Abstract: An air filter guard includes a downwind rim that supports an air filter in a filter box of an HVAC air handler. The downwind rim prevents the air filter from deforming, bending, or buckling to create gaps that allow air to bypass the air filter. In particular, the air filter guard prevents an air filter from deforming, bending, or buckling even when the air filter is overdue for replacement and clogged with dust. The air filter guard acts as a sleeve in which an air filter is inserted. The air filter guard and air filter are then placed in the filter box of an air handler. The air filter guard has inner dimensions that are large enough to receive the air filter while the outer dimensions of the air filter guard are small enough to fit within the filter box.

Abstract: An air filter guard includes a downwind rim that supports an air filter in a filter box of an HVAC air handler. The downwind rim prevents the air filter from deforming, bending, or buckling to create gaps that allow air to bypass the air filter. In particular, the air filter guard prevents an air filter from deforming, bending, or buckling even when the air filter is overdue for replacement and clogged with dust. The air filter guard acts as a sleeve in which an air filter is inserted. The air filter guard and air filter are then placed in the filter box of an air handler. The air filter guard has inner dimensions that are large enough to receive the air filter while the outer dimensions of the air filter guard are small enough to fit within the filter box.