US20260016178A1

US20260016178A1 - Air filter monitoring system

Info

Publication number: US20260016178A1
Application number: US18/770,938
Authority: US
Inventors: Henry Putney
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2024-07-12
Filing date: 2024-07-12
Publication date: 2026-01-15

Abstract

An air flow monitoring unit is designed to monitor air flow within HVAC ductwork to determine when an air filter is clogged, and to provide notification to a user that one or more air filters should be replaced. In one embodiment, the air flow monitoring unit is integrated into an air intake vent grill that fits into an air intake vent, which is designed to fit and be removably secured into any standard air intake vent opening, and may include an integrated circuit, and various sensors for monitoring a number of metrics, such as air flow, temperature, humidity, air quality, energy usage of the HVAC units, and the like.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In modern day HVAC systems for residential and commercial buildings, most such systems include air filters that are used to filter out dust and other particulate as air passes through air intake vents. Typically, these air intake vents include a grate or air return grill that may be opened, revealing an air filter. These air filters eventually become clogged and saturated with dust and other airborne particulate, and must be replaced in order to keep the HVAC system running properly in an optimized state.
If the air filters are not removed and replaced on a regular basis, the air flow through the system decreases, and places a strain on the heating and cooling units, which can cause those units to burn out or otherwise malfunction. Additionally, the strain on those heating and cooling units causes them to run longer, which can significantly increase the electric power required to run them while maintaining a constant temperature in the building.
Various efforts have been made to provide systems to alert users when it is time to replace air filters. In some cases, modern thermostats provide reminders that are simply based on time, so that they may provide reminders at regular time intervals, such as three months. Other systems have been developed that include sensors to measure various performance parameters, such as air flow, air pressure, temperature, and the like, and when the system detects that the operation of the heating and cooling system is operating outside of these preset parameters, an alarm or alert is provided to notify a user that it is time to change the air filter.
The following documents disclose a number of such systems that have been developed to monitor air filters, and to alert users when it is time to replace air filters. The documents referred to below are hereby incorporated herein by reference, in their entireties:

U.S. Pat. No. 4,751,501 Variable Air Volume Clogged Filter Detector

A system for detecting a clogged filter in a variable air volume system having a differential pressure sensor for sensing the differential pressure drop across the filter, an air flow sensor for sensing the air flow through the duct in which the filter is located, and a difference sensor connected to the differential pressure sensor and the air flow sensor to indicate when the filter is clogged.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,351,035 Clogged Filter Indicator

A self-contained sensing unit to be mounted on air duct between the filter and blower to monitor the condition of the filter. The sensor has a probe to be inserted into the duct downstream of the filter. The probe is in fluid communication with a bellows. When the filter becomes clogged, a negative pressure in the duct actuates the bellows which in turn closes a circuit from a battery to a signaling device.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,274,973 B2 HVAC/R Monitoring Apparatus and Method

An apparatus and method for monitoring the operation of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and/or refrigeration (HVAC/R) system includes a first computer located on or near the HVAC/R system and a plurality of sensors positioned to sense various operating parameters of the HVAC/R system. The sensors communicate the sensed parameters to the first computer. When the first computer detects a condition of the HVAC/R system that requires attention, based on parameters sensed by the sensors, the first computer communicates with a second computer located remote from the first computer and transmits a message related to the condition.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,640,077 B2 Detection of Clogged Filter in an HVAC System

Static pressures are measured in an HVAC system and utilized to predict the condition of a filter in the HVAC system. As the filter becomes clogged, the static pressure can be expected to increase. Changes in the static pressure are determined periodically, and utilized to predict the condition of the filter. A display provides a user with an indication of the current condition of the filter, and a recommendation to replace the filter once it reaches a predetermined condition.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,007,568 B2 Filter with Memory, Communication and Pressure Sensor

