Relocating Your HVAC Air Filter Is Easier Than You'd Think!

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⚠️ Disclaimer:
This video is for educational purposes. Any and all HVAC repair work is done at your own risk. Any person attempting to deal with any type of refrigerant MUST have their EPA 608 certificate. The DIY HVAC Guy channel is not responsible for any possible damages or injuries caused by the use or misuse of the provided information.

[billmcroberts]

I moved my crawl space filter to my living space and added two more, greatly increasing my return air flow. Now it takes me minutes to replace all three filters and the under house air handler doesn’t sweat. Win, win!

[garyblack]

I added a register to my plenum because I thought that airflow might have been a little low. But then I replaced my unit and installed it in such a way that I could more easily use the 20"X20" in the unit itself, and less chance for dust bunnies (and nasty wall air in the coil).

[scoobtoober]

I agree returns on the ground flush is bad bad. Dust is always hanging out there. Lift it a bit off the ground.

[nationsnumberchump]

That's basically like mine but its just 1 big filter. I often am concerned about the air quality its pulling from the wall, essentially attic air. The rest of my circulation vents are scattered around because its a split level home. I just need a way to move more air from upstairs to downstairs thru the wall. The kicker is that the upstairs vent is closer to the ceiling, not the floor. Which i guess is a good thing because the thermostat is directly above the vent in the lower level so it should keep things somewhat normal temps upstairs but just needs more air movement. Tired of running the ceiling fan 24/7

[jamesbrandon]

I have 2 large return grates but I have easy access to the 20x20 filter in the bottom of the ac unit so can I put filters in the return grates that are merv 1 rating to use as a pre filter so I don’t have to replace the better quality filters as often?

[geoffgeoff]

Having return ducts close to the floor is stoopid as dirt, dust, and hair quickly clogs them.

[TheGuitarGuy]

Something to think about would be to verify that the system does not have a fresh air intake connected into the return near the air handler. By relocating the filters to the grilles, the outside air could now go directly into the system unfiltered.

[boredombuilder]

I really want to put in a 4" filter rack, but my return comes in from the back of the unit instead of the side. I'm thinking of riveting a piece of sheet metal and rotating my unit to open up more of the furnace body to allow more airflow

[virgilioacevedo]

My air return filter is the top of the wall that runs to the cathedral ceiling and is hard for me a 78 old to get without risk my life 😢

[danev]

I have a custom made filter of 29x13.5x1. I am about to replace the old return grille. Should it be the same size as the filter? I can only find 30x14 grilles. Thx.

[justin]

Nice power line going through the return. I'm guessing that's acceptable by code where you are?

[alvinclose]

I have an accordion style filter that is a pain in the neck to change, can I simply go to a box filter instead?

[bellabudandbear]

Hi, love your channel. I just had a new HVAC system installed. It still uses the original return vent but they removed the 1” filter. The new unit has a 4” filter but with the unit in my attic that will be a lot harder to get to. I was going to ask if I can take the 4” filter out and only use 1” filters at the return vent?
Then I heard you say the 4” filters are better for the system?
Do you mind answering the first question and then explaining why the 4” filters allow more air flow?
Thanks you!

[Binh-ulrc]

how to add filter when the replacement filter is from craw space?

[parviz-mm]

Please, comment on how did you get your Universal EPA 608. I'm going to get one, and there are some advertisments online. Best org, how much, exams etc.? Please, need your advise.

[OneWildTurkey]

I've found it works better to use specialized air cleaners instead of just HVAC filters. The allergies are better and the HVAC filters last longer.

[galenwallace]

Did you clean all the return ducts ? Or did you suck all that dirt into the fan and coil 🤔🤷🤣🤣🤣

[steve]

If you curl the bill of your cap, it conforms to the shape of your head much better.

[cgutowski]

The further you move the filter away from air handler the more negative pressure exists in the return duct which could then cause crawlspace air to enter the duct. Not recommended.

[catherinequigley]

Why would anyone ever put a return filter in a crawlspace ? Crazy