We are coming up on the allergy season in Sacramento and wanted to answer some of the most common questions that we get.
We’ll break down one a week so stay tuned! Have a question? Let us know here and we’ll answer it!
“Where is my air filter?”
We get this question a lot, mostly from customers who recently moved into a new home. And the answer is… it depends!
There are four places that are most likely for a central HVAC filter to be located:
CEILING
If there is a large metal grille in a central location like a hallway this is where the air is pulled back in from the house and through the system. It is a great place to start filtering the air before it is “returned” back to the system (and why it is called a ‘return air’ in the industry). You can look up and see if there is a filter behind the metal grate. If you see bare metal, you’ll need to keep searching for the filter.
Pro Tip: If you change your filter in the ceiling and it can be difficult to hold the filter while locking the metal hinged grate back into place. You can turn the system fan to “on” on the thermostat while replacing the filter. It will suck the filter into place freeing both hands to lock the grill back closed.
LOW WALL
If your intake (return) is located down low on a wall it is most common when you have a furnace in a closet or garage. If they were designed to hold the filter, they are usually hinged on one end and knobs or latches on the opposite side. If it has screws, the filter is likely not located here, but check and see. If the filter is located here, give us a call or reach out here and we can find an easier solution that doesn’t require a screwdriver every time you need to replace the filter.
IN FURNACE/ AIR HANDLER
When the furnace or air handler is in a closet or garage and easily accessible, a filter inside the unit itself may be used. In a perfect design, the front of the unit has knobs that easily unlock a portion of the front panel and make it easy to access the filter for replacement. Or one of the panels slides up and out for access. With this application there are metal tracks at the bottom or side of the compartment where you can slide a filter into place.
OUTSIDE FURNACE/ AIR HANDLER
If you have an add on air cleaner or “easy access filter box” attached to your central HVAC system, this is where the filter would be located. Air cleaners are great for greater filtration down to a smaller particle and typically are lower maintenance. The easy filter box is designed for a standard 1″ or 2″ filter and is accessed through a small hinged door so that you don’t have to open up the actual furnace or air handler, making it… easy!
Note:
If you have a ductless mini-split heat pump the filters are in the indoor heads and should be cleaned every two to four weeks.
