What is the best home air filter?
- Best Air Purifier Overall: Molekule Air Purifier
- Best Air Purifier For Bedrooms And Offices: Levoit LV-H132 Air Purifier
- Best Air Purifier For Allergies: Honeywell HPA100 True HEPA Allergen Remover
- Best Compact Air Purifier: Coway Airmega AP-1512HH
- Best Air Purifier For Pets: Hathaspace Smart True HEPA Air Purifier 2.0
What air filter should I buy?
When your HVAC system has to work harder, it uses more energy. Using an air filter with a MERV rating of about 5 to 8 is appropriate for most residential homes. MERV 5 – MERV 8 filters provide good filtration and will remove most pollen, mold spores, and dust mites.
What is the best air furnace filter?
- BEST OVERALL: Filtrete AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 1500
- RUNNER UP: Nordic Pure MERV 12 Pleated AC Furnace Filters
- BEST BUDGET: FilterBuy MERV 8 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter
- BEST SMART: Filtrete Smart AC Furnace Air Filter
- BEST FOR ALLERGIES: AIRx ALLERGY MERV 11 Pleated Air Filter
- BEST FOR PETS: Aerostar Allergen & Pet Dander MERV 11 Air Filter
Are all HVAC air filters the same?
The short answer is, no, they’re not all the same. In fact, there are many different types of air filters available and choosing the right one can make a real difference in the lifespan of your HVAC system. To understand the differences in the filters available, there’s a couple of things you need to know.
Do all air handlers have air filters?
Does air handler have filter? It certainly does; however, not every air handler has the same type of filter. Usually, such air filters have a MERV rating of 4. It is one of the cheapest options and such filters are disposable.
How do you change an air handler filter?
0:241:48How to change your air handler or furnace disposable filter. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what you do is you loosen two thumb screws sometimes they'll be bolts you might have to get aMoreSo what you do is you loosen two thumb screws sometimes they'll be bolts you might have to get a screwdriver or a nut driver. You take the door off. And you remove the old air filter.
Do air handlers need filters?
Taking care of the filter is one of the most important things you can do for your air handler. Clean or change your air filter at least once a year to ensure proper air flow and better indoor air quality. Locate your air handler filter. It may be behind the bottom panel of your indoor unit, or there may be two filters.
How often should I change the filter in my air handler?
Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days, or 3 months. That can change based on where your home is located (ex. dusty, dry climates), if you have any pets, and the age of your system and equipment.
Where is my HVAC filter located?
The filter typically slides into a slot above or below the HVAC unit. Other HVAC systems – For any other kind of system, look for the air filter behind the return air grill on the wall, ceiling or utility closet door.
How many air filters does a house 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.
Does my air handler in the attic have a filter?
You can typically find it inside the attic or basement. When you find it, the replaceable filter is on the unit's left side, right side, top, or bottom. One tip about your air handler: The filter may fit in a small slot with directions demonstrating how to insert the filter.
Is the furnace filter the same as the AC filter?
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.
Where is an air handler located?
Most often, air handlers are located in the attic, basement or a dedicated closet, and may closely resemble the shape of a gas furnace. As its name suggests, an air handler “handles” the air inside your home and delivers warm or cool indoor air throughout your entire home.
What happens if you dont change your air filter?
Costs More to Run A dirty filter reduces the airflow to your HVAC system and causes it to work harder. It uses more energy, which costs you more money. It also might not be able to keep your home at the proper temperature. This means it may have to run for longer periods, which strains the system.
What happens when 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.
Do all AC units have filters?
Do all central heating and cooling units have filters? All central heating and cooling systems should have an air filter, but it can be harder to locate on some HVAC units than on others. It's usually located in the return air duct or blower compartment before the return air reaches the air handler.
Where is the filter on a Rheem air handler?
Once you've located the air handler, look for a small rectangular panel on the front (just under the Rheem logo). It's held in place by a pair of clips or nuts that you can loosen and remove by hand. Once you do that and remove the panel, you have access to the filter.
