Many homeowners have difficulties when it comes to locating and changing furnace filters. They may be unclear about where and how the filter housing opens and the type of filter that they need. It’s important to overcome these challenges because the performance and efficiency of the furnace are affected by a dirty or clogged filter. In this article, we will take a closer look at this topic to help you make regular furnace filter changes to keep your heater working efficiently.
Where is the Furnace Filter Located?
It would be difficult to give a definitive answer to this question because the location may vary depending on the make and model of your furnace. But, there are some commonalities that are useful to know to locate the filter, remove it and replace it regularly.
The first thing that you should consult is the owner’s manual for your furnace which contains a wealth of useful information. This will include the filter housing location, the type of furnace filters you need, and how to replace them. If you’re having problems finding the manual for your furnace, make a note of the make and model. If you do a search online, it should be possible to find and download a pdf manual for your furnace. But, if you cannot find an owner’s manual, there are some clues that can help you to find the furnace filter.
Looking for the Removable Cover
Most filter housings are located behind a plastic or metal compartment door which protects the filter from damage and external contamination. This cover is usually found at the front or side of the furnace. The cover is typically round, it may have a grill, and it’s usually held in place with screws or a sliding lock. To access the filter housing, you need to pull the cover free or remove the screws and then remove it. Take care, the edges of the filter housing cover may be sharp, and it’s easy to cut your fingers.
Which Furnace Filter Do You Have?
The type of air filter that you have in the HVAC system will vary depending on the type of furnace you have. There are four main filter types to consider:
1. An Up Flow Furnace
As the name suggests, this type of furnace has upward air movement out of a vertical HVAC system. The blower motor is located in a bottom door near the cold air return, and that’s where you’ll find the filter. To gain access, you need to replace the top door and then the bottom door, and when you’re done, replace them in reverse (the bottom first and then the top door). The bottom door must be secure on the furnace frame to engage the safety switches that prevent operation when the door is open.
2. The Down Flow Furnace
The furnace has air movement that goes down from the vertical HVAC unit. An upper blower compartment contains the filter, which is attached to the engine. Most down flow furnaces have a V-shaped filter unit that houses a pair of filters. Both filters extend up and into the plenum to form a V-pattern which gives the unit its name. When you’re replacing the top cover door, ensure that it covers the furnace frame to activate the safety switch, or it won’t run.
3. A Horizontal Furnace
This is probably the easiest furnace housing to identify and access. The unit has a simple sliding furnace rack that you slide out of the HVAC unit to gain access to the furnace filter. When you’ve changed the filter, slide it back in place, and you’re done.
4. The Air Handler
In a hot climate, many homeowners don’t have a standard furnace, and they prefer to install and use an air handler. This system doesn’t use gas; a set of electric coils are used to heat the air, which is then pushed through the ductwork with a fan. Many air handlers have a built-in filter rack inside the unit that’s covered with a door. There may also be a central return air duct that has a built-in grill to house the filter. If you have both, choose one or the other, and don’t install both filters. If the two filters are used at the same time, they will decrease the air flow and drive up the energy bills.
What is the Optimal Furnace Filter Replacement Frequency?
Installing a fresh filter is a vital part of HVAC system maintenance that many people ignore. This is unfortunate because regular filter changes prevent a lot of serious problems, from degraded indoor air quality (IAQ) to expensive repair bills. Most HVAC system manufacturers recommend a filter change every three months when the season changes. But, you should consider more frequent changes if you suffer from asthma, allergies, and respiratory ailments.
3 Common Furnace Filter Types
There are three common furnace filter types:
1. Panel Air Filter
These are inexpensive air filters, which are usually made from pleated paper or fiberglass suspended in a plastic frame. They are easy to source and work well enough, but there are more effective options on the market if you’re prepared to spend a little more.
2. Electronic Air Filters
These are electrostatic air filters that use static electricity to attract and trap airborne particulates, such as dust, dirt, pet dander, and more. They prevent a lot of potential damage in a heating system, and they extract up to 99% of the particulates. This makes electronic air filters the most efficient option, but they cost more than the other filter types on the market.
3. Combination Filters
There is a compromise between the more efficient and expensive electronic air filters and the less expensive panel models. A combination filter has most of the particulate removal power of an electronic filter without the higher price tag. Another reason why people choose combination filters is that they can last up to six months before a replacement is needed.
If you need to schedule some essential maintenance for your furnace, contact your local HVAC specialist.