mysmartfilter

Installation Guide

How the monitor installs on any furnace

One principle covers every system: the smart filter monitor measures the pressure difference across your filter, so it needs one tube tapped on each side of it — one where air enters the filter (dusty side), one where air leaves it (clean side). Below are the four layouts that cover nearly all US homes.

The universal recipe

Find the filter → drill a ¼″ hole on each side of it → push a tube into each hole → connect both tubes to the monitor → plug in. About 15 minutes with a drill; everything else is in the kit.

Tap A — before the filter (return / dusty side)Tap B — after the filter (blower / clean side)Monitor — mounts to the cabinet, tubes ≤ 24″

Most common · basements & utility closets

Upflow furnace, side return

Supply ductFurnaceBlowerReturn ductFilter slotTap ATap BMonitor
  1. Your filter sits in a slot where the return duct meets the bottom of the cabinet.
  2. Tap A: drill into the return duct 2–6″ before the filter slot.
  3. Tap B: drill into the blower compartment just past the slot.
  4. Mount the monitor on the cabinet side, out of the way of the access panels.

Very common · with 4–5″ media filters

Filter cabinet in the return drop

ReturnFiltercabinetFurnaceSupplyTap ATap BMonitor
  1. A separate filter cabinet sits between the return duct and the furnace.
  2. Tap A: drill the return duct just above (upstream of) the cabinet.
  3. Tap B: drill the duct or cabinet just below (downstream of) the filter.
  4. Works identically for 1″ slots and 4–5″ media filters.

Common in attics & crawlspaces

Horizontal unit

ReturnFilter slotFurnace / air handlerfanSupplyTap ATap BMonitor
  1. The unit lies on its side; the filter slot is at the end where the return duct connects.
  2. Tap A: drill the return duct a few inches before the slot.
  3. Tap B: drill the cabinet just past the slot.
  4. Strap or screw the monitor to the top of the unit — keep it clear of the condensate pan.

Common in ranch homes & apartments

Filter behind a wall / ceiling grille

WallReturn grilleFilterReturn duct → unitTap A · room sideTap BMonitor
  1. The filter sits directly behind the return grille in a wall or ceiling.
  2. Tap A simply senses room air — the tube tucks behind the grille frame, no drilling.
  3. Tap B: one small hole into the duct wall behind the filter.
  4. Monitor mounts beside the grille; needs an outlet within reach of the power cord.

Rules that apply to every setup

  • Tap placement: 2–6″ from the filter on each side, in a flat section of sheet metal — never in a seam or corner.
  • Drilling: ¼″ bit, sheet metal only. The kit's grommets seal each hole around the tube — no air leaks, and the hole is invisible if you ever remove the monitor.
  • Tube routing: keep tubes short (≤ 24″), without kinks or sags. Either tube can be A or B — the app figures out flow direction from the readings.
  • Mounting: the monitor sticks to the cabinet with the included adhesive pad or two screws. Keep it clear of access panels you open to change the filter.
  • Power: standard wall adapter — most furnaces have a service outlet within a few feet.

Don't drill here

Never drill into the supply side near the indoor AC coil (refrigerant lines), through anything with wiring or gas lines behind it, or into the heat-exchanger section of the furnace body. When unsure, tap the return duct — it's always safe sheet metal.

After the tubes are in: connect it to your WiFi

  1. Plug in the power adapter — the monitor starts a temporary WiFi network.
  2. Join that network from your phone and enter your home WiFi when asked.
  3. Scan the QR label on the monitor to register it to your account — that's it. No app to install, no wiring, no tools beyond the drill.
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