Where is the filter located on a Trane air handler?
1:173:06How to Change the Disposable Air Filter on a Trane Air Handler.YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis happens to be a Trane air handler. And you can see on the very front of the cover here it'sMoreThis happens to be a Trane air handler. And you can see on the very front of the cover here it's embossed. And the embossed area says filter.
Which side of air filter faces out?
If your filter is on the wall, the arrow should face the wall. Does your filter not have an arrow on it? First check again as nearly all filters do have it, likely in the corner of one of the sides. If it does not have an arrow though, you'll want the side with the wire-frame to be facing outward.
Do I need to turn off furnace to change filter?
To Change Your Home Air Filter, You'll Need To Turn Off Your Furnace. To prevent the HVAC unit from turning on while you are changing the filter, make sure you turn the thermostat to the “off” position. This will help protect your HVAC system from loose debris or maybe a loose filter fitting escaping into the duct.
What is the difference between a permanent and disposable air handler filter?
With a permanent filter, you are going to have to remove it and take it outside to clean it. With a disposable filter, you will just buy the right size filter and substitute one for another when the old filter becomes too dirty. ...
Is it harder to change an air filter?
Some filters are going to be harder to change than others. For example, if your filter is actually located inside of your air handler, you may want to consider calling a contractor instead of changing/cleaning the filter yourself.
What is the purpose of installing an air filter on a ducted system?
Install air filters on any ducted heating and cooling systems to filter air passing through the return air duct and outdoor air that is mechanically supplied to the air handler.
What is a MERV 6 filter?
Filters with higher MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating s of MERV 6 or above can trap pollutants like pollen, dust mites, and mold spores. However, a dirty, clogged filter can dramatically reduce air flow, increasing furnace run time and increasing both wear on the motor and energy consumption.
What should a HERS rater inspect?
The HERS rater should inspect to make sure that the filters are installed correctly. If the filter is installed at the furnace, inspect that a filter media box has been installed to house the filter and that this box has an access panel with a gasket to prevent air leakage. Climate. Climate.
What happens if the air handler is left off?
If the filter cover is left off or unsealed, the air handler can pull unconditioned and/or unwanted air into the home. Leakage at the filter cover can contribute to poor indoor air quality if the air handler is located in a garage or other areas where the air quality is not desirable.
What is the purpose of a filter gasket?
If the filter is installed in a filter media box attached to the air handler, the access panel for the filter should be fitted with a flexible, air-tight gasket to prevent air leakage.
How deep should a duct register box be?
Install a register box (boot) to which the duct will be attached. Most register boxes are at least 4 inches deep. This space will keep the duct terminus from touching the filter. Allowing several inches of distance between the filter and the duct terminus helps to decrease the velocity of the air flow through the filter and also ensures that the full surface area of the filter is used, which will improve filter performance and increase filter life.
Where to install filter media frame?
If the outside air intake must be located in an inaccessible location, construct and install a filter media frame in a filter box that is positioned in an accessible place at the duct connection to the air handler return air plenum or somewhere along the fresh air intake duct that is accessible to the home owner.
What happens when you pull out a Trane air handler filter?
Sometimes when you pull out the trane air handler filter, it’s painfully obvious whether it’s time to clean or replace. If caked on dirt and dust are falling off the surface, it’s probably restricting air flow and you’ll want to take action. If it’s only lightly covered, or you can still see light through the filter material, ...
What is a permanent filter?
Permanent filters: These can also be called washable filters. These filters can be removed from your air handler unit. These are good if you need extra-fine air filtration power, but can be messy to clean and expensive to install.
How long has Mas Broto been in the HVAC industry?
Have been in the heating and air conditioning (HVAC) industry for over 20 years. He is person that will grow and thrive to learn more about the HVAC industry throughout his career. Mas Broto is also a blogger, who's dedicated to bringing you the best knowledge to get ahead in the game of life.
Where is the air filter located in a central air conditioner?
