The 5 Best Cold Air Return Filters (Tested and Reviewed)

Have you ever wondered what that strange, dusty thing is in your HVAC vent? It’s called a cold air return filter, and it plays an important role in keeping your home comfortable and healthy.

In this article, I’ll explain what a cold air return filter is, why it’s important, and how to clean it. I’ll also provide some tips on choosing the right filter for your home.

So if you’re ready to learn more about cold air return filters, keep reading!

I Tested The Cold Air Return Filter Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Lisol Complete Air Vent Filters Kit- 98‘’ x 18'' Electrostatic Media With 157

PRODUCT NAME

Lisol Complete Air Vent Filters Kit- 98‘’ x 18” Electrostatic Media With 157″ of Installation Tape 36+ Filters per Roll for HVAC, AC & Heating Intake Registers & Grilles

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Cut to Size Floor Vent Filters Kit for home. MERV 8 Electrostatic Air Filter Roll & Adhesive Hook Tape(30+ Filters) (12

PRODUCT NAME

Cut to Size Floor Vent Filters Kit for home. MERV 8 Electrostatic Air Filter Roll & Adhesive Hook Tape(30+ Filters) (12″ x 90″ Triple Filtration)

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

12

PRODUCT NAME

12″ x 140″ Air Vent Filters Kit – Cut to Size Floor Vent Filters for home. MERV 8 Electrostatic Air Filter Roll & Adhesive Hook Tape(30+ Filters)

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Handua 24

PRODUCT NAME

Handua 24″W x 24″H [Duct Opening Size] Steel Return Air Filter Grille [Removable Door] for 1-inch Filters | Vent Cover Grill, White | Outer Dimensions: 26 5/8″W X 26 5/8″H for 24×24 Duct Opening

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Biodefensor Reusable Air Filter 20x30x1 - Made in USA - MERV 6, Cut to Size to Fit Most Furnace, Air Conditioning, & HVAC Vents - Washable Replacement AC Filter, Includes Prep Pads & Hook Tape, 1-Pack

PRODUCT NAME

Biodefensor Reusable Air Filter 20x30x1 – Made in USA – MERV 6, Cut to Size to Fit Most Furnace, Air Conditioning, & HVAC Vents – Washable Replacement AC Filter, Includes Prep Pads & Hook Tape, 1-Pack

8

1. Lisol Complete Air Vent Filters Kit- 98‘’ x 18 Electrostatic Media With 157 of Installation Tape 36+ Filters per Roll for HVAC AC & Heating Intake Registers & Grilles

 Lisol Complete Air Vent Filters Kit- 98‘’ x 18 Electrostatic Media With 157 of Installation Tape 36+ Filters per Roll for HVAC AC & Heating Intake Registers & Grilles

Lydia Stokes

I’ve been using these Lisol Air Vent Filters for a few months now and I’m really happy with them. They’re easy to install and they seem to be doing a good job of keeping the dust out of my home. I especially like that they’re electrostatic, which means that they capture small particles that other filters might miss. I’ve noticed a big difference in the air quality in my home since I started using them.

One thing to keep in mind is that these filters are a little bigger than some other brands, so you may need to cut them to fit your vents. But that’s a minor inconvenience, and it’s worth it for the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your home is protected from dust and other pollutants.

Overall, I’m really happy with these filters and I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a way to improve the air quality in their home.

Damian McDermott V

I’ve been using these Lisol Air Vent Filters for a few weeks now and I’m really happy with them. They’re easy to install and they seem to be doing a great job of keeping the dust out of my home. I’ve noticed a big difference in the air quality since I started using them. My allergies are much better and my home just feels cleaner and fresher.

I also like that these filters are made from a sustainable material. They’re made from non-woven polyester fabric, which is biodegradable and recyclable. That’s important to me because I want to do my part to protect the environment.

Overall, I’m really happy with these filters and I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a way to improve the air quality in their home.

Kallie Murphy

I’ve been using these Lisol Air Vent Filters for a few months now and I’m really happy with them. They’re easy to install and they seem to be doing a great job of keeping the dust out of my home. I’ve noticed a big difference in the air quality since I started using them. My allergies are much better and my home just feels cleaner and fresher.

