Where Is My Furnace Filter Located?
The location of your air filter depends on the type of AC unit in your house. While most furnace filters can be found in the blower of the furnace, you must be able to find your furnace or AC unit first. Whether you are moving into a new home or you always let the technician handle the job during annual tune-ups, you should know how to locate the air filter in your home. Good news – we're here to give you a few ideas.
Where Is My Furnace Filter?
Your furnace filter will most likely be found in the blower of your furnace. Where the blower is depends on how the furnace was installed.
- Horizontal HVAC unit - Furnace filter will be located on the intake side, slid into a rack.
- Vertical HVAC unit with air moving upwards - You can find your furnace filter in the bottom door. This is where the blower is. You will need to open both the top and bottom doors to get to the filter.
- Vertical HVAC unit with air moving downwards - Your air filter will be in the top door, where the blower is located. This type of furnace or AC unit will most likely require two filters.
Where Is My AC Filter?
Are you scrambling around your home to find where is the air filter located? Locating your air conditioning filter isn't always easy, especially in a bigger home. In fact, some larger homes have multiple locations for AC filters, and all your filters should be changed regularly. Below are some of the most common places to look:
- Central air return register/vent - If your home has one large central return register rather than one per room, check there for the filter. Central return registers are most often situated in an open common area such as the top of a stairwell, in the floor, or in the hallway ceiling. The filter should be located just inside the grill, which you can remove with a screwdriver.
- Air handler - In homes with multiple return registers, the filter is often installed immediately in front of the air handler. This component is most likely located in either the attic, garage, or basement. In most apartments, the AC unit is in a small closet, and the furnace filter should be within arms' reach. Look for a long, narrow slot with a removable cover. The filter should be inside.
- If you cannot locate the furnace filter after following these tips, ask a local technician for help the next time you have your furnace tuned up. They can help you find the furnace filter and show you how to replace it. This way, you can perform this task yourself based on the recommended schedule of every 30 to 90 days without bringing a professional in for help.
Now that you have finally found your furnace filter, you can teach yourself how to change your air filter and start changing your filter as often as you should.
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