Most Common Locations HVAC Filters The filter usually fits in a slot on the air return side of the unit. Vertical units: These units are often located in utility closets or crawl spaces. The filter is typically located behind a grille on the bottom or front of the unit.
A commercial package unit usually uses a metal mesh filter to separate the air from pollutants and unwanted particles. A typical PM would include cleaning that filter with a hose.
Tip: If you're looking to replace your outside AC unit filter, the filter location varies depending on the unit. However, it can usually be found along the air conditioner return duct.
All central heating and cooling systems should have an air filter, but some HVAC units make filters harder to locate. The filter is commonly located in a return air grille, within the air handler, or external to the air handler in a filter rack.
If you can't find an air filter near your HVAC unit, then you may have to look in your return vent. Because HVAC units are often set up in a more difficult to access area, the filters are sometimes placed here for better accessibility.
Cleaning your air filters in all Carrier Air hi-wall split system products is easy – simply pop the front of your unit off, remove the air filters and brush, shake or vacuum any and all debris out of them*.
First, check your filters and coils for dirt and debris that may be impeding airflow. Once you've cleaned the filters and coils, run the air conditioner with just the fan so that the ice accumulation can melt off. If the AC still doesn't blow cold air, it could be that refrigerant levels are too low.
Every air conditioner requires a filter with a particular Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating. Knowing that the highest rating is 16, some people buy the highest-rated filter.
Packaged systems usually consist of some combination of an air conditioner, furnace, evaporator coils, condensers, humidifiers, air handlers and other components.
Many package units have filters right on the system that need to be changed and are easy to forget about.
Some should be replaced every 30 to 60 days. Others might last 6 months to a year. The answer depends on factors such as how often you use the system, the type of filter, whether there are any pets in the home, and your personal habits such as having smokers in the house, use of a wood-burning fireplace, and more.
However, common places filters are found can include: within a small slit on the bottom of the unit, on an external rack usually off the side of the furnace, in the ductwork as a cutout, or in the return air vents. If you are unable to locate your filter, please contact your dealer or installer.
Look for a filter cabinet along the sides, top or bottom of the blower cabinet. The filter may be positioned horizontally or vertically, depending on the orientation of the air handler in the indoor unit. In some cases, especially on older models, the filter may be found inside the blower cabinet.
Pressing the SELF CLEAN or ON/OFF button again during the cleaning cycle will cancel the operation and turn the unit off.
It may be difficult to locate on some HVAC systems, but you can usually find the air filter in the return air duct. Or, in layman's terms, that big metal grate on your wall, floor, ceiling, or utility closet door. Return air ducts can be just about anywhere.
Turn the unit off. Turning this off prevents the air from blowing dust and grit into your system. Open up your vent and remove the used filter.
Wash the Filter
In a deep sink or outdoors using a garden hose, rinse the filter gently and thoroughly, and allow it to dry. If you need to provide a deep clean, soak the filter in a flat bin with 1 part white vinegar and 1 part warm water for an hour, and then rinse it gently with the hose.