Where is the air filter on a Rheem system?
On most Rheem systems the filter lives in one of two places. The first is a slot on the return-air side of the indoor air handler — typically a Rheem RH-series unit in a closet, garage, attic or utility room. Look for a removable filter door or a slide-out slot near where the large return duct connects to the unit; on Rheem upflow and horizontal air handlers it's usually at the bottom or side intake. The second common location is behind a return-air grille on a wall or ceiling — if your home pulls air through a large grille, the filter slides in right behind it. Some Rheem setups with a media-air-cleaner cabinet hold a thicker 4-inch filter in a dedicated housing next to the air handler.
Which direction does a Rheem filter face?
Every pleated filter has an airflow arrow printed on the side, and it must point toward the blower / air handler — the same direction air is being pulled into the system, away from the return duct and toward the coil or furnace. In a Rheem air handler the arrow points toward the unit; behind a wall or ceiling return grille, the arrow points into the wall or ceiling. Installing a filter backwards collapses the pleats, restricts airflow and lets dust slip past — a small mistake that strains the blower and shortens the life of your Rheem system. When our technician installs your filter, we set the arrow correctly every time.
Which MERV rating is right for a Rheem AC, heat pump or air handler?
Rheem residential systems are designed around standard 1-inch filters, so the everyday sweet spot is MERV 8 to MERV 11. Go higher only when you have a reason — pets, allergies or asthma — and watch the airflow. Pushing a dense MERV 13+ filter into a standard 1-inch Rheem return can restrict airflow enough to ice the coil or overwork the blower motor. If you want hospital-grade filtration on a Rheem system, the right move is a 4-inch media filter in a media-air-cleaner cabinet, which delivers high MERV without choking airflow. Not sure which way to go? Our AC maintenance team can check your Rheem's static pressure and recommend the safe maximum.
Standard
MERV 8
Everyday dust, pollen and pet dander. The safe default for most Rheem systems.
Advanced
MERV 11
Step up for pets, kids or mild allergies on a Rheem AC or heat pump.
Allergen / Best
MERV 13
Fine particles, smoke and allergens — best in a 4-inch Rheem media cabinet.