The filter usually fits in a slot on the air return side of the unit. These systems are usually found in smaller basements or crawl spaces where space is limited. The filter typically slides into a slot above or below the HVAC unit.

How do I know where my air filter goes?

Here are some common locations.

  1. Behind a register in your wall or on the ceiling.
  2. Behind a register in the floor (in older homes).
  3. On the HVAC unit near the air handler, which looks a bit like a furnace. Look for your air handler in the basement or the attic. The air filter slots into the air handler unit.





Which way does air filter go in HVAC?

Remember that air flows from your ducts, through the filter, and into the furnace. The arrow on the filter should always point toward the furnace.

Where should HVAC filters be placed?

Avoid storing spare air filters in a location where you would never think about them. Instead, store them in the laundry room or utility closet next to the cleaning supplies so you see them on a regular basis. Buy a whole stack at a time and label them with their intended installation month.

What happens if you put air filter in backwards?

When a furnace filter is placed backwards, the fibers can’t do their job properly. This means your furnace has to work harder to generate the same air flow, resulting in increased energy costs. Particles are also allowed to build up irregularly, making the furnace working even harder to draw air.