HVAC Troubleshooting

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Discovering Your Air Handler Filter Location

If you just bought a new home or you’re responsible for changing the HVAC air filter in your new apartment, you need to learn where the air handler is and find your air filter location. This article will discuss the Trane air handler filter location, but the setup is similar for other brands.

Your air handler is the indoor HVAC unit located in your basement, attic, or utility closet. The air handler air filter is located either in a built-in 1” filter frame on the air handler itself, in a compartment next to the air handler, or at a return air vent in a wall or in the ceiling.

Do some exploring to find your heating and cooling system’s air filters.

How often to replace the air filter

Change the air filter regularly. In general, you should plan on changing the air filter every 30-90 days. A dirty filter makes your HVAC system work harder, potentially leading to higher energy bills and early system breakdown.

Higher quality filters with a higher MERV rating can improve indoor air quality (IAQ) and will generally last longer. Refer to our HVAC air filter maintenance guide for some tips.

How to get the right size filter

When you remove an old HVAC filter, it should have some measurements listed on the frame. If the filter fits well, those are the measurements you should look for when buying replacement filters. If you don’t see any measurements on the filter, use a measuring tape to measure the length, width, and depth of the filter. If there is no old filter, measure the filter compartment.

Round off to the nearest whole number to get the standard size. Standard filters are 1” thick. Other filter types may be thicker. If you have a whole-house air cleaner, you may have to work with your HVAC professional to get replacement filters.

How to replace the HVAC air filter

Once you know where the filter compartment is located and you have a replacement filter, you’re ready to change the filter.

Open the filter compartment or return air grill. Remove the old filter. Place the new filter in the slot with the arrow facing into the wall, ceiling, or air handler itself. If the filter doesn’t have an arrow but has a metal mesh side, place the filter so the metal is facing the return air duct in the wall or ceiling or facing the air handler.

For your convenience, you can set up a standing order and have air filters delivered to your door via our partnership with FilterTime™.

Anne Fonda, Content Writer at Trane Technologies

A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.

She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism. When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.

Expert review by Erica Harrison, Product Manager, Air Handlers