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Isn’t it amazing how a task that should be simple and easy can quickly snowball into something more complicated? This seems to be particularly true when it comes to dealing with home improvement. At We believe that replacing your air filter should never be a source of frustration. So before you throw your hands up in the air with utter frustration, let’s take a moment to focus on how to find your air filter.
First Step: Check Out Your HVAC Owners Manual
Always consult your HVAC system's owner's manual first. This manual will typically have a diagram outlining the location of your air filter and may even include instructions for replacing it. If not, we have a blog on that.
Step-by-step on how to replace your air filter
Second Step: The Anatomy of an HVAC
If your home uses a furnace or HVAC, your air filter is most likely where your air handler is located. The compressor is the piece of equipment outside your home, and the air handler is inside. If you’re unsure of where your air handler is located, check the attic, basement, crawlspaces, or garage. If you live in a smaller space—like an apartment—your unit is likely in a closet.
Once you've found your HVAC unit, finding where the air filter has been installed should be relatively easy. There are three different types of systems that you might have—and each one has its filter located in a different place.
Third Step: What Kind of System Do You Have?
The location of your air filter depends entirely on the type of system you have. Here are the typical types of units you will encounter.
Vertical Up-flow System
A Vertical Up-flow HVAC system features an air conditioning setup in which the air is drawn in at the bottom and released at the top. It uses vertical airflow to efficiently cool or heat spaces, making it a great choice for commercial buildings without much horizontal space and requiring consistent temperature distribution. In private homes, this is the most popular type of unit out there, and can usually be found in the basement or crawlspace. Your filter will most likely be located at the bottom of the unit.
Vertical Down-flow System
With a Vertical Down-flow System, air is taken in at the top and expelled at the bottom. This system is particularly effective for spaces that require efficient air distribution from above (for example, in homes with high ceilings). For a down-flow system, your filter is probably located at the top of the HVAC unit.
Horizontal System
A horizontal HVAC system is engineered to move air parallel to the ground. It pulls in air from one side of the machine and expels it from the other. This makes it a top choice for those who have limited vertical space and want even temperature distribution across a single floor of their house. Horizontal systems are usually located in attics, garages, or the basement. For this system, your filter will likely be installed vertically on the side of the unit.
If You Have Central Air Return Register/Vent:
For those who have central air, ducts and vents, central air return registers are often situated in open common areas like in the floor, ceiling, or near a stairwell—and they’re usually pretty easy to spot. Filters are located just inside the vent, which can easily be removed using a screwdriver.
Are you still unsure of where to find your air filter? Set up an appointment with Filterbuy HVAC for your next servicing and ask your technician to point out your air filter’s location.
