The direction of airflow in the HVAC system can cause some confusion, and for good reason too! To ensure your furnace filter is put in the correct way, make sure the arrow on the furnace filter is pointing towards the furnace.
Like air conditioner filters, furnace filters have arrows on the rims indicating the direction to install the new mesh, meaning there's a correct and incorrect way to fit them. While residents may believe both filter sides are the same, the material's design has fibers facing one direction, ready to capture allergens.
What problems can a backward filter cause? The most common thing you will notice is the inefficiency of the filter. It will be harder for the air to flow, which would take a toll on your system. More strain means spiked utility bills.
If the filter is placed in the wrong direction, the finer pores on the other side of the filter will make it difficult for air to pass through the system. When that happens, there will also be a decrease in the cooling performance of the AC.
Installing an air filter backward can damage your furnace or HVAC system, as the airflow will be decreased dramatically. A backwards filter prevents air from flowing into the furnace, which prevents air from flowing out of the furnace.
Incorrect filter installation or installing the wrong filter can leave your engine open to dirt and debris. When the engine's air intake is not completely covered by a filtering element, extensive damage can occur.
What if there is no arrow on the air filter? If there's no arrow on your air filter, just make sure the side with the frame (usually the cardboard or metal side) faces the furnace. The flat side of the filter should face the return air duct.
Consequences– If the technician makes the mistake of installing the drier in the wrong direction, the drier will not work and serve the purpose for which it has been designed. So, no filtration of contamination and no drying of moisture.
The most common problem you will face with a backwards facing filter is simple inefficiency. If your furnace is forced to blow air through the non-porous end of a filter, it will take more energy to do so. The blower will be overworked and you will pay more money for your heating.
All furnace filters have arrows around the edge that indicate the direction of the airflow. The arrow on your air filter should point towards the blower in your HVAC unit. This ensures that the filter catches particles and debris before they enter the system, protecting the internal components from damage.
If you are looking at a furnace filter, find the arrow that indicates the proper airflow direction. That arrow must always face toward the furnace and away from the return duct that carries the air in need of heating or cooling.
As mentioned previously, running your air conditioner without a filter can lead to severe problems. It could lead to decreased comfort and permanent damage to your HVAC system, which may result in hefty repair bills.
The direction of airflow in the HVAC system can cause some confusion, and for good reason too! To ensure your furnace filter is put in the correct way, make sure the arrow on the furnace filter is pointing towards the furnace.
The answer is here: The furnace filter should be installed with the arrow pointing toward the direction of the airflow of the furnace. In simple words, the direction of flow should be the same as the airflow throughout your unit.
This leads to a variety of issues for your HVAC system including system inefficiency, higher energy bills, inadequate air quality, and ultimately failure. If you haven't been swapping your air filters as frequently as you should, there's no time like the present to start practicing this crucial maintenance step.
Is my AC not working because of the filter? Potentially, yes. While there are a whole host of issues that could cause problems with your air conditioning system, a dirty air filter should be the first thing to check if your central air conditioning unit isn't working as properly as it should.
When your car is idling or stationary, you should feel and hear the smooth vibrations of an efficient engine. If you notice unusual noises, in particular a coughing, popping or spitting noise, it suggests that the engine isn't getting enough airflow, which means your air filter needs to be replaced.