where is my filter?

[filterbob]

i have a new house with a goodman model ARUF182416BA air handler. i need to replace the filter for the first time but i cannot find it! where is the filter located? does anyone know? its driving me crazy!
thanks!

[BigJon3475]

Is it not in the air handler/furnace? Is the a section they made in the duct for it? Is there an air filter in your return grilles?

[hidalgo1301]

Check the end of the furnace where the return air comes in, it could be the installers covered the thumbscrews that secures the filter door. Otherwise check return grill or look for external door for filter at return (could be on back side of furnace if in attic..seen stranger).

[filterbob]

i will check the handler again but i dont see anything that resembles a door or pull-out type flap where a filter may be. i do have about an 18" X 18" return grill in my cathedral ceiling in the living room. i can see thru it and there is no filter in there. should there be? ive never had a central system before so im unfamiliar with it and the builder is basically un-contactable, if thats even a word, but it is useless to try and get ahold of him. im stumped.

[yellowirenut]

the filter may be inside the unit

[hidalgo1301]

Like yellowirenut said...air handlers generally come with filter installed. Door is removable, not the open shut type. It should have a thumb screw at each end that secures it in place...at least this is how Lennox air handlers are..

[John Culpepper]

Follow the return duct from the return in your ceiling to the air handler. The filter should be somewhere between the return grill and the blower.

[filterbob]

i just found it. the installers taped over it with the metallic tape. i pulled off the thin metal cover and found where the filter should be...yes should be! they never even put a filter in it! ive been running it for 2-3 months now with no filter. do you think that has damaged anything? i am going to go get one now. i measured the compartment and it appears to be 15 X 22. thank you!

[John Culpepper]

Take your tape measure with you the to store so you can get the one closest to your measurements. You probably didn't hurt anything as your return is in your ceiling.

[hidalgo1301]

If that is the correct size, that is quite the odd size. I would check your return grill in the ceiling, should be a more standard size, and go with that one(unless it is really hard to get too). 2-3 months with no filter is not good, that is the normal lifespan of a 1" filter. It would be a good idea to have a company come out and check the evaporator coil. It would be worth the cost of a service call to know the condition of the coil.

[John Culpepper]

It's probably a 16' by 20' size. I think that's what I've got in my apartment.

[BigJon3475]

15.5" x 22" is the outside dimensions of the unit... I think it's a 14" x 20" or at the minimum 14" x 18".

[beenthere]

May have allowed the coil to get dirty.