Your furnace uses an air filter to remove contaminants from the air that moves through your home. Unfortunately, over time, the filter fills up and can limit the airflow moving through the furnace system. You can prevent this issue by regularly changing your filter.
However, first, you need to find the filter. Review your furnace air filter location with HVAC repair professionals in South Windsor, CT. Reach out to our team at SM Mechanical Services by calling (860) 530-2792 if you need help finding your air filter.
Furnace Filter Location Depends on the Kind of Furnace You Have
Homebuilders do not put the furnace filter in the same place on every property. Therefore, the location of your filter depends almost totally on the kind of furnace you have.
Horizontal HVAC Unit
Do you have a horizontal HVAC unit on your property? If so, you can probably find the furnace filter, also called the AC filter, on the intake side of the unit. Look for a rack along this side of the unit. You should be able to pull the filter free of the rack.
Vertical HVAC Unit
Other homeowners have a vertical air HVAC system. The location varies based on whether the unit moves the air up or down in this situation.
If you have a vertical unit that moves air upwards, open the bottom door on your unit to find the air filter. Vertical units that push air down keep the air filter behind the upper door.
Note that vertical heating and air conditioning units that blow downwards usually use two filters. Make sure that you change both filters regularly for the best results.
Other Locations to Look for Your Furnace Filter
Have you looked for your air filter in the above locations and come up empty? In some situations, you may have filters in other places. You may even have multiple filters that need to be changed. Check the following locations.
Central Air Return Vent
Some homes have a single central register instead of a register in each room. These central registers sometimes have an air filter inside. You can usually find them in hallway ceilings, at the top of your stairs, or on the floor.
You may need to remove the grill to find the filter. Usually, you can use a screwdriver to take the grill off easily.
The Air Handler
Are you still looking for your furnace air filter location? You may want to check the air handler. Homes that have more than one return register usually have an air handler in one of the following locations:
- Attic
- Garage
- Basement
However, you may also find the air handler in a closet if you have an apartment. You can often find the filter right in front of the air handler, making it convenient to reach and change.
Usually, manufacturers install a narrow slot to hold the filter. This slot usually has a cover that you must remove to reach the filter.
Choosing the Right Air Filter for Your Furnace
Once you locate your air filter, you can change it every few months to improve the indoor air quality (IAQ) of your home. You’ll have the best results if you pick the correct air filter for your home.
Each air filter comes with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV). Generally, the experts recommend selecting a filter with a MERV rating of at least seven. Anything below seven may not properly filter the air going through your home.
Most homes do not require a MERV rating above 13. However, you may want a stronger filter if you have multiple pets or live with someone who has significant allergies. You can discuss the right kind of filter for your home with the professionals.
You also want to select a filter that’s the right size to fit your HVAC unit. Many homeowners just look at their current filter and replace it with one that’s the same size. You may also check the owner’s manual for your heating and cooling system to ensure you have the correct kind of filter.
How Often to Change Your Furnace Filters
Once you locate your furnace filters, how often should you change them? In many cases, homeowners change their filters every three months. However, we recommend that you check the filters every month.
If your filter looks full or clogged, you do not have to wait three months to change it. Changing the filter early can help you breathe easier, reduce dust accumulation in your house, and even help your HVAC system function more efficiently.
Clogged air filters prevent air from moving easily through your HVAC system. The system has to work harder in this situation, resulting in increased energy bills for your property. Reduced airflow can also negatively impact your cooling system, causing the system to take longer to cool your home.
Air conditioners rely on the movement of air over condenser coils. If your air filter gets clogged, less air moves through the system, which can cause the coils to freeze over. In this situation, the entire system may stop working.
Contact the Professionals for Furnace Maintenance
Do you have your air filter located? Or are you having trouble finding the location of this part of your furnace system? You can get professional help keeping your HVAC system in excellent condition in either situation.
HVAC maintenance professionals can help you locate and change your filter. They also provide other maintenance services. For example, they can check your fan belts, blower motors, and all the other parts you rely on to stay warm in the winter.
Find Your Air Filter in South Windsor
Our team at SM Mechanical Services can help you discover your furnace air filter location. Learn about the benefits of air filter replacement and set up a service appointment by reaching out to us at (860) 530-2792.
Our team has the experience and training to handle HVAC repairs, maintenance, and replacement.