Blog Furnace Locating the arrow: Which way does air filter go in furnace? Key Takeaways The arrow on the filter indicates the direction of airflow, which should be directed towards the furnace. This ensures that the filter effectively traps airborne particles before the air is heated and distributed throughout your home. Incorrect installation can lead to reduced air quality, increased strain on the HVAC system, decreased comfort, and other problems. By following guidelines, you can optimize your HVAC system’s performance and maintain clean indoor air quality. For professional HVAC solutions and expert advice, trust Comfort Union to keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient. 2024-05-15 // 8 min Read Asif Engineer-in-Training & Apprentice Although it may appear to be a simple task, ensuring that the air filter is installed in the right furnace filter direction is crucial for keeping the airflow effective and improving the air quality inside. As HVAC professionals, we’ve witnessed firsthand how improper installation can drastically reduce a system’s performance.In this article, we’ll help you understand the direction of your furnace filter that will ensure proper air flows into your home. Locating Your Air Filters If you want your HVAC system to work well, the first important thing you need to do is find where the air filters are. Depending on the manufacturer and model of your HVAC system, the location of the air filter can differ greatly. You may usually find them in these places: Blower Compartment:The air filter is often housed in or close to the blower compartment in older and even some modern systems. The blower fan, which distributes air throughout your house, is located in this crucial component of the system. To gain access to this area, you typically have to open a panel on the furnace’s front.Return Air Duct or Grille:A lot of newer houses have their filters mounted on the grille or in the air return duct. With this configuration, the air is filtered as soon as it enters the HVAC system. Changing or checking these filters is usually a breeze because they are conveniently located. Here are some other things to keep in mind when you’re trying to find your air filters Consult Your Furnace ManualThe location of the filter and how to install it are both covered in full in your system’s manual. If you are working with a unique configuration or a less usual system layout, this information will be essential. Visual InspectionIf you’re still confused, a quick visual check of your system should do the trick. Look out for any big metal panels or ductwork that could hide the filter. These are usually fastened with simple tools and can be easily uninstalled. Maintenance RecordsLook for notes about the placement of the filter in any maintenance documents that may have been left by specialists who installed or repaired your system. You can learn more about your system’s inner workings from these records. Ask a ProfessionalSeek the advice of a trained HVAC specialist, such as one from Comfort Union, if you have questions. If you want to be ready for future maintenance, they can show you how to access and adjust your filter and give you some advice. Which Way Should the Air Filter Arrow Point in a Furnace? If you want to keep your furnace running efficiently and your indoor air quality high, you need to know which direction you need to put the air filter in the filter air box. To make sure your furnace works properly and the furnace air flow is maintained, the air filter’s direction is crucial, not a minor consideration.An arrow will be printed on the side of the filter frame to help you install the air filter in your furnace. Importantly, this arrow indicates the direction in which air moves through your system. Hence, keep the return air ducts at a safe distance and direct this arrow straight at the furnace at all times.What this means is that the air is drawn into the furnace and then flows through the furnace filters in the arrowhead direction. This allows the filter to effectively trap any airborne particles before the air is heated and distributed throughout your home. Why Proper Airflow Direction Matters in Furnace Systems 1