You’re probably familiar with your home, but chances are, just like many homeowners, you don’t know where your air filter is located.

Your HVAC is likely one of the biggest machines in your home. While HVAC maintenance is best left to the professionals, there are some quick fixes that you can do on your own, such as replacing the air filter. When your HVAC is starting to perform less efficiently, it’s a sign that it’s time to replace the air filter. If you’re thinking, “I don’t even know where it is!”, don’t worry -- in this article, we’ll show you where you can find it.

Help! Where are the air filters in my home?

If you recently moved into a new home, it’s likely that you don’t know where your air filters are located. It’s essential to know where the air filters are tucked away since you will have to change them regularly. Replacing the air filters can help extend the life of your HVAC system as well as improve the indoor air quality in your home.

Air filters are usually located in the blower compartment or air duct. This allows the air filters to catch dirt and debris before the air reaches the HVAC’s components. Since not all HVACs were made the same, you may have to get your flashlight and do some exploring to locate the air filters.

Where are air filters usually located?

HVAC units are massive machines that are usually hidden far from view. Some homes feature return vents that are often in walls, ceilings, and the floor. Keep an eye out for these vents -- they’re either rectangular or square and should be larger than a standard air vent.

Is there a vent in your ceiling?

If there is a large vent on the ceiling, remove its cover to gain access to the air filters. Some return vents are fastened by a bolt, so be ready with a standard screwdriver.

Does your home have a crawlspace?

Older homes with a crawlspace or basement often have a floor register where the air filter is located. Remove the cover by unscrewing the bolts, and then replace the old filter with a new one.

Have you checked the walls?

Many homes have wall registers. If you spot a wall register next to a large closet (air handler), then this is probably where you can find the air filters.

Have you tried checking everywhere else?

In some homes, there are return vents in each room. Loosen each return grill to find the air filters.

Problem Solved

Regularly changing out the air filters is essential for clean air and a happy HVAC system. It’s recommended to replace them every ninety days to prevent the build-up of dirt, dust, and allergens that can clog the filter, thus decreasing the HVAC’s efficiency.

If you’re still having trouble locating your air filters, a professional HVAC technician can help you find all vents in your home. This way, you can easily change your filters when the time comes.