The present invention describes a system and method for accurately measuring the pressure within a filter housing. A pressure sensor and a communications device are coupled so as to be able to measure and transmit the pressure within the filter housing while in use. This system can comprise a single component, integrating both the communication device and the pressure sensor. Alternatively, the system can comprise separate sensor and transmitter components, in communication with one another. In yet another embodiment, a storage element can be added to the system, thereby allowing the device to store a set of pressure values. The use of this device is beneficial to many applications. For example, the ability to read pressure values in situ allows integrity tests to be performed without additional equipment. In addition, integrity testing for individual filters within multi-filter configurations is possible.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,183,723 B2 Filter Clog Detection and Notification System

A gas filter clogging detection system for monitoring filter performance and condition based on indicators of the accumulation of dirt and other particles on a filter positioned in a gas conduit, in which a notification system provides alerts and reports when the amount of clogging reaches a pre-determined threshold.

U.S. Pat. No. 10,363,509 B2 Air Filter Condition Sensing

An air filter includes filter media, a sensor, and circuitry coupled to the sensor, the circuitry configured to receive data from the sensor representative of the condition of the filter media and wirelessly transmit such data. The data may be received by a device with a display to use the information to present an indication of the filter media condition to a user.

U.S. Pat. No. 10,967,321 B2 Air Filter Clog Detector

An air filter clog detector that provides a simpler and reliable method of determining clogging level of air filters using a grayscale or color light sensor. An example air filter clog detector includes a light source (e.g., light emitting diode (LED)), light detector, and circuitry (e.g., micro-processor controller). The light source is configured to emit light toward an air filter. The light detector is configured to measure a color of light reflected by the air filter. The circuitry is configured to determine whether the air filter is clogged based on the color of light reflected by the air filter. To prevent the air filter clog detector from becoming dirty, the detector can be positioned on the downstream side of the air filter.

U.S. Pat. No. 11,543,147 B1 Systems and Methods for Detecting Air Filter Fouling in a Climate Control System

Methods and related systems for operating a climate control system for an indoor space are disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes increasing a speed of a fan of the climate control system, and determining a first fitted external static pressure (ESP) function from a first plurality of airflow values and a first plurality of ESP values. Additionally, the method includes obtaining a baseline ESP from the first fitted ESP function, and determining a second fitted ESP function from a second plurality of airflow values and a second plurality of ESP values collected at least one week after the first plurality of airflow values and the first plurality of ESP values are collected. Further, the method includes comparing the first calculated ESP obtained from the second fitted ESP function to the baseline ESP to determine a condition of an air filter of the climate control system.

U.S. Application Publication No. 2004/0113803 A1 System and Method for Monitoring and Indicating a Condition of a Filter Element in a Fluid Delivery System

A filter condition sensing circuit is disclosed including current and voltage sensors and a data processor. The current and voltage sensors produce signals indicating magnitudes of electrical current and voltage, respectively, provided to an electric motor used to move a fluid (a gas or liquid) through a filter element. During a first time period, the data processor uses the signals to determine an acceptable range of electrical power required by the motor. During a second time period, the data processor uses the signals to determine a magnitude of electrical power required by the motor. When the magnitude of electrical power is within the acceptable range of electrical power, the data processor generates a signal indicating a normal condition of the filter element. A described filter condition indicating system includes the circuit. A method is disclosed for determining a condition of a filter element.

U.S. Application Publication No. 2006/0100796 A1 Clogging Detector for Air Filter

The detector for monitoring decrease in air flow rate due to air filter clogging. It is based on combination of three essential components: the air flow sensor, a threshold detector and an indicator. The air flow sensor is built in form of a novel thermo-anemometer which contains a thermistor, a heating element, and a thermal insulator. Temperature of the sensor is maintained above the air temperature by a constant value by means of an electronic servo circuit. The threshold detector is implemented either in a hardware or software. A novel design of a thermo-anemometer (closely related to a hot wire anemometer) automatically compensates for variations in the air temperatures. The thermo-anemometer triggers the threshold circuit when air flow rate drops below a preset level. For reduction of power consumption, the detector may employ two additional sensors: one is for detection of the blower operation and the other is a presence detector to enable the alarm in presence of people to perceive the alarm. The device automatically calibrates itself upon installation of a new or cleaned air filter. The applications include residential and commercial air conditioners, air heaters, internal combustion engines, vacuum cleaners and other systems where air filters are employed.

