Hi,
This is probably a dumb question but...
I have 2 air intakes in my house (1 upstairs and 1 downstairs) for a heat pump. One intake will have an air filter and the other will have a blank out panel... I typically rotate them depending on seasons. My thermostat is downstairs above 1 of the intakes... my question is during the winter months, should the blank out panel be upstairs or downstairs?

Thanks,
Mike

Have you ever tried option "c" (no panel, and a filter in both locations)?

Have you ever tried option "c" (no panel, and a filter in both locations)?

No, should I be doing that? If so, do that all year? What are the benefits?

Another thing is I have a fairly new Carrier Unit (less than 3 years)... don't they have a built in bypass damper? If so, can I still filter both intakes or does one have to be blanked off?

Unless I am completely missing something here, I cannot imagine why you wouldn't want return air from both levels. Filters should be used in both grilles. Try it, what have you got to lose? You may find it to be an improvement.

With both filters put in the same direction (for air flow)?

Yes. Same direction. Use filter in both areas, and check them once a month, replace as necessary. I with KC, unless there is something I'm missing, this is the way to go. Not sure what you mean by a built in bypass damper. Usually dampers are install in the duck work. Never heard of a built in(from factory) one.