Upgrading Your Return Air Filter May Improve Furnace Efficiency and Reduce Operating Costs

One of the simplest and most beneficial upgrades for your furnace or air conditioner is to replace your current return air filter, which is designed for many different applications, with a return air grille filter that is designed specifically for use in your return air grille.

Benefits of upgrading return air filters:

Designed with a one inch knife edge header so it fits snugly into return air grilles allowing less bypass air for better air quality.

• Due to the increased surface area of these filters there is less air flow restriction compared to a one inch pleated filter. This improves furnace operating efficiency and helps to reduce operating costs.
• Available up to a MERV 13 rating for improved dust and allergen removal.
• Improved air flow which means better air circulation throughout your home.
• Because of the new 5 inch deep design, these air return filters last up to six times longer than a typical one inch pleated air filter.

One of the best things about these new return air grille filters is the way they fit into the return grille. Unlike traditional pleated air filter frames which tend to allow air to pass around the filter, these return air grill filters have a knife edge seal header or lip which fits tightly in the return air grille where your old filter currently sits, creating an air tight seal. This secondary lip helps to create a tighter fit and reduce air bypass.

The only minor concern would be that they are 5 inches thick and could cause problems if your return air grill is not deep enough to accept the new design. Measure the depth of the return grille in your wall or ceiling to be certain the new filter will fit properly.

They meet most needs and are suitable for all applications be it filtration only or odor control. Odor problems can be easily addressed also with the 2 stage MERV 8 Odor Ban filter which utilizes electrostatically charged synthetic fibers bonded to activated carbon (often referred to as charcoal). Activated carbon is the most effective product available for removing the smells often associated with cooking, cigarette smoke, pet odors and many other household smells.