1. United States
  2. Filtrete Home Filtration Products
  3. About Us
  4. How to Install an Air Filter
Woman replacing filter in HVAC unit.

Installing your Air Filter

For maximum effectiveness, we recommend you change your 1" filter at least once every three months and your 4"+ filters at least once a year.

Installation Videos

1” Air Filter

  • Illustration of Filtrete 1 inch filter.
    Remove packaging.

    Remove plastic packaging and paper insert from filter, leaving cardboard frame intact.

  • Illustration of top of Filtrete 1 inch filter showing the arrows.
    Point arrows towards blower motor.

    Find the airflow arrow and point it toward the AC/heat blower.

  • Illustration of top of Filtrete 1 inch filter being placed into wall vent.
    Wall unit: place filter in unit.
  • Illustration of top of Filtrete 1 inch filter being placed into HVAC unit.
    Central unit: slide filter into unit.

4” to 6” Air Filter

  • Illustration of a Filtrete 4 to 6 inch filter.
    Remove packaging.
  • Illustration of the top of a Filtrete 4 to 6 inch filter showing the arrows.
    Point arrows towards blower motor.
  • Illustration of a Filtrete 4 to 6 inch filter being installed into the HVAC unit on the side.
    Place filter into unit slot.
  • Illustration of a Filtrete 4 to 6 inch filter being installed into the HVAC unit on the top.
    Place filter into unit slot.

Smart Air Filter

  • Illustration of Filtrete filter being installed into a wall vent and HVAC unit.
    Installation & Filter Disposal

    1. Insert filter into the designated opening in your home’s furnace, air conditioning system, or wall/ceiling return with the arrow on the frame pointing toward the unit’s blower motor.

    2. Track and monitor the life of your filter with the Filtrete™ Smart App and replace when recommended.

    3. To reduce risk of injury, wear cut-resistant gloves. Prior to filter disposal, carefully separate the sensor from the used filter according to removal instructions provided in the Filtrete™ Smart App and website. Dispose of sensor promptly, in accordance with local electronics disposal guidelines.

  • Graphic of a phone with a download button.
    Download

    Download the Filtrete™ Smart App on your mobile phone and create an account.

  • Graphic of a Filtrete Smart Filter.
    Enable Bluetooth®

    Enable your phone's Bluetooth® setting, then follow the step-by-step instructions in the Filtrete™ Smart App to pair filter with your phone.

  • Graphic of the Smart Sensor on Smart Filtrete Filter.
    Activate Sensor

    Remove plastic packaging and paper insert from filter, leaving cardboard frame intact. To reduce risk of injury, remove battery tab to activate the sensor by pulling tab up and away from metal wire.

Refillable Air Filter

  • Illustration of a Filtrete Refillable Filter frame being opened.
    Open frame by pulling the latches outward.
  • Illustration of a Filtrete Refillable Filter being expanded.
    Expand filter.
  • Illustration of a Filtrete Refillable Filter ffilter being installed on the frame.
    Insert filter ends into frame slots​.
  • Illustration of a Filtrete Refillable Filter ffilter being installed on the frame and secured on the latches.
    Close frame and secure latches. Ensure ✓ is visible to confirm proper installation.
  • Illustration of a Filtrete Refillable Air Filter being installed into an HVAC unit.
    Insert the frame with the air flow arrow pointing towards the blower motor.
Smart phone with the Filtrete Smart App open.

Get Filter Change Reminders with the Filtrete™ Smart App.

GET THE APP
Legal
|
Privacy
|
HIPAA Privacy
|
DMCA
|
Accessibility Statement
|
Your Privacy Choices
|
Cookie Preferences
© 3M 2025. All Rights Reserved.
Follow Us
Filtrete is a trademark of 3M.