Are you wondering where your air filter is located? You're not alone. Many people have difficulty finding the air filter in their home or car. Fortunately, this guide will help you locate the air filter and understand how to install it correctly. In most homes, the air filter is located in the return air duct next to the oven or indoor unit.
It can be in a basement, a mezzanine, a utility closet, a garage, or an attic. Older systems may have the filter located inside the oven itself, next to the fan motor. In cars, the cabin air filter is usually behind the glove compartment. You may be able to access it yourself by removing the glove compartment from its fasteners.
If not, it may be under the dashboard or under the hood. Horizontal HVAC units with a return duct connected to the side of the air controller usually have a filter slot on the return air side of the unit. The newest batch of filters may not have airflow indicators or a wire mesh. Instead, they are multi-stage with a removable layer of fiberglass (velcro), an activated carbon honeycomb layer, and a layer of pleated paper with a very thin layer of fiberglass.
In most new fuel-injected vehicles, the air filter is located inside a rectangular box called a cold air manifold box. If you drive in dusty or sandy areas, you may need to change your air filter more often. To ensure that your air is clean, replace your cabin air filter as often as recommended by your car manufacturer. This is usually once a year or every 20,000 miles, whichever comes first.
If you notice an unpleasant odor or decreased airflow, consider replacing your cabin filter so that both you and your system can breathe fresh air. If you're still unsure how to install your air filter after examining it thoroughly, contact an HVAC specialist in your area for assistance. Don't worry if there aren't any arrows; there are other ways to determine which direction the air filter should be in.