You Make The Call, We Handle It All!

609-380-7330

Give Us A Call

[email protected]

Send Us An Email

Service Experts of South Jersey
Categories
air conditioning indoor air quality

Where Is the Air Filter Located? Do I Have More Than One?

If you have recently moved, bought a new home, or decided it’s time to replace your air filter, you may be wondering where your filters are located. When you start to look for your air filter, what you thought was going to be an easy task can become quite time-consuming! That’s why it’s important to know the most common places to look for your HVAC system(s) so that you can more easily find your filter. There are several types of HVAC units and each one may require the filter to be installed differently. In addition, some homes have multiple HVAC units, so you may have to search in a few different locations! If you’ve been wondering how many air filters does your house have and where to find them, continue reading below. 

When you go to look for your air filter, start by inspecting your ceiling or wall returns. An HVAC air filter location can sometimes be found behind a return air grille to allow for easy access when it comes time to change out the filter. Afterward, be sure to check your basement, crawlspaces, attic, or garage for your HVAC air handler. No matter the location, you’ll most likely have one of the following systems:

  1. Vertical HVAC units are typically found in basements or crawlspaces where space is limited. These units are broken up into two different systems: up-flow and down-flow.
    • Up-flow draws cool air from the bottom and forces heated air through the top. The filter in this system is most likely located at the bottom of the HVAC unit.
    • Down-flow draws cool air from the top and forces heated air out from the bottom. The filter is most likely located at the top of the HVAC unit.
  2. Horizontal HVAC units are found mostly in attics, garages, or large basements. They draw cool air from one side and force heated air out of the other side; plus, these systems are typically suspended from the ceiling or placed on a platform. The attic furnace filter unit can be installed virtually anywhere because of the horizontal flow directionality.

If you have more than one HVAC system, then you’ll typically have more than one air filter in your ceiling. However, it’s also important to note that some HVAC systems, especially larger ones, may have more than one air filter and can even require different sizes in different locations. 

If you’d like more information on HVAC system options, central AC filter locations, or ways to improve your indoor air quality, please feel free to contact Clay’s Climate Control today!