Walk around your home to locate the access panel, which may be on the ductwork near the heater itself, mounted along a wall, or in the ceiling in a room adjacent to the compressor unit outdoors.
Position a folding ladder below the access panel if it is mounted in a ceiling. Get a friend to hold the ladder steady while you climb to reach the access panel.
Turn the screws in the panel counterclockwise to open. If the panel has two screws, it is likely on a hinge at the opposite edge.
Remove the panel to expose the filter underneath. Most filters are square or rectangular, with a cardboard frame. The dimensions of the filter are often printed along one of the edges; write down the measurements to buy the correct replacement.