Filter assembly for a fresh air filtration system, fresh air filtration system made therewith, and method of filtering fresh air

A method of filtering fresh air comprising:

• providing filter assembly including a filter housing and at least one filter element supported within the housing, the housing having at least one inlet for receiving air to be filtered and at least one outlet for discharging filtered air, wherein the at least one inlet and at least one outlet are on a common side of the housing;
• and
• causing air to flow between the inlet and the outlet through the at least one filter element;
• whereby air exiting the outlet is filtered;
• wherein the housing includes a base portion and a connector cap portion releasably coupled to the base portion, the base portion and the connector cap portion defining a chamber;
• wherein the connector cap portion has a central passageway including a cylindrically-shaped portion extending into the chamber, and a plurality of openings adjacent the central passageway, and wherein the at least one filter element is supported in the chamber such that fluid flows from the plurality of openings to the central passageway via the at least one filter element;
• wherein the at least one filter element is at least partially supported on the cylindrically-shaped portion of the connector cap portion;
• and
• whereby fluid is drawn into the chamber via the plurality of openings and passes through the at least one filter element before being discharged from the chamber via the central passageway.