Are you having trouble locating your air conditioner filter? You're not alone. Many homeowners struggle to find the filter in their HVAC system. Fortunately, this guide will help you locate your air conditioner filter and provide tips on how to replace it. The filter in your HVAC system is typically located in a slot above or below the unit.
If you have a different type of system, look for the air cleaner behind the return air grille on the wall, ceiling, or utility closet door. It's usually close to your home thermostat or right next to the air handler for your air conditioning system. In some systems, filters are located in the return air duct. This is the one that draws air from your space and returns it to the air conditioner's air handling system.
If you have a large system with multiple air handlers and return ducts, finding the filters can be a challenge. For many of these systems, a filter or set of air filters is located inside the cabinet that contains the fan itself. Otherwise, your system's air filters may be in the return air intake grille on the ceiling or wall of the building. These systems move air from a return chamber (connected to the end of the return duct of the system) through a cooling coil (for air conditioning) or a heat exchanger (for heating systems).
Horizontal air handlers, such as attic-mounted horizontal air handlers, will have return air entering one end of the air handling unit and supply air exiting the other end. In short, follow the air; find the return, since according to your home there could be more than one; follow the ducts to the air handler. Normally, filters are placed inside this box in a location that will filter the air before it reaches the fan itself. If you want to improve the air quality in your space by eliminating pollen, mold, and other harmful contaminants, you should invest in HEPA filters with a MERV rating of 10 or higher.
This photograph shows an air cleaner located between a return air chamber (on the right side of the photo) and the bottom of the air handling unit. Also, keep in mind that you may want filters that don't just keep dust out of the air conditioner. I like a filter on the air inlets, as it helps keep the return ducts and fan clean; however, if you already have a proper air filter in or on the air handler that should protect the fan, you would be careful to add more layers of filtration without talking to your HVAC company about the requirements of speed of your system's airflow and restricting additional filters to ensure that the air supply through the system is not slowed down. After you locate the first one in your air handler, you'll want to check for a second filter in the return vent.
Replacing the air conditioner filter in your home will allow the unit to continue to blow cool air without interruption. The air handler draws air from the home through the return duct system and then blows the air through the heating or cooling system and returns it to the house through the duct system. From sizes to types, grades and more, here's everything you need to know about air filters. Replacing them regularly will help keep your HVAC system running efficiently and improve indoor air quality.
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