I have a 1940 home with a basement and a forced air heat pump system that was added some time in the past decade by the previous owner. The ceiling in the basement is open, and the ducts were installed inside the joists in the basement. There are two large grills, one on the main level, and one in the basement that connect to the return air duct. The return air duct, appx. 16" in diameter, appears to be expoxied to a square 20×10" vent that's connected to the air handler.
Unfortunately, there's no proper filter bracket or rail. It appears the previous owner simply cut a hole in the square vent and set a 20×20 filter into the hole without any sort of sealing or cover.
I bought a new 20×10 filter and set it in this hole, but there's nothing on the top or sides in the vent to support it, and no cover to seal the hole.
Is there a feasible way for me to install the appropriate filter bracket to this system?
Best Answer
Of course, shortly after posting this question, a little more searching yielded the answer, as detailed in this video.
The vent has been cut and prepared for the installation of a filter rack, but one has not been installed yet.
A U-channel needs bent and installed to hold the filter. After installing the U-channel, it needs snap locked and riveted in place. A cover can be slid into the s locks on the edges of the hole.