Homeowners often find it difficult to locate their furnace filter or to know what type of filter belongs in their furnace. Furnaces are crucial in keeping our residences warm, and a filter makes sure heating systems function at their best.
The location of the furnace filter will vary depending on what furnace you have, but there are some basics that everyone should know. We'll explain where the furnace filter is located and all the other important details about furnace filters.
Where Is My Furnace Filter Located?
Where is the furnace air filter located in my HVAC system? It is typically located behind a metal compartment door near the floor or side of the furnace.
The front of most furnaces will generally have either a round metal removable cover or a plastic grill with metal in it. The cover or grill is held in place by screws, which can be removed using a screwdriver, or a simple sliding lock.
In some cases, you may need to pull off this grill or plate to access your filter. Be careful removing it because some furnaces may have sharp edges that could injure you.
Where your air filter is located inside the heating or cooling system depends on the type of furnace your home is equipped with. There are four possible locations depending on your furnace type and which way the air flows in your furnace.
1. Up Flow Furnace
In this furnace, air moves upwards out of your vertical HVAC unit. The blower compartment (bottom door) next to the cold air return is where you'll find this filter. After removing the top and bottom doors to inspect or replace the filter, just remember to replace the doors in that order.
When you’re done, check that the bottom door is properly secured over the furnace frame. Only when it’s secure will the safety device allow the furnace to turn back on.
2. Down Flow Furnace
In this furnace, air moves down out of your vertical HVAC unit. The upper blower compartment has an HVAC filter attached to the engine. The majority of furnaces will include a V-shaped filtering system that requires two filters. The filters extend up into a chamber shaped like a box that connects the furnace with the ducts. This chamber is called the “plenum.”
Afterward, make sure the top door is closed and covers the furnace frame to activate the safety switch. If it’s not snug, the furnace will not run.
3. Horizontal Furnace
Most horizontal furnaces will include a sliding furnace rack built in. Carefully slide the rack out of your horizontal HVAC unit to access the filter. Then, slide it back in and close the compartment.
4. Air Handler
In hotter climates, some homeowners do not have a regular furnace but rather an air handler that uses electric coils to heat air instead of gas. Most air handlers have a built-in filter rack in the unit that sits behind a door. They will also have a central return air duct with built-in filter grills to accommodate a filter.
Just make sure you don't have a filter in the air handler and the filter grill. This will result in decreased airflow and increased utility bills.
How Often Do I Replace My Furnace Filter?
A clean new filter is an important part of any regular heating system maintenance. As a general rule of thumb, manufacturers recommend changing an old filter seasonally or once every three months.
However, there are situations where you may need to change the filter monthly if:
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You have allergies to dust, pet dander, or local plants.
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You have respiratory issues like asthma.
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You live in an especially dusty area (for example, if you live near a construction site)
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You have pets who shed and have dander.
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You live near a farm (the air will have more dust, debris, and animal cells).
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You cook often and use strong-smelling products.
Changing the filter often can bring many benefits for your indoor air.
How Do I Know How to Change My Filter?
To learn how to change your air filter or to know which way to put an air filter in a furnace, you can consult the furnace manual or follow instructions if they are posted on the side of your unit.
If you feel uncomfortable or unsure of what to do, call ARS/Rescue Rooter®, and we can help you out.
The Indoor Air Quality Benefits of Regular Filter Replacement
A furnace filter is designed to trap airborne particles found floating in the return duct. This can prevent materials like bacteria, mold spores, pet dander, and more from entering your home.
This process can prevent lung issues and ward off airborne diseases like the common cold.
A clean furnace filter ensures that the unit is able to operate efficiently by allowing unhindered warm air through your vents.
The Most Common Furnace Filter Types
With so many different brands and types of furnaces, there are obviously many different types of furnace filters. These three filters work very efficiently to pull dust particles from the air circulating through your home heating unit.
1. Panel Air Filters
Panel air filters are one of the most common furnace filters in use today and are relatively inexpensive. This type of furnace filter is typically pleated paper or fiberglass that fits into a permanent frame.
However, you can sometimes also find panel air filters made out of plastic.
2. Electronic Air Filters
In recent years, there have been many advancements in furnace air filter technology. Electronic air filters use electricity-charged plates that trap particles as they try to pass through. These are very good at trapping tiny particles that normal air filters might miss.
An electronic furnace filter will cause less wear and tear on your heating system and is ninety-nine percent more efficient than most other models. These filters have an average lifetime of three years
3. Combination Air Filters
Combination air filters use multiple forms of filters to effectively filter out as many particles as possible. These layers can include fiberglass, foam, and very fine mesh.
One of the best benefits of a combination filter is the fact that it has the dust-reducing power of an electronic filter, while also lasting up to six months between charges.
Choosing a Furnace Filter
Furnace air filters can be found in all shapes and sizes, and while some models may work very well, others may not be worth your money.
From a cost standpoint, filter prices can vary. For example, if you're looking to buy an electronic furnace air filter, it's important to note that they can cost anywhere between fifteen and fifty dollars.
However, any time you purchase a furnace filter, you'll want to make sure you choose one with a reputation for durability.
If you want to purchase a good combination furnace air filter, then you'll need to keep an eye on the quality of your filter at all times. Check the MERV rating, or minimum efficiency reporting value, and the size filter you need for your furnace.
Lastly, if you want to make sure that your furnace filter works efficiently, don't forget to check the airflow in your heating unit every few months to ensure it doesn’t get clogged too quickly.
My Furnace Has No Filter Installed: What Should I Do?
If you open your furnace and don’t see a filter, you may wonder, do all furnaces have filters?
If your furnace does not have an existing filter, you are essentially blowing unfiltered air through the heating system. This is not ideal. The air circulated through the house has very large particles in it, including dirt and dust that could irritate your eyes and lungs and cause serious health issues.
Not having a filter can damage the system itself over time, requiring future furnace repair. It’s important to find out why there is no filter attached. A filter may be missing because:
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Your type of furnace did not come with a filter pre-installed.
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The furnace may be damaged and the filter was taken out to make it easier to fix.
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The previous homeowner may have taken the filter out when they were not using the furnace. (We do not recommend this.)
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The installer may have forgotten to put in the filter on a new unit.
If the furnace is not damaged, then it should be relatively easy to install a furnace filter yourself. This should be done as soon as possible. It’s never a good idea to live without a filter in your furnace as it could harm the furnace itself and decrease your air quality.
The Best Professional Support on Furnace Filters and More!
While you may try to replace or install a new air filter on your own, it’s often easier and safer to leave it to the professionals. The comfort specialists at ARS/Rescue Rooter® have years of experience and the tools to install a furnace filter easily.
Not only can they help you with a filter, our team can make your annual furnace maintenance stress-free! We offer full system inspections that, of course, include examining your existing furnace air filter.
Don’t compromise with cheap filters or low air quality. Call us and see how easy and affordable it is to get the help you need. To schedule an appointment for one of our comfort specialists to provide a furnace tune-up, call 866-399-2885 or find your nearest ARS/Rescue Rooter location here.
