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.
On the new filter, find the arrow indicating the proper airflow direction. The arrow must face toward the furnace and away from the return duct that pulls the air in need of heating or cooling.
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.
What happens if you install your filter in the wrong direction? If you install your filter in the wrong direction, air will have a hard time flowing through the filter's material and your air handler will have to work overtime to make up for the loss of airflow.
Your furnace can, technically, run without a filter. However, we strongly recommend you don't run your furnace without a filter for any length of time. With air constantly moving through your furnace and your home, dust and debris can quickly build up, even in a matter of minutes.
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.
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.
If you set your filter up backwards, the normally collective end of the device will not face the air supply. In effect, your filter will help keep debris in the air. This results in a clogged filter and improperly cleaned air when it reaches your lungs.
The blower fan in your HVAC system may not be able to handle anything stronger than MERV 12. A filter that blocks airflow will raise the air pressure in the HVAC ventilation system, which can damage ducts and even the AC and heater.
If the fuel filter was installed backwards, it can indeed cause problems. A backward fuel filter may restrict fuel flow to the engine, leading to increased wear on the fuel pump and potential pump failure. To resolve this, you'll need to remove and reinstall the fuel filter correctly.
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.
Most furnaces also have the airflow direction arrow on the metal panel around the filter housing.
Position the airflow arrow so that it points in the direction the air is flowing. In addition to clean air, filters also protect your HVAC system from debris and dirt buildup. The airflow arrow should point towards the furnace/blower motor to collect harmful particles before it reaches the furnace's equipment.
If installed backwards, the filter drier will become useless. Take care not to overheat the newly installed filter drier when using a torch for brazing a sweat-type drier to the liquid line. The brazed connections must be thoroughly cleaned and fluxed when called for.
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. Air filters are designed with different levels of filtration capabilities.
If you let it run very long without filtration, contaminants will build up. IAQ plummets when there is no filtration. Your family may experience health problems as contaminants and dust move through ductwork into the home. Mold spores could proliferate in the ducts, causing breathing issues.
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.
For 1- to 2-inch filters, replace them every 1 to 3 months. For 3- to 4-inch filters, replace them every 6 to 9 months. For 5- to 6-inch filters, replace them every 9 to 12 months.