U.S. Application Publication No. 2010/0313748 A1 Method and System for Smart Air Filter Monitoring

In one aspect of the invention a smart air filter monitoring system for a cabinet for electronic devices is provided that includes: an air filter positioned in an air flow so that substantially all the air flows through the filter, the air flow being defined by the cabinet; a light emitting device on a first side of the air filter; at least two light sensors mounted near the air filter, each light sensor directed to the air filter to receive light emitted from the light emitting device after the emitted light has passed through the air filter, the light sensors adapted to generate electrical signals from the emitted light striking the light sensor; an electrical circuit, the electrical circuit generating a signal for indicating that the filter needs to be serviced when the electrical circuit determines that electrical signals received from a combination of the sensors indicates that the filter needs to be serviced.

U.S. Application Publication No. 2011/0185895 A1 Filter Apparatus and Method of Monitoring Filter Apparatus

Methods, systems, and products for monitoring an air filter. Methods involve determining a difference between a baseline pressure differential and a current pressure differential, the differential pressure between pressure at an upstream side of the filter and pressure at a downstream side of the filter. The baseline pressure differential may be set automatically or by a user. Reaching or exceeding a predetermined threshold triggers an indication of a clogged condition. The method also includes monitoring the air filter condition intermittently. The filter monitor may operate for extended periods in a sleep state and intermittently power up to a wake state to measure the current pressure differential and compare the current pressure differential with a baseline pressure differential.

U.S. Application Publication No. 2012/0323377 A1 Methods and Systems for Monitoring an Air Filter of and HVAC System

Methods and systems for monitoring an air filter installed in an HVAC system may include operating the HVAC system in an air filter monitoring mode such as, for example, a fan only mode, and measuring, for example, a differential pressure across the air filter when the HVAC system is operating in the air filter monitoring mode. The method may include evaluating a status of the air filter using, for example, the measured differential pressure value, and in some cases, display the status on a display of an HVAC controller.

U.S. Application Publication No. 2022/0243943 A1 Systems and Methods for Monitoring the Condition of an Air Filter and of an HVAC System

Systems and methods for monitoring the condition of an air filter installed in an HVAC system and for monitoring the condition of the HVAC system. The monitoring system includes a processing unit configured to receive data representative of at least a first temporal parameter of the HVAC system. The processing unit can process the data to obtain an indication of the condition of the air filter and can also process the data to obtain an indication of the condition of the HVAC system.

U.S. Application Publication No. 2022/0290886 A1 Filter Monitoring Device, Air Flow System and Corresponding Methods

