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.
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.
When installed in these locations, the flow through each drier is always in the same direction, see Figure 2. Standard filter-driers will not tolerate flow in the reverse direction. Reverse flow washes out the dirt previously collected, and also tends to result in high pressure drop.
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.
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.
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.
When installing the air filter in the HVAC unit, ensure the arrow should always point towards the blower. This direction ensures that the air flows through the filter material correctly, thereby effectively trapping the particles.
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.
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.
No, you should never run your AC without a filter!
The purpose of your air filter is to clean your home's air and to keep your AC system dust- and dirt-free, which is why it's important to only run your AC with a filter installed.
If the filter drier is partially clogged, there may be a few degree temp drop across it. However, if the filter drier is completely clogged, there will be a large temperature drop across it and likely frost due to the low temp of the refrigerant exiting the clogged filter drier.
It can freeze within the system, leading to blockages and impairing the flow of refrigerant. By meticulously removing this moisture, the filter drier ensures smooth and uninterrupted operation of your refrigeration system. The filter drier also plays a crucial role in preventing acid build-up.
The refrigerant flow direction, indicated by an arrow on the filter drier shells' tags, should be complied with. Assembly can be performed in any position, but not vertically with the outlet connection oriented downwards.
Absorbing moisture, preventing acids
The ability to remove water from a refrigeration system is the most important function of a drier. Water can come from many sources, such as trapped air from improper evacuation, system leaks, and motor windings, to name a few.
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.
Identifying Filter Direction
If the filter is installed in the wall or ceiling of your home, the arrow should point towards the wall or ceiling. This ensures that the air flows through the filter properly, capturing dust and particles and allowing clean air to pass through.
Filters have arrows that should point in the direction of the airflow when inserted into the filter housing. In other words, the filter's arrow should point to the blower in the furnace. Furnaces usually have arrows indicating the airflow's direction stamped on a metal panel near the filter housing.
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. This is not only a waste of energy, but it can also possibly damage your air conditioner or heating system.
All filter driers should be replaced every 2 years or by manufacturer's recommendation.
However, as these fine particles accumulate over time, they can create enough pressure drop to cause the liquid refrigerant passing through to flash to a vapor. This can cause a local cold spot on the filter drier and even cause condensation (sweating) to occur on the outer surface of the filter drier's body.
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.
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.