Ceiling return filters, wash or replace?

[FreshAir]

Wondering what most are doing when the ceiling return air filters get dirty. Wash or replace?

[Gregory0495]

I wash it. picked up extra from Lowe's. Cut them to fit

[TripleGGG]

I have always washed and reused until they start getting holes or coming apart.

[Tall Tex]

Originally Posted by Gregory0495

I wash it. picked up extra from Lowe's. Cut them to fit

X2 on above. I vacuum them and then throw them in the washing machine when we do towels. Then the spare set is ready for the next time.

[brobox]

Purchase 2 sets. These are much better quality and will filter better. Cut to fit with a sharp knife, 4 at a time will cut. Change the filters, put the dirty set in the washing machine. 4 in. x 12 in. Vent Filters (12-Pack)-WVENT - The Home Depot

I thew the factory filters away.

[lowejug]

I also have gone the Home Depot filters ... when there dirty throw them away and replace with brand new....cheap and easy... just need to do the magnetic mod then will be even easier...

[RMatusick]

I wash and reinstall. Just did mine again last weekend, all 12 of them. I do hate the marginal fit of the filter body and the need to be extremely careful when trying to find that pesky little sideways screw opening because it was cut so sloppy. I am waiting on a good fix for this issue.

[brobox]

Originally Posted by RMatusick

I wash and reinstall. Just did mine again last weekend, all 12 of them. I do hate the marginal fit of the filter body and the need to be extremely careful when trying to find that pesky little sideways screw opening because it was cut so sloppy. I am waiting on a good fix for this issue.

There is a fix. Pat Bauer did a post in the Mods post about installing magnets in all 4 corner. I did the Mod and it is great..easy to change the filters. The Mod was so good, Entegra is now using it on the new models.

[dcphil_98]

No magnets on the 2018 Cornerstones I looked at. All vents screwed in. I was told that the magnets on the 2017 didn't work. They said on the tour that Entegra used magnets that were too week and the covers fell off. Guess I will have to go back to square one and install magnets on 12 vents on my new 2018 Cornerstone 45X.

[FreshAir]

On our 2016 I considered the magnets but our covers have just two screws, as I believe the Classics have four, I thought the magnets might not work. Two screws are not that big a hassle.

[brobox]

Originally Posted by FreshAir

On our 2016 I considered the magnets but our covers have just two screws, as I believe the Classics have four, I thought the magnets might not work. Two screws are not that big a hassle.

The Classics only have two screws. With the magnet mod, #10 wood screws are placed in all 4 corners, then rare earth magnets glued to the corners. I found contact cement to work well. Entegra used some kind of epoxy, as did I the first time, that didn't hold. The mod works great with the right adhesive.
Here is Pat's step by step mod. I did not make a template, the marks in the ceiling from the vents were all that were needed. http://www.irv2.com/forums/f278/tell...ml#post2671293

[MRUSA14]

Chuck, what about the screw holes in the covers? Do they look silly being bare? Could you post photos of the backside with the magnets attached and the covers in place on the ceiling?

[brobox]

Originally Posted by MRUSA14

Chuck, what about the screw holes in the covers? Do they look silly being bare? Could you post photos of the backside with the magnets attached and the covers in place on the ceiling?

I don't even notice the screw holes. I thought I would, but I don't. I think there was a post after Pat's original post with photos of the ceiling with the screws etc.
I just looked at Pats post, Photo #3 shows the magnets in place and photo #4 shows the vent attached to the ceiling with the magnets.

[Victory Blue]

We are currently at Entegra Homecoming. Entegra has gone back to screws to secure the cold air return vents. Too many issues with vents falling out while driving. We haven't had any problems with ours.