A filter monitoring device for an air flow system is described herein, which comprises a circuit board comprising a first pressure measurement component and a second pressure measurement component, and including hardware and software configured to communicate pressure measurements to a remote computer. The device also includes a sensor comprising a first pressure sensor component comprising a first tube having a first end portion configured to be connected to the circuit board and a second end portion configured to be connected to a first location in the air flow system upstream from and external to a filter media compartment, and a second pressure sensor component comprising a second tube having a first end portion configured to be connected to the circuit board and a second end portion configured to be connected to a second location in the air flow system downstream from and external to the filter media compartment. Corresponding systems and methods also are disclosed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes, in one embodiment, a smart air return grill that includes an air flow monitor unit that includes various types of sensors, an integrated circuit, a battery, a light or other means for providing an alert, and a transmitter. Additionally, some embodiments may further include a mini wind turbine that may be used to measure the rate of air flow, and which also may be used to provide a trickle charge to the battery as the blades rotate. Still other embodiments include a stand-alone air-flow monitor unit that may simply be attached to any surface within the ductwork adjacent to the air filter to measure air flow, pressure, air quality and the like with respect to air that has passed through the filter and into the ductwork.
The smart air return grill may be installed in homes that are being newly constructed, or may simply replace an existing standard air return grill, so that the smart air return grill may be retrofitted to existing air return vents.
The air flow monitor unit (whether in the stand-alone embodiment or embodiments that are incorporated into the air vent return grill) may include a number of different types of sensors, including air pressure sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, particulate matter sensors, air flow sensors, and even smoke detectors (such as ionization-type sensors and/or photoelectric sensors), carbon monoxide sensors and/or radon monitors. It is contemplated that other types of air quality sensors may be employed, as well. In one embodiment, a light is positioned on an outer face of the smart air return grill to provide alerts that the air filter should be replaced. Additional lights and/or speakers may also be similarly used to indicate other conditions detected by the air flow monitor, particularly for dangerous situations such as the detection of smoke or unacceptably high levels of carbon monoxide, radon, or other airborne dangers.
Some embodiments may also include a transmitter or a transmitter/receiver for transmitting alerts to a remote computing device, such as a computer, smart phone, tablet, or any other electronic device that may be able to receive an alert or notification. Preferably, the transmitter or transmitter/receiver communicates via Wi-Fi, although other types of transmitters or transmitter/receivers may be used, including radio, Bluetooth, infrared, or any other suitable wireless or hard-wired transmitters or transmitter/receivers that are capable of communicating information to a remote device.
It is also contemplated that the air flow monitoring unit may be wirelessly and/or operatively connected to the HVAC system itself, in order to monitor power usage thereof, which may be another metric that is used to determine when an air filter should be replaced. Typically, when air filters become clogged, the HVAC unit requires and uses more electricity to overcome the restricted air flow through the filter, so that monitoring the electrical use of the HVAC unit to ensure that energy consumption is within proper parameters can be useful data for determining when an air filter is clogged.
Another embodiment includes a portable air flow monitoring unit that may be easily and removably attached to an air intake vent grill, or to ductwork adjacent to the air intake vent, or the like. In this embodiment, the air flow monitoring unit may include the same types of sensors and functionality as that described for other embodiments disclosed herein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a smart air filter system that is configured as part of air intake vent grill, and includes sensors for measuring and monitoring air flow, air quality, air pressure, and smoke detection sensors, as well as a series of lights for providing a visual alert that action should be taken, where such action may be to change the air filter, or to take precautionary measures due to fire or detection of dangerous air quality due to high levels of toxins;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a smart air filter system that is incorporated into an air intake vent grill, where the grill is shown in an open position to provide access to the filter for replacement purposes, wherein the reverse side of the grill includes a series of sensors attached thereto for measuring and monitoring air flow, air quality, air pressure and the like;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of one embodiment of a smart air filter system that is incorporated into an air intake vent grill, where the grill is shown in an open position to provide access to the filter for replacement purposes, wherein an air flow monitoring unit is positioned on ductwork adjacent the air intake vent grill and includes a wireless transceiver for wirelessly communicating alerts to remote devices, and wherein the air flow monitoring unit is connected to the sensors and lights that are incorporated into the air intake vent grill, and further illustrating a mini wind turbine that is operatively connected to the air flow monitoring unit to measure the rate of air flow, and which also is used to provide a trickle charge to the battery (or battery pack) of the air flow monitoring unit as the blades rotate;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a smart air filter system that is configured as part of an air intake vent grill, and includes sensors for measuring and monitoring air flow, air quality, air pressure, and smoke detection sensors, as well as a mini wind turbine and series of lights for providing a visual alert indicating that action should be taken, where such action may be to change the air filter, or to take precautionary measures due to fire or detection of dangerous air quality due to high levels of toxins;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a smart phone showing an example screen for an app that serves as a wireless interface between a user and the smart air filter system, wherein the app shows real-time data related to the air flow, air quality, and other related information such as notifications that at least one metric is outside of normal parameters, as well as a digital interface for ordering new air filters;

FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing illustrating one embodiment of an air flow monitoring unit, wherein an electronic controller (integrated circuit) is operatively connected to air flow sensors, air quality sensors, pressure sensors, a battery, a wireless transmitter, lights and a speaker for providing alerts and notifications;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a stand-alone air flow monitoring unit that is attached to ductwork adjacent a standard air intake vent and grill, which is shown in the open position, further illustrating an air filter that fits into the opening between the grill and the air flow monitoring unit;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a stand-alone air flow monitoring unit that is attached to ductwork adjacent a standard air intake vent and grill, which is shown in the closed position, and further illustrating a wireless transmitter and a mini wind turbine; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a stand-alone air flow monitoring unit that is attached to ductwork adjacent a standard air intake vent and grill, which is shown in the open position, and which shows wires extending through slots in the grill that are connected to lights on a front side of the grill for providing notifications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in FIGS. 1-8 , the present invention includes, in one embodiment, an air flow monitoring unit 10 is designed to monitor air flow within HVAC ductwork to determine when an air filter 14 is clogged, and to provide notification to a user that one or more air filters 14 should be replaced. In some embodiments, the air flow monitoring unit 10 and sensors 22 operate as a stand-alone system that can be mounted within duct work 12 near an air intake vent and filter 14, and in other embodiments, the air flow monitoring unit 10 and sensors 22 may be partially or completely incorporated into an air intake vent grill 16.
In some embodiments, the air flow monitoring unit 10 is integrated into an air intake vent grill 16 that fits into an air intake vent frame 18, as shown in FIGS. 1-3 . This smart air intake vent grill 16 is designed to fit and be removably secured into any standard air intake vent frame 18 opening, and may include an integrated circuit 20, such as a microprocessor, microcontroller, circuit board or the like (collectively referred to generally as an ‘integrated circuit’), and various sensors 22 for monitoring a number of metrics, such as air flow, temperature, humidity, air quality, energy usage of the HVAC units, and the like. The air flow monitoring unit 10 may further include various means for providing alerts that one or more air filters 14 are clogged, and that it is now time to replace the clogged air filters 14 with fresh ones. The air flow monitoring unit 10 is preferably battery operated, but in some cases, may be hard wired into the electrical system, if desired.
The air intake vent grill 16, in one embodiment, essentially comprises a generally rectangular shaped, generally flat main body member having a series of openings or slots 24 for providing air flow therethrough. In some embodiments, a plurality of curved protrusions extend upwardly from the main body member on one side thereof, and these curved protrusions serve as removable hinge members that may be inserted into complementary slots in a fixed frame 18 around the perimeter of the vent opening in a ceiling, wall, floor, or the like. A locking mechanism, which is widely used for air intake vent grills 16, may be included on an opposed side of the main body member for removably securing the grill to the fixed frame 18. In some embodiments, the main body member includes a perimeter structure 28 on a rear side thereof, and may include a raised lip 26 along at least one edge of the perimeter structure 20 that extends inwardly behind the rear side of the filter, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The perimeter structure 28 is used to seat an air filter 14. The airflow monitoring unit 10 and sensors 22 may be mounted to or incorporated into the perimeter structure 28 or the raised lip 26, so that the sensors 22 may collect data with respect to air that has already passed through the filter 14, as shown. It is also contemplated that the sensors 22 may be mounted on tabs 30 that extend away from the perimeter structure 28, or the tabs 30 may extend away from the airflow monitoring unit 10, so that the sensors 22 may be in a proper position within the air flow passing through the slots 24 in the grill 16, through the filter 14 and into the ductwork 12.