All central air conditioning systems should have an air filter, but sometimes the filter can be harder to locate. The trane air handler filter is usually located in the return air duct or blower compartment before the return air reaches the trane air handler. This allows the filter to clean the air coming from your house before it enters ...
How to replace a permanent air filter?
For replacing the permanent filters is easy, just locate the filter, remove it from its housing, wash it and then return it again. If you have a disposable filter, here are the steps you should take to change it. Changing or cleaning your filter will help keep your air and home clean.
Where is the filter located on a vertical air handler?
On vertical air handlers with the return air duct entering below the air handler, the filter often fits in a slot located below the HVAC unit.
How to clean a reusable filter?
If the filter is reusable, first brush it to remove surface dirt, then run a vacuum with a soft brush attachment over the face to pull out more embedded dust and dirt.
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.
How to remove the return vent cover?
Once found, the cover of the return vent can be removed by pulling a tab or unscrewing a bolt. For the latter, an ordinary coin should do the trick to loosen it, similar to a standard screwdriver. Place the cover to the side and remove the old filter. Place the new filter in the same way as the old one.
What is a pleated filter?
Pleated filters have one side that has thin metal wiring and another side without. When installed in the return vent, the side with metal should be facing away from you and should not be seen. The purpose of the wiring is to keep the filter's shape.
Where is the air filter located in an HVAC unit?
Changing the filters in the HVAC unit. In this case, your air filter is most likely located right next to your furnace or air conditioning system air handler. The air handler is the large metal box containing the fan and fan motor. Typically, the unit would be found in a basement, an attic, or sometimes in the back of a closet.
What does it mean when you can't find a filter?
If you looked everywhere and you still cannot find any possible place to put in a filter, there is no need to panic! It just means that you need to use a return vent. That, or you might have to update your eye prescription.
Where is the return vent?
Return vents are often in the wall but can be in your ceiling or even the floor. The vent will be rectangular or square and should be larger than a standard air duct vent. If you already know the filter sizes that your home needs, that is a good hint for the shape of the return vent that you need to find. .
Do you have to change your air filter?
While it’s crucial to change out your air filters regularly, you won’t get far if you do not know where they are supposed to go! Whether you recently moved into a new home or your better half (you know, the responsible one) isn't around, here are some tips and clues you can use to make your search easier.
How to tell if ductwork is cold or warm?
Feel the outside temperature of duct work at the air handler: If you cannot determine where return air ducts are entering the air conditioning or heating air handler, if the system has been running in air conditioning mode the supply or outlet air end of the ducts connected to the air handler will be cool or even cold, and the return air end of the ducts connected to the air handler will be warmer to the touch.
What is the purpose of large ducts in a blower unit?
At the blower unit observe that large ducts will be connected to bring return air from building return ducts into the blower unit and to send conditioned air (cooled or warmed) out of the blower unit into the building supply ducts.
Why is it important to have a filter in a blower?
This is important because many filters are reinforced to prevent the airflow from collapsing the filter material and drawing it right into the blower fan itself. A collapsed filter that is drawn into a blower fan can cause fan overheating and even a building fire.
How to tell which end of the air handler has entering return air?
Follow the duct work: If you were able to spot central or room air registers inside the living space, at the air handler unit you should be able to spot where those ducts enter the air handler itself. That will tell you which end of the air handler has entering return air.
What happens after you find the air filter?
After you have located the air filter (s) document the placement of the HVAC system air filters for future building owners, occupants, or repairmen. Knowing where the air filters are located, and that you've found all of them, eases air filter inspection and regular changing during the cooling or heating season.
What is horizontal air handler?
Horizontal air handlers such as the attic mounted horizontal air handler in the photo above will have return air entering one end of the air handler unit and supply air exiting at the other end.
Why do people install air filters?
These are usually "add-on" products that occupants have installed, perhaps in complaint that the duct system itself is dirty and that central filters have proven ineffective, or people may install individual register filters out of a general anxiety about building indoor air quality.
