Changing your HVAC filter on a regular basis is important, but it’s hard to change your filter if you don’t know where to find it.
When you’re renting, it’s likely that your landlord took care of your HVAC filter changes, which is why many people find themselves confused when they have to handle it themselves.
Fortunately, there are resources that can show you exactly what you need to do so you won’t have to live in an environment with a dirty air filter. If you need help finding your filter, keep reading to learn where you should look for it in your house.
Where is your Air Filter in your House?
If you’re in a new home and need to change your HVAC filter, you may find yourself asking, “Where is my air filter in my house?” The bad news is that it may take some work to find the answer since not everyone has an air filter in the same location.
Typically, you can find the filter near your HVAC unit’s air handler. It may also be behind a register in your wall, ceiling, or floor. Rather than tearing apart your home to look for your air filter, your best bet is to have your local HVAC technician come by and identify its location for you.
Changing your HVAC filter regularly is necessary if you want it to operate at peak efficiency and protect the quality of the air in your home. It’s also important to make sure you use the right type of air filter.
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Minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) ratings are used to measure a filter’s ability to remove particles from the air. A filter with a MERV rating between eight and 12 is typically sufficient, though you may want a filter with a higher rating if you suffer from asthma or allergies.
Regular HVAC maintenance should be a priority for every homeowner. Beyond regular filter changes, you’ll also want to have your HVAC unit inspected at least once a year, though it’s always best to have a professional take a look at it if you think something could be wrong.
The average life span of an HVAC system is between 10 and 15 years, so if your system is over a decade old, it may be time to start thinking about a replacement.
What Else Should You Know About Your HVAC System?
The reason your HVAC filter is so important is that it’s your first line of defense against poor indoor air quality. Breathing in polluted air, especially over a long period of time, can have a serious impact on your health.
Several serious types of heart and lung problems have been linked to air pollution, including coronary artery disease, emphysema, and more. Symptoms of conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cardiovascular disease can also be exacerbated by poor air quality.
You should also make sure you seal up any cracks and crevices in your window frames. These imperfections can let in outdoor air, pests, contaminants, and moisture, all of which can have a detrimental impact on your safety and comfort at home.
The presence of outdoor air can also raise or lower the indoor temperature, which will force your HVAC system to work harder to compensate for the change. This can have the practical effect of significantly increasing your utility bills.
Every HVAC system is different, so your filter may not be located in the same place as someone else’s. The best thing you can do if you need help changing your filter is to call an HVAC technician.
You can have them inspect the unit to see if there are any other reasons to be concerned about and show you how to switch your filter on your own. It’s essential to change your filter on a regular basis if you want to ensure the air in your home is clean and safe to breathe, so make sure you put HVAC maintenance on the top of your to-do list.