Sensors

The air flow monitor unit 10 may include a number of different types of sensors 22, including air pressure sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, particulate matter sensors, air flow sensors, and even smoke detectors 32 (such as ionization-type sensors and/or photoelectric sensors), carbon monoxide sensors and/or radon monitors, in any desired combination. It is contemplated that other types of air quality sensors may be employed, as well. These sensors 22 may be positioned about the smart air intake vent grill 16 as desired, although it may be preferable to place certain types of sensors on the backside of the grill 16 within the ductwork 12 to collect data on the air that has already passed through the filter 14, such as air pressure sensors, air flow sensors and particulate matter sensors. Further, it may be preferable to provide some of the sensors 22 on the outside face of the grill 16 to collect data on air that has not yet passed through the filter, such as smoke detecting sensors 32, carbon dioxide detectors, radon sensors, and the like. It is contemplated that air pressure sensors may be positioned on both sides of the filter 14, in order to collect data on the difference in air pressures on both sides thereof. That pressure differential may serve as one metric to determine whether a filter 14 is clogged, and thus, should be replaced.
The sensors 22, 32 feed data, either continuously or intermittently, to the integrated circuit 20, which may be programmed to provide alerts if any of the sensors 22, 32 provide data that is outside normal operating parameters. These normal operating parameters may either be pre-programmed, or the system may include the capability to learn what constitutes normal operating parameters, so that the air flow monitoring unit 10 may be customized to a specific environment and HVAC system. In the embodiment that includes this learning capability, one method for training or teaching the system to determine normal operating parameters is to 1) replace all existing air filters 14, and 2) set the system to learning mode, so that the system can make an initial determination of such metrics as air flow, air pressure, and the like. The learning mode may be used for some predetermined amount of time, ranging from several hours, days or even weeks, in order to establish normal operating parameters. The system may be pre-programmed to provide alerts when sensors detect a predetermined variation, such as a 10% drop in air flow (rate of flow), for example.

Notification System

As previously mentioned, means for providing notifications regarding the air filter status or air quality issues are provided, and may take any suitable form. In some embodiments, one or more lights 34 on the outer portion of the smart air intake vent grill 16 may provide an alert or notification that the air filter 14 is clogged. Alternatively, a speaker 36 may be provided and operatively connected to the integrated circuit 20, in order to provide an audible alert. Additional lights 34 and/or speakers 36 may also be positioned on the smart air intake vent grill 16 to provide alerts or notifications of other issues, such as the detection of smoke, carbon monoxide, radon, or the like.
Some embodiments may also include a transmitter 38 or transceiver operatively connected to the integrated circuit 20 for wirelessly transmitting alerts to a remote computing device, such as a computer, smart phone, tablet, or any other electronic device that may be able to receive a wireless alert or notification. Preferably, the transmitter 38 operates via Wi-Fi, although other types of transmitters 38 may be used, including radio, Bluetooth, infrared, or any other suitable wireless or hard-wired transmitters 38 that are capable of communicating information to a remote device. It is contemplated that remote computing devices 40 may include a software application, commonly known as an “app,” that provides an interface for a user to be able to interact with and receive alerts and notifications from the air flow monitoring unit 10. One example of such an interface is shown in FIG. 4 . The app may also allow the user to order new air filters for delivery to any desired location as replacements for used, spent filters.
In some embodiments, the air flow monitoring unit 10 may be wirelessly and/or operatively connected to the HVAC system itself, in order to monitor power usage thereof, which may be another metric that is used to determine when an air filter should be replaced. Typically, when air filters 14 become clogged, the HVAC unit requires and uses more electricity to overcome the restricted air flow through the filter 14, so that monitoring the electrical use of the HVAC unit to ensure that energy consumption is within proper parameters can be useful data for determining when an air filter 14 is clogged. Alternatively, the app on a user's remote computing device 40 may be programmed to communicate with the HVAC system directly, so that the app collects the energy consumption data and provides an alert that the energy consumption of the HVAC system has increased to the point where an air filter replacement is recommended.

Power

In a preferred embodiment, the air flow monitoring unit 10 is battery operated, although it is contemplated that it may either be plugged into a standard outlet or hardwired into the electrical system in some cases. The battery 44, or battery pack, is preferably rechargeable, and the system may further be programmed to provide an alert to a user that the battery 44 power is low. Additionally, some embodiments may further include a mini wind turbine 42 that may be used to measure the rate of air flow, and which also may be used to provide a trickle charge to the battery 44 (or battery pack) as the blades rotate. The mini wind turbine 42 is preferably positioned on the back side of the smart air intake grill 16, so that it measures the rate of air flow after the air has passed through the filter 14.
Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein. All features disclosed in this specification may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Claims

