Air filters are a vital part of any dwelling. They ensure that there are no harmful substances in the air that you breathe, and so they can protect you from a multitude of illnesses and diseases.
It is important to know how an air filter works and where it is located in your home to make sure it is working correctly and fix it or replace any broken parts.
Where is the Air Filter Located?
Typically air filters are found either by the air handler or at its point of return. Depending on the size of your home, you may have more than one air filter point and so be sure to know how many you have to maintain them all.
The air filter before the air handler allows it to collect particles, such as dust before they reach the main components of the air filtration system. This can save you a lot of money as you do not want those parts getting damaged!
Where is the Air Filter Located in my House?
To search for the air filters in your house, you need to look for the air vents. To do this, first look down to the floor for air vents. If you have any here, it is most likely an air filter behind this casing.
Similarly, look to the ceiling. You may have such a vent up by the ceiling, and the same applies again – the air filter is often hidden behind this covering.
Where is the Air Filter in my Apartment?
Apartments are less likely to have multiple air filters, so look for your return vent as this is the most likely place that you will find it. Open the covering, and you should find the air filter located just behind. If you are unsure about what to look for or your brand’s specifics, contact the company that manufactured your air filter.
What are Air Filters?
Air filters are a type of filter for particles found in the air. They are often made up of fibrous material, or sometimes even porous material. This means that it can remove tiny particles in the air such as pollen, dust, skin cells, bacteria, and even mold from the air!
It essentially removes all the things you do not want to breathe in! They are commonly used in apartment blocks and in office buildings where air quality is important.
One example that is commonly overlooked is on an airplane where you have many people breathing in recirculated air. Thankfully thanks to air filters, it is cleaned every time you breathe it in!
Why Do you Need an Air Filter?
Air filters ensure that you breathe clean air that is free of any unwanted particles, such as dust or pollen. This means that you are less likely to catch something if the air is recirculated, such as on an airplane.
Airfilters also stop such particles from clogging up your ventilation system, which is often the more costly part of the machine, and so this can save you a lot of money in the long run. It is a lot cheaper to repair or replace an air filter than an entire air conditioning system and/or unit!
Types of Air Filters
There are many different types of air filters made up of various materials. Some are made from the following:
- Paper
- Foam
- Stainless steel mesh
- Cotton
- Water bath
- Oil bath
Each type of air filter has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, modern cotton air filters are highly effective, but the paper is the air filter of choice for cars and other vehicles. This is because it is easy to change, cheap, and efficient.
In recent years oil bath air filters have also overtaken water bath air filters in people’s preference as they are more efficient at filtering the air particles.
Furnace filter vs return air filter – what’s the difference?
How to Tell When to Change Air Filters
Manufacturers usually tell you to change your air filter every 30-60 days to ensure that they work at full capacity. Suppose you are particularly susceptible to allergies, such as hay fever.
In that case, you may benefit from replacing them more often to ensure that you always have clean and good-quality air circulating in your home. However, your location will also affect how often you need to change your air filter.
For example, if you live in the center of a busy city, you will be surrounded by a higher level of air pollution than if you lived in the countryside. You will naturally have cleaner air for those of you who live in a particularly rural area, so you may only need to change your air filter once a year.
Changing the Filters in the HVAC Unit
To change the air filter in your HVAC unit, complete the following steps:
- Turn off your HVAC unit
- Remove the panels so that you can reach the filer
- Remove your old HVAC filter
- Input your new HVAC filter. Make sure that the arrows are facing the right way!
- Put the panels back in their place
- Turn your HVAC unit back on
Changing the air filters in a return vent
To change the air filter in your return vent, complete the following steps:
- Turn off your unit
- Open the return vent
- Remove the old filter
- Install the new filter. Make sure that the arrows are facing the right way!
- Close the vent properly
- Turn your unit back on
Above, we have detailed all the basics of using and changing an air filter in your home. You now know the advantages of having an air filter installed in your home and where to find it, and how to change it.
If you ever have any problems or issues not covered here, make sure to contact the manufacturer of your air filter so that they can answer any of your questions.