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Your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is one of the largest appliances in your home. Because most furnace filters are between 1” and 5” thick, you may wonder how to locate this small part of such a large appliance. Regularly change the air filters to maintain your system’s optimal performance.
This typically means replacing the filter every 90 days. However, homes with pets or allergy sufferers should change out filters on a monthly maintenance schedule.
✅ Where is My Furnace Filter Located?
The furnace filter is typically located in one of the following places: inside the blower compartment (behind a metal door), behind the return air duct grille, or in a side-mounted slot on the furnace. For horizontal units, check the intake side; for vertical units, check the top or bottom door. Always look for a labeled slot or cover that is approximately one inch wide. If unsure, consult your furnace manual or a professional.
Is the furnace filter the same as the AC filter? Yes, it is. They both share the same air handler. You can usually find your HVAC system in the same area of your home as your water heater.
🧰 Vertical HVAC Unit
Air can either flow upward or downward in a vertical (or upright) unit. If your HVAC unit has air moving upwards through the air handler, its blower is in the bottom door.
This is where you will find the furnace filter.
The filter will remove dust mites and everything else, depending on the type of filter and improve indoor air quality before it’s sent back into your home through the supply vents. If your air flows downward through the air handler of your AC unit or furnace, you will find the air filter in the upper blower compartment.
In many cases, a downflow vertical heating system will be in a V shape. If this is true for your furnace, you’ll need two filters to finish the job.
🧰 Horizontal HVAC unit
For horizontal air conditioners, you’ll place your new filter in the door on the side of the furnace and air conditioner. A horizontal furnace is found more often in an attic than a basement. This heat source moves air from one side to the other rather than upward or downward.
⭐ Locating Additional Furnace Filters
Depending on the size and age of your home, you may find an additional filter(s) behind the register or return air grill, either on the floor or on a wall.
Don’t confuse return vents with supply vents.
Supply vents are in each room, and you will feel air blowing out. Return vents draw air from your home, filter it through the furnace, and then send it to the appliance to adjust the temperature before blowing it back through the supply vents.
Our home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is one of the largest appliances. Write down the size of the air filter to ensure you have the correct replacement for your brand of furnace.
Also, note which way the arrow printed on the edge of your furnace filter is pointing. You want to be sure the clean filter goes in the same way.
🧰 Why Is It Important to Change Your Air Filter?
Your heating, cooling, and ventilation system plays a critical role in your family’s comfort. A well-maintained system will maximize your home’s indoor air quality.
A furnace filter will keep dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and other allergens from entering your home’s duct system. However, after a few weeks of collecting this debris, build-up on the furnace filter will decrease air flow.
No need to ask “where is my furnace filter located?” anymore. Now, you can focus on maintaining the air quality in your home and extending the lifespan of your HVAC system.
⭐ Final Thoughts on the Furnace Filter Location
Regular maintenance of your furnace filter is key to keeping your HVAC system running efficiently and maintaining healthy indoor air quality. If you’re unsure how to locate or replace your filter, Vernon Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical Services is here to help. Our experienced technicians offer reliable, year-round HVAC service throughout Vernon and the North Okanagan.
📞 Call today to schedule a service visit or get expert advice on keeping your home comfortable and efficient.
