The air filter is a critical part of the HVAC system in your Edgewater, Maryland, home. Air passes through the filter with each cycle, leaving dust, dander, and other pollutants behind so you can breathe easily. If your filter doesn’t get changed at least once every three months, it’s probably too dirty to do its job. Know where your filter is so you can keep up with this critical maintenance task.
Locate the Return Air Duct
The air filter in your HVAC system is usually located where the return air duct meets the air handler. On a horizontal unit, you’ll see the return duct coming in through the side of the unit with the filter along the side of the air handler as well. If you have a vertical air handler, look for the filter either above or below the unit, depending on whether the air handler enters from the top to the bottom.
If you don’t find the filter by the return air duct, look for it behind a return air grill on the wall. Alternately, you may find an air grill on the ceiling with the filter concealed behind. The filter looks like a mesh screen encased in a thin box.
Call Your HVAC Technician
If you’re having trouble finding your air filter in any of these common locations, your next best option is to call our friendly HVAC technicians for advice. We can offer helpful tips for finding your filter, or locate the filter for you and demonstrate how to properly change it during your next maintenance visit. A professional eye may be just what you need to locate the air filter in a tricky HVAC design.
Don’t neglect your filter changes just because you’re not yet familiar with your unit. A clean filter is essential for healthy, breathable air. Combine regular filter changes with consistent annual maintenance visits for the best results. If you’re overdue for a tune-up, call Coastal Heating and Air Conditioning at 410-919-0110.
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