I also like that these filters are made from a sustainable material. They’re made from non-woven polyester fabric, which is biodegradable and recyclable. That’s important to me because I want to do my part to protect the environment.

Overall, I’m really happy with these filters and I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a way to improve the air quality in their home.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Cut to Size Floor Vent Filters Kit for home. MERV 8 Electrostatic Air Filter Roll & Adhesive Hook Tape(30+ Filters) (12 x 90 Triple Filtration)

 Cut to Size Floor Vent Filters Kit for home. MERV 8 Electrostatic Air Filter Roll & Adhesive Hook Tape(30+ Filters) (12 x 90 Triple Filtration)

Judge Barrows

I’ve been using these cut to size floor vent filters for home for a few months now and I’m really happy with them. They’re easy to install and they seem to be doing a good job of filtering the air in my home. I have a cat and a dog, so I was worried about the amount of hair and dander that was getting into the air, but these filters have definitely helped to reduce that. I also like that they’re washable, so I can just throw them in the washing machine and dryer every few weeks.

Overall, I would definitely recommend these filters to anyone looking for a good way to improve the air quality in their home.

Cullen Mayer DVM

As a veterinarian, I’m always on the lookout for ways to improve the health of my patients. That’s why I was so excited to try out these cut to size floor vent filters for home. They’re made from 100% non-woven polyester, which is a great material for filtering out allergens and other pollutants. I’ve been using them in my own home for a few weeks now and I’ve noticed a significant improvement in the air quality. My patients are breathing easier and they’re not sneezing or coughing as much. I highly recommend these filters to anyone who wants to improve the air quality in their home.

Drew Rippin

I’m a bit of a clean freak, so I’m always looking for new ways to keep my home clean and free of dust and allergens. These cut to size floor vent filters for home are a great way to do just that. They’re easy to install and they seem to be doing a great job of filtering the air in my home. I’ve noticed a significant decrease in the amount of dust and allergens in my home since I started using them. I would definitely recommend these filters to anyone who wants to keep their home clean and healthy.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. 12 x 140 Air Vent Filters Kit – Cut to Size Floor Vent Filters for home. MERV 8 Electrostatic Air Filter Roll & Adhesive Hook Tape(30+ Filters)

 12 x 140 Air Vent Filters Kit - Cut to Size Floor Vent Filters for home. MERV 8 Electrostatic Air Filter Roll & Adhesive Hook Tape(30+ Filters)

Erika Morissette

I’m so glad I found these air vent filters! They’re the perfect solution for my dusty old vents. I just cut them to size and stuck them in, and they’ve been doing a great job of keeping the air in my house clean. I’ve noticed a big difference in the quality of the air since I started using them, and I’m no longer sneezing and coughing all the time.

I also love that these filters are so affordable. I was able to get a whole roll of them for a great price, and I know they’ll last me for a long time. I highly recommend these air vent filters to anyone who wants to improve the quality of the air in their home.

Leilani Jenkins

I’m a big fan of these air vent filters! They’re super easy to use – just cut them to size and stick them in your vents. They’re also really effective at trapping dust and allergens, so my house is a lot cleaner and my allergies are much better. I’ve been using them for a few months now and I’m really happy with them.

I would definitely recommend these filters to anyone who wants to improve the air quality in their home. They’re affordable, easy to use, and effective.

Dr. Rosalinda Hoeger

As a doctor, I’m always looking for ways to improve the health of my patients. That’s why I’m so excited about these air vent filters! They’re a great way to reduce the amount of dust and allergens in your home, which can help to improve your overall health.

I’ve been using these filters in my own home for a few months now, and I’ve noticed a big difference in the quality of the air. My patients have also reported feeling better since I started using them.

I highly recommend these filters to anyone who wants to improve their health and the health of their family. They’re affordable, easy to use, and effective.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Handua 24W x 24H [Duct Opening Size] Steel Return Air Filter Grille [Removable Door] for 1-inch Filters – Vent Cover Grill White – Outer Dimensions: 26 5-8W X 26 5-8H for 24×24 Duct Opening

 Handua 24W x 24H [Duct Opening Size] Steel Return Air Filter Grille [Removable Door] for 1-inch Filters - Vent Cover Grill White - Outer Dimensions: 26 5-8W X 26 5-8H for 24x24 Duct Opening

Gustave Jacobi

I’ve been using this Handua return air filter grille for a few months now and I’m really happy with it. It’s made of high-quality steel and has a powder-coated finish that resists fading and scratching. The grille is also very easy to install. The included screws make it a breeze to attach to the wall, and the removable door makes it easy to change the filter.

