First off, good job at making sure to change your filter out! This helps to prevent issues within the HVAC system long term. A clogged filter causes the fan motor to work harder in order to push air through. It can also lead to air flow issues throughout your home. Luckily, the air filter isn’t too difficult to find.

If your system sits horizontally, the filter is probably located on either side of the unit. A lot of times it will be in a vertical metal drawer. Simply pull it out, pop out the old filter and replace. Make sure you get it all the way back in so you don’t end up with escaping air.

For systems sitting vertically with the return air duct entering on top, your filter is likely located in a slot above your HVAC unit. Vertical systems with the return air duct entering on bottom usually have a slot for the filter below the HVAC unit.

If you still haven’t located your air filter, check the return air grills around your home. For those who don’t know, these are the ones you cannot open or close. Sometimes air filters are actually located behind those grills. If you do find one that has a filter, be sure to check the others as you may have more than 1 filter.