1. An air intake vent grill comprising:

a main body member having a front side and a rear side, said main body member including a series of openings to allow air to pass therethrough;

said main body member also having a perimeter structure on a rear side thereof for seating an air filter therein;

an air flow monitoring unit operatively connected to said main body member, said air flow monitoring unit including a first sensor, an integrated circuit and a notification means;

wherein said first sensor and said notification means are operatively connected to said integrated circuit;

said first sensor being adapted to collect data to determine when said air filter should be replaced, so that said data is communicated to said integrated circuit, said integrated circuit determines whether said data falls within normal operating parameters; and

wherein said integrated circuit causes said notification means to provide a notification when said data falls outside of said normal operating parameters.

2. The air intake vent grill set forth in claim 1, wherein said notification means is selected from the group consisting of a light, a speaker and a transmitter for transmitting said notification to a remote computing device.

3. The air intake vent grill set forth in claim 2, wherein said first sensor is selected from the group consisting of an air flow sensor, an air pressure sensor, an air quality sensor and a particulate matter sensor.

4. The air intake vent grill set forth in claim 3, further including a second sensor positioned on a front side of said main body member, said second sensor being operatively connected to said integrated circuit.

5. The air intake vent grill set forth in claim 4, wherein said second sensor is selected from the group consisting of a sensor for detecting the presence of smoke, a sensor for detecting the presence of carbon monoxide, a sensor for detecting the presence of radon, and an air pressure sensor.

6. The air intake vent grill set forth in claim 1, further including a temperature sensor that is operatively connected to said integrated circuit.

7. The air intake vent grill set forth in claim 1, further including a humidity sensor that is operatively connected to said integrated circuit.

8. The air intake vent grill set forth in claim 1, further including a battery for powering said air flow monitoring unit.

9. The air intake vent grill set forth in claim 8, further including a mini wind turbine that is operatively connected to said integrated circuit and said battery, wherein said mini wind turbine measures air flow and provides an electrical charge to recharge said battery.

10. The air intake vent grill set forth in claim 1, wherein said air flow monitoring unit includes a transmitter/receiver for wirelessly communicating with an HVAC system to monitor energy usage of said HVAC system, so that when said energy usage exceeds a predetermined level, a user notification is provided.

11. An air flow monitoring unit comprising:

an integrated circuit;

a first sensor operatively connected to said integrated circuit;

a notification means operatively connected to said integrated circuit;

wherein said first sensor collects data relating to metrics selected from the group consisting of air flow, air pressure and air quality within ductwork of a structure to determine when an air filter should be replaced, so that said data is communicated to said integrated circuit, and wherein said integrated circuit determines whether said data falls within normal operating parameters;

wherein said integrated circuit activates said notification means when said data falls outside of normal operating parameters.

12. The air flow monitoring unit set forth in claim 11, wherein said notification means comprises a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting a notification to a remote computing device.

13. The air flow monitoring unit set forth in claim 11, further including a second sensor for detecting smoke, wherein said second sensor is operatively connected to said integrated circuit.

14. The air flow monitoring unit set forth in claim 13, wherein said notification means comprises a speaker that is operatively connected to said integrated circuit.

15. The air flow monitoring unit set forth in claim 11, wherein said notification means comprises at least one light that is operatively connected to said integrated circuit.

16. The air flow monitoring unit set forth in claim 11, further including a battery for powering said air flow monitoring unit, and a mini wind turbine for measuring air flow rate and which generates electricity to charge said battery.

17. The air flow monitoring unit set forth in claim 11, wherein said air flow monitoring unit includes a transmitter/receiver for wirelessly communicating with an HVAC system to monitor energy usage of said HVAC system, so that when said energy usage exceeds a predetermined level, a user notification is executed.

18. The air flow monitoring unit set forth in claim 11, further comprising a second sensor operatively connected to said integrated circuit, wherein said sensor collects data relating to metrics selected from the group consisting of air flow, air pressure and air quality, humidity, carbon monoxide levels and radon levels.