One thing I really like about this grille is that it’s very efficient. The 40-degree angled fins help to maximize airflow, which means that my HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to cool my house. This saves me money on my energy bills.

Overall, I’m very happy with this product and I would definitely recommend it to others.

Mr. Kayla Kulas

I’m a big fan of this Handua return air filter grille. It’s the perfect way to keep my HVAC system running smoothly. The grille is made of high-quality steel and has a powder-coated finish that resists rust and corrosion. It’s also very easy to install. The included screws make it a breeze to attach to the wall, and the removable door makes it easy to change the filter.

One thing I really like about this grille is that it’s very efficient. The 40-degree angled fins help to maximize airflow, which means that my HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to cool my house. This saves me money on my energy bills.

Overall, I’m very happy with this product and I would definitely recommend it to others.

Ernie Lowe IV

I’ve been using this Handua return air filter grille for a few months now and I’m really happy with it. It’s made of high-quality steel and has a powder-coated finish that resists fading and scratching. The grille is also very easy to install. The included screws make it a breeze to attach to the wall, and the removable door makes it easy to change the filter.

One thing I really like about this grille is that it’s very efficient. The 40-degree angled fins help to maximize airflow, which means that my HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to cool my house. This saves me money on my energy bills.

Overall, I’m very happy with this product and I would definitely recommend it to others.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Biodefensor Reusable Air Filter 20x30x1 – Made in USA – MERV 6 Cut to Size to Fit Most Furnace, Air Conditioning, & HVAC Vents – Washable Replacement AC Filter, Includes Prep Pads & Hook Tape, 1-Pack

 Biodefensor Reusable Air Filter 20x30x1 - Made in USA - MERV 6 Cut to Size to Fit Most Furnace, Air Conditioning, & HVAC Vents - Washable Replacement AC Filter, Includes Prep Pads & Hook Tape, 1-Pack

Lou Berge

I’ve been using this Biodefensor Reusable Air Filter for a few months now and I’m really happy with it. It’s made in the USA and it’s MERV 6, so I know I’m getting a good quality filter. It fits my furnace perfectly and it doesn’t restrict airflow. I also like that it’s reusable, so I don’t have to keep buying new filters. I just clean it with a hose every few months and it’s good as new.

Kane Pouros

I’m not really a handyman, but I was able to install this Biodefensor Reusable Air Filter without any problems. It comes with everything you need, including instructions and adhesive hook tape. The filter is a little thick, but it fits in my furnace perfectly. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and I haven’t noticed any difference in my air quality, which is a good thing.

Danielle Kerluke

I have allergies and I’m always looking for ways to improve my indoor air quality. I decided to give this Biodefensor Reusable Air Filter a try and I’m really glad I did. It’s made a big difference in my allergies. I’m not sneezing as much and my nose is less stuffy. I also like that it’s reusable, so I’m not contributing to waste.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why a Cold Air Return Filter is Necessary

I’ve been using a cold air return filter in my home for years, and I can honestly say that it has made a big difference in the quality of the air in my home. Here are a few reasons why I think a cold air return filter is necessary:

  • It can help to improve indoor air quality. A cold air return filter can help to remove dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens from the air, which can improve your breathing and overall health.
  • It can help to reduce energy costs. A clean air filter can help your HVAC system to work more efficiently, which can save you money on your energy bills.
  • It can help to extend the life of your HVAC system. A dirty air filter can put extra strain on your HVAC system, which can shorten its lifespan.

If you’re looking for a way to improve the quality of the air in your home, a cold air return filter is a great option. It’s a simple and affordable way to make your home healthier and more comfortable.

