When it comes to air conditioners, the filter is usually located close to the home thermostat, in a return duct. In some systems, the filters are located in the return air duct, which is the one that returns the air from your space to the air conditioner's air treatment system. If you have a large system with multiple air controllers and return ducts, finding the filters can be a challenge. It's important to find all of the filters, as some systems have several filters and even several types of filters installed, such as a fiberglass filter or pleated paper, a washable filter, and an electrostatic air filter.
We observed that a small reduction in airflow and a little increase in the cost of home heating may result from leaving things on top of the return air intake. In most homes, you'll find the air filter housing located right next to the air controller of the heating or cooling system. It's important to have a filter on the air intakes because it helps keep the return ducts and the fan fan clean; however, if you already have a suitable air filter in or on the air controller that should protect the fan, you should be careful to add more layers of filtration without talking to your HVAC company about the air flow rate requirements of your system and the restriction of additional filters to ensure that you are not slowing down the air supply through the system. If you want to improve 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. When the air conditioner filter becomes clogged, dust and dirt begin to enter the air conditioner itself, causing parts to wear and tear.
Replacing the air conditioner filter in your home will allow the unit to continue to blow cold air without interruption. Horizontal air handlers, such as those mounted in an attic, will cause return air to enter one end of the air handling unit and supply air that exits from the other end. In these cases, you'll find the filters in either the return air intake grille on a roof or wall of a building or within the fan assembly itself. In horizontal HVAC units with a return duct connected to one side of an air controller, you'll usually find a filter slot on the return side of the unit. MORE examples of where and how to look for filters in an air conditioning or hot air heating system include:
- In most homes, you'll find the air filter housing located right next to an air controller of a heating or cooling system.
- In horizontal HVAC units with a return duct connected to one side of an air controller, you'll usually find a filter slot on the return side of the unit.
- Many air conditioning systems or hot air handlers, both horizontal and vertical, have one or more filters installed within their fan assembly.
- In horizontal HVAC units with a return duct connected to one side of an air controller, you'll usually find a filter slot on the return side of the unit.
