How Do You Put an Air Filter in an Air Handler?
- Locate the air filters.
- If you haven’t replaced the filters in the return vents in a while, then you might have to vacuum or dust the return air vent cover.
- Open the vent cover and get rid of the old filter.
- If you want, you can write the installation date on the new air filter with a permanent marker.
How do you change the air handler on an air conditioner?
Air handlers often need to be unscrewed by hand or with a tool to access the air conditioner filter. Once you locate either system, look for a slot where an air filter should fit. Larger houses may have more than one system and will have separate filters for each system.
How do I change the filter on my HVAC system?
Turn the screws counter-clockwise with your fingers and open the filter housing door. The door is only slightly wider than the thickness of the filter. Pull the dirty filter out of the air handler.
How do I change the filter on my Ruud air handler?
You can purchase replacement filters at home improvement centers. If you are not sure what size to purchase, open the filter door and look at the edge of the current filter. The size of the filter is stamped on the filter edge. Turn off the circuit breaker to the Ruud air handler.
How do you put an air filter in an air handler?
One tip about your air handler: The filter may fit in a small slot with directions demonstrating how to insert the filter. Air handlers often need to be unscrewed by hand or with a tool to access the air conditioner filter. Once you locate either system, look for a slot where an air filter should fit.
Where is the filter located on an air handler?
The air filter is typically located at the point where the return duct enters the air handler. Larger houses often have more than one HVAC system. Each system will typically have at least one air filter. Therefore, your home may have air filters located at the air handler AND in the returns.
How often should air handler filters be changed?
every 90 daysHow Often Do I Need to Change Out My Air Filter? Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days, or 3 months.
Do AC air handlers have filters?
Air handlers often need to be unscrewed by hand or with a tool to access the air conditioner filter. Once you locate either system, look for a slot where an air filter should fit. Larger houses may have more than one system and will have separate filters for each system.
How many filters does a air handler have?
How Many Air Filters Does a House Have? Typically, a house will have 2 air filters in their intake vents. In some cases, there can be more or fewer depending on the square footage of the home or apartment and the number of floors that need to be supported by the central air system.
What happens if you dont change your air filter?
The air filter keeps dust and other debris from circulating through your HVAC system. If the air filter fails to do this, not only will the debris pass through and start clogging your HVAC system, but it will also end up circulating through your home along with the air that your system circulates.
How do I know if my home air filter is dirty?
One clever way to determine if the air filter is dirty is to do the "white sheet test." This involves hanging a clean white sheet approximately 5 inches away from one of the vents for at least one hour. If the sheet turns gray, you've got a filthy air filter. The grayer the sheet, the dirtier the filter.
What does an air handler look like?
0:062:04What is an Air Handler and How Does it Work? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAir handlers consists of an evaporator coil blower motor and usually an electric heat strip.MoreAir handlers consists of an evaporator coil blower motor and usually an electric heat strip.
Where is my furnace filter located?
blower compartmentYou'll most often find the air filter in the blower compartment, which is accessible through a metal door or hatch on the bottom half of the furnace. It may also be in a sliding compartment by the air handler component of your furnace or on a rack installed on the furnace's side.
Is the furnace filter the same as the AC filter?
One Filter for Your Whole Home While many people refer to air conditioning and furnace filters as if they're different, this is not the case. Your furnace and your air conditioning system use the exact same filter, so there's no need to worry about purchasing separate filters for each piece of equipment.
Why are there two air filter slots in my HVAC system?
A lot of central air units have at least two filters, though you can find systems that have only one. The reason why there are a couple of filters is because not only the air that is traveling into the air handler needs to be filtered, but also the air passing through the return vents.
Can you run a furnace without a filter for one night?
Technically, you can temporarily run a furnace without a filter. However, it's important to emphasize the word “temporarily” here. Running a furnace without a filter overnight, for example, isn't likely to cause problems, but you should never allow this to turn into a long term solution.
Where is the heat pump filter located?
Air filters are likely located in your heating system's return register/s or in the heat pump's air handler cabinet––or in both places. Return registers draw air into your system to be heated (or cooled) and are typically larger than those delivering air into your home.
How do you know when to change your air filter?
5 Signs That You Need to Change Your Car Air FilterAir Filter Looks Dirty. A new air filter will be white or an off-white color. ... Check Engine Light Turns On. ... Lower Horsepower. ... Black, Sooty Smoke Leaving the Exhaust Pipe. ... Smell of Gas When the Engine Starts.
How often should MERV 13 filters be changed?
For Merv 8, 11 and 13 filters, we recommend that you change your filter at least every 3 months, however changing your filter every 2 months provides better filtration which provides healthier and cleaner air in your home.
Why does my central air have two filters?
A lot of central air units have at least two filters, though you can find systems that have only one. The reason why there are a couple of filters is because not only the air that is traveling into the air handler needs to be filtered, but also the air passing through the return vents.
What happens if AC filter is dirty?