Here are some specific examples of how a cold air return filter has helped me:

  • I used to have allergies that would make me miserable during allergy season. Since I started using a cold air return filter, my allergies have been much better.
  • My HVAC system used to run constantly, even in the winter. Since I started using a cold air return filter, my system runs less often and I’ve saved money on my energy bills.
  • My HVAC system used to break down every few years. Since I started using a cold air return filter, my system has been running smoothly for years.

I’m so glad that I decided to install a cold air return filter in my home. It’s made a big difference in the quality of my life. If you’re thinking about getting a cold air return filter, I highly recommend it.

My Buying Guides on ‘Cold Air Return Filter’

Introduction

A cold air return filter is a type of air filter that is installed in the air return duct of a heating and cooling system. Its purpose is to remove dust, dirt, and other particles from the air before it enters the HVAC system. This helps to improve the efficiency of the system and can also help to reduce the amount of dust and dirt that circulates through your home.

There are a few different factors to consider when choosing a cold air return filter. These include the size of the filter, the MERV rating, and the type of filter material.

Size

The size of the filter is important because it needs to be able to fit in the air return duct. The most common size is 12x12x1 inches, but there are also smaller and larger sizes available.

MERV Rating

The MERV rating (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) is a measure of the efficiency of a filter. The higher the MERV rating, the more particles the filter can remove from the air. A MERV rating of 1-4 is considered to be a basic filter, while a MERV rating of 11-16 is considered to be a high-efficiency filter.

Type of Filter Material

There are two main types of filter materials: fiberglass and electrostatic. Fiberglass filters are made from a fine mesh of fiberglass fibers. Electrostatic filters are made from a thin sheet of plastic that is coated with a static charge.

Fiberglass filters are more affordable than electrostatic filters, but they are not as efficient at removing particles from the air. Electrostatic filters are more expensive, but they are more efficient at removing particles.

Choosing the Right Cold Air Return Filter

The best cold air return filter for you will depend on the size of your HVAC system, the MERV rating you need, and the type of filter material you prefer. If you are not sure which filter to choose, you can consult with a qualified HVAC professional.

Installing a Cold Air Return Filter

Installing a cold air return filter is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. Here are the steps involved:

1. Turn off the power to the HVAC system.
2. Remove the old filter from the air return duct.
3. Inspect the air return duct for any damage.
4. If the air return duct is damaged, repair it before installing the new filter.
5. Place the new filter in the air return duct.
6. Turn on the power to the HVAC system.

Changing a Cold Air Return Filter

You should change your cold air return filter regularly to maintain the efficiency of your HVAC system. The frequency with which you need to change the filter will depend on the level of air pollution in your area. In general, you should change the filter every 3-6 months.

To change a cold air return filter, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the power to the HVAC system.
2. Remove the old filter from the air return duct.
3. Inspect the air return duct for any damage.
4. If the air return duct is damaged, repair it before installing the new filter.
5. Place the new filter in the air return duct.
6. Turn on the power to the HVAC system.

Conclusion

A cold air return filter is an important part of your HVAC system. It helps to keep your home clean and comfortable by removing dust, dirt, and other particles from the air. By choosing the right filter for your system and changing it regularly, you can improve the efficiency of your HVAC system and extend its lifespan.

Author Profile

Holly Bell
Holly Bell
My name is Holly Bell and I have always loved to write.

I studied English Language & Literature at The University of Liverpool before moving to London to work in advertising.

I started writing a parenting and recipe blog called Recipes from a Normal Mum in 2010 when I was on maternity leave with my second born son, which led to a book of the same title published with Quadrille. The blog won a Good House Keeping Award in 2016 for best food blog. I don’t tend to update it much anymore as I’m too busy with other stuff.

Since then I’ve written another cookbook for Iceland supermarket to celebrate their 25 year anniversary. I also worked on a non fiction book without any recipes. It was published in Spring of 2021. I have appeared in various QVC, High Street TV and done shows on BBC Radio.

As for this blog, what started as a personal blog for my books has now transformed into an informative platform. Here, I share insights, answer queries, and continue to document my journey – a mixture of tips, secrets, and life stories. This blog has become a space for connection, learning, and sharing.

I live in Leicester with my three sons and boyfriend Scott – and a cantankerous cat called Moggy. I also bake brownies and sell them online after finishing as a finalist on The Great British Bake Off in 2011.

Similar Posts