Re: Increasing heating/cooling efficiency

["rlsusenet@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx" <NoSuchPerson@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Chub wrote:
> "Stryder Honeymonkey" <IH@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
> news:t9peu112goleh2d7b1la7aaj3ifds093gi@xxxxxxxxxx
>
>>This is only partially related to automation, but please bear with
>>me...
>>I had a friend tell me he cut his heating bill in half by installing
>>filters on the back side of his return vents (as opposed to just
>>before the blower cabinet) and installing an automatic thermostat to
>>turn the heat down when no one is home.
>>
>>The automatic thermostat is a no-brainer, but I can't even find
>>fliters designed to attach to the back of the return vents.  Is this
>>something anyone else is doing?  Can there be significant advantages
>>to this approach?  It seems to me that if this was a better mousetrap,
>>all forced-air systems would be designed that way.  What am I missing?
>>
>>Any thoughts are appreciated.
>>Thanks!
>
>
> there are vent covers made to put a filter in.  You will have to replace the
> vent covers with these new fangled devices.
> Personally don't see how that will save on your bill though.

It's not particularly new-fangled.  My 22-year-old home in San Diego has
its filters on the return vents.

Frankly, I doubt it makes a lot of difference where the filters go.  If
you're getting less total drag on the fan, you're probably getting less
filtering.  You could get even less drag by removing the filters
entirely -- but that's probably not a good idea.

Most of his benefit is likely to have come from the programmable setback
thermostat.