A dirty air filter restricts the flow of cold air, causing it to build up inside the air conditioner and lower the internal temperature. Given enough time, that buildup of cold air can eventually cause ice to form on the coils.
Step 1
Turn off the circuit breaker to the Ruud air handler. The circuit breaker is located in your home's electrical panel box.
Step 2
Go to the air handler and locate the filter housing. The filter housing will be between the return air duct and the air handler. There will be either two thumb screws or two screws that have small ring handles on them.
Step 3
Turn the screws counter-clockwise with your fingers and open the filter housing door. The door is only slightly wider than the thickness of the filter. Pull the dirty filter out of the air handler.
Step 4
Place the new filter into the housing and close the filter housing door. Turn the securing screws clockwise to lock the door. Turn on the circuit breaker to the unit.
What is spring cleaning?
If spring cleaning is a rite of passage in your home, you probably have a set routine for what gets cleaned and what doesn’t. One item that may not be on your list is your heating and cooling system’s air filter. Generally out of sight and out of mind, your HVAC system’s air filter provides two important benefits: 1 It helps keep the air in your home a little cleaner, reducing the buildup of dust on furniture, and enabling you to breathe a little easier 2 It helps reduce buildup of dust and dirt on your HVAC system’s internal components so the system operates more efficiently
Why is an air filter important?
Generally out of sight and out of mind, your HVAC system’s air filter provides two important benefits: It helps keep the air in your home a little cleaner, reducing the buildup of dust on furniture, and enabling you to breathe a little easier.
Where is the air filter located?
Locate the filter: For most heating and cooling systems, the air filter is located in your home either in a basement, utility closet or garage, attached to the blower section of your air handler (usually a furnace or fan coil). Sometimes it’s inside the furnace or fan coil cabinet.
Is it cheaper to replace an air filter?
Once you get into the habit, you’ll find that heating and cooling air filter replacement is an easy, inexpensive way to help keep your home, and your HVAC system, looking good and operating at its best. And remember to turn to your local Carrier dealer for the rest of your heating and cooling needs.
Can a dirty air filter cause a system to shut down?
Left for too long, a dirty HVAC system air filter can reduce your comfort, reduce heating and cooling energy efficiency, make your system work harder, and in more extreme cases, cause the system to shut down completely when air flow is severely restricted. The good news is, replacing your home’s air filter is, in most cases, easy to do, ...
Why is it important to change the filter on an air conditioner?
And, it’s an important facet of routine heating and cooling system maintenance because a clean filter can help keep your system running efficiently and reliably for years.
Why do you set the thermostat back?
If you set the thermostat back to save energy , you’ll run the system less and potentially increase time between filter changes. Poor system installation: An undersized system will run longer and filters will likely collect more pollutants. Poorly installed ductwork may invite more airborne pollutants into the system as well.
How to get a new filter back on a septic system?
Carefully slide the new or cleaned filter back into its housing with the airflow arrows pointing in the correct direction. Properly secure the cabinet or panel cover, then restore power to the system and turn it on.
Where is the filter located on a furnace?
The exact location of the filter can vary depending on the indoor HVAC unit and type of system. Most single-home residential systems include either a vertical or horizontal indoor air handler unit (furnace or fan coil), typically in a basement, furnace/utility closet, garage or sometimes an attic. 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. If you live in a multifamily apartment or condo unit, the filter may be located in an in-wall return air grill.
How does the number of pets affect the time between filter changes?
Pets: If you are a pet owner, the number, size and type of animals in your home might affect timing between filter changes. Larger animals or longer-haired animals that shed more will shorten the time between filter changes .
What are the functions of air filters?
As a part of your heating and air conditioning system, the air filter plays two main roles: 1 Removal of airborne particles from the air that you breathe to improve indoor air quality 2 Keeping internal components free from dust and debris to maintain efficiency and reliability of operation
What is the purpose of removal of airborne particles from the air that you breathe?
Removal of airborne particles from the air that you breathe to improve indoor air quality
How to know what filter to use for HVAC?
Ask your HVAC installer what filter to use. If you are around when your HVAC unit is installed, ask the technician what kind of filter it takes and how to install it. If you have a window unit, you may be able to talk to a representative from the store or company that supplied it and find out which filter to buy.
How to know if a filter is wrong?
Check for any gaps around the filter once it’s in. If you notice any gaps or other signs that the filter does not fit correctly, remove it and put the old filter back in temporarily. You may have the wrong size of filter, in which case you should double check which kind you should have and buy a new one. It’s also possible that your new filter was somehow damaged and misshapen. Look at it closely to see if you can detect any damage, and if so, return it to the store and buy another.
What is the best filter rating for asthma?
If someone in your household is allergies or asthma, or if you believe there is an unusual amount of dust or other particles in your air, you may want to opt for a filter with a MERV rating between 7 and 12. This will cost you more in energy use, but will filter more effectively. This can be a good choice for someone with a large family or several pets.
How to tell if your HVAC system is running?
Turn the unit on to make sure it’s still running well. It should run the same as it did before, or else have slightly better air pressure. If anything sounds or smells strange, or if the system isn’t running at all, call a HVAC technician.
What does a filter slot look like?
The location of the filter slot can vary from one unit to the next, but it should look like a long, thin opening with a removable cover.
What is a good MERV rating?
Choose a filter with a MERV rating of at least 6. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, which essentially means how well it’s able to filter out small particles. However, filtering more effectively also means using more energy, so a higher rating will raise your energy bill. 6 is an average rating for filters, and a good compromise between effective filtering and affordability.
How to keep dust from getting into machinery?
Turn your unit off. To avoid hurting the machinery or yourself, you’ll want the unit to be off when you change the air filter. This will also keep any dust or particles from getting into the machinery while the filter is removed.
How do I know if my return ducts are clogged?
When you pull out the old filter and see an excessive amount of dust and debris surrounding the ducts or the space behind the filter, that's a clear sign that you have clogged return ducts. If the return ducts have too much dust, some rooms in your house may have limited airflow and more dust settling on surfaces.
How do I remove an air filter?
To remove your old filter, turn off your AC, unscrew your air handler or grate from a return duct and gently pull it out. If the filter is dirty, wrinkled, greyish, or filled with dust — its next destination is the trash.
How to know what size filter I need?
First, know the size of your filter. Each unit should have the filter size located on the previous filter. If you are uncertain about the size, grab a measuring tape and measure the height and width, or look for the manufacturer’s name and locate the size on their website.
Why replace AC filter?
Replacing the AC filter in your home will allow the unit to keep blowing cool air without interruptions. If the air filter becomes clogged with debris and dust particles, causing an airflow restriction. And, eventually, the clogged filter can lead to unit repairs, a higher electric bill, and a lower lifespan on your unit.
How to tell if AC vent is returning?
One tip to determine a return vent: hold your hand or a piece of paper up to the vent while the AC's fan is on. If the paper gets pulled toward the vent or you feel a suction effect, it’s a return vent.
Where is the air filter located in a home?
The air filter is typically near the thermostat in your home in a return duct. Or, it's most likely right next to your AC system’s air handler.
What do arrows on a computer mean?
Arrows usually show which direction the air pulls, and you’ll want the air to pull into your system, not away from it.
What Is an Air Handler Filter?
A filter in your HVAC system has an extremely important job to do – it filters out dust, pet dander, pollen, and a lot of other small particles from the air that you breathe.
Where Are the Air Filters in My House?
There are quite a few places in your house where you may find the air filters. Bear in mind that if you have a large HVAC system, you might have a few filters.
Where Is the Air Handler Located?
Some air handlers might look like a gas furnace. It is, basically, a metal casing that houses the evaporator coil and the blower fan.
What Happens If You Put Air Filter in Backwards?
All filters have special indications that will help you figure out which way to install them (you’ll usually notice arrows).
What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Air Filter?
Here are the main things that are going to happen, if the filter is constantly clogged.
Where Is the Air Filter Located?
If you don't know where your air handler is located, it's pretty easy to find. It's in the same room as your furnace, heat pump, or central air indoor unit, and these HVAC components are usually housed inside it. A Rheem air handler is a rectangular gray metal box from 4 to 5 feet tall and from 3 to 4 feet wide. It may be sitting on the ground, or it may be mounted on a pedestal, which is the preferred method of installation because it allows for ample air space underneath the housing. That's important if intake air comes through the bottom of the housing, which is common with Rheem air handlers.
How big is a Rheem air handler?
A Rheem air handler is a rectangular gray metal box from 4 to 5 feet tall and from 3 to 4 feet wide. It may be sitting on the ground, or it may be mounted on a pedestal, which is the preferred method of installation because it allows for ample air space underneath the housing. That's important if intake air comes through the bottom of the housing, which is common with Rheem air handlers.
Why does my central air blower shut down?
If a dirty filter is impeding airflow, there may not be enough air to fill the ducts, and all the heat or cold air produced by your central air system goes to waste. Poor air circulation can also cause problems like iced-over cooling coils or an overheated furnace, and if the problem gets bad enough , your system may shut down. At the very least, the system works harder than it has to, and your energy bills go up while the level of comfort in your house goes down.
Why use a clean air filter?
Clean air filters prevent clogging the fins on the coils and promotes more energy efficient usage. There are different types of filters for the air handler unit. I use the mesh filter. Check your Owner's Manual for instructions on how to care for and replace your filters. For energy efficiency and safety reasons, ...
Who is Chris Deziel?
Chris Deziel is a contractor, builder and general fix-it pro who has been active in the construction trades for 40 years. He has degrees in science and humanities and years of teaching experience. An avid craftsman and musician, Deziel began writing on home improvement topics in 2010. He worked as an expert consultant with eHow Now and Pro Referral -- a Home Depot site. A DIYer by nature, Deziel regularly shares tips and tricks for a better home and garden at Hunker and Family Handyman.
