Figuring out the furnace filter

Question

Recently moved into a new home and am trying to get new furnace filters. The house has this unit: https://www.ecomfort.com/Goodman-ARUF49C14/p58566.html , which looks like its called an Air Handler.

I found the filter cover at the bottom of the unit but there doesn't appear to be a filter currently in it and the area is blocked by some piping.

Photos attached to explain better: https://ibb.co/album/xJbMjL

My two questions are:

1. It looks like the angle is pretty tough to get a filter in there, can I somewhat bend the filter to get it in? Any other ideas on how to get it in?

2. What filter size does the unit take? I don't see anything on the unit itself and when I read the manuals, I see different info.

• https://www.ecomfort.com/manuals/c7e07bdb3269995a6c8202fb9bfc1658.pdf

This manual says

"When using the factory filter rails, a nominal 16x20x1”, 20x20x1” or 24x20x1” (actual dimension must be less than 23-½”x20”) filter can be installed on a B, C and D cabinet respectively (the cabinet size is the seventh letter of the model number)."

However, the first link I posted lists the filter size as 19" x 20".

Appreciate any guidance.

Answer 1

If you want to install the filter in the air handler using its filter rails you need to reroute the condensate drain. It's in the way, you can't use those rails now. I would put a 90 degree bend to the left just as it exits the housing, so it drops down to the left of the unit. And move the vent so it's to the right of the unit. Or remove the vent, it's usually not necessary and sometimes does more harm than good.

OR you could move the filter to the intake register. If it's big enough, replace the grill, the one you can see in the second picture, with a filter frame and then you replace the filter from the room on the other side. Of if the grill is too small for the requisite filter you can replace it with one that hinges open, and install a filter frame in the wood plenum beneath the air handler. So you still access the filter through the grill in the other room.

As to what size filter you need if you use those rails ... you could just measure it. But the exact model number and the manual will answer that question.

Edit: I'm adding this to the answer after it was already marked correct but I think the correct answer is in the comments so I'm adding it here. The elbow and the vent pipe currently installed on the air handler turn out to be push-fit, not glued. They don't leak because they are a good fit and there is never any pressure in this pipe. So to change the filter you simply pop the pipes off their connections. Maybe wouldn't hurt to replace them with compression fittings but it ain't broke. If you do it carefully you'll retain the water in the trap but otherwise just pour half a cup of water into the trap before pushing it back onto the handler.

Answer 2

If the attached "Users Manual" matches your unit, then the filter is located at the bottom of the unit as shown below:

According to the Users' Manual:

10 Return Air Filters

Each installation must include a return air filter. This filtering may be performed at the air handler using the factory filter rails or externally such as a return air filter grille. When using the factory filter rails, a nominal 16x20x1”, 20x20x1” or 24x20x1” (actual dimension must be less than 23-½”x20”) filter can be installed on a B, C and D cabinet respectively (the cabinet size is the seventh letter of the model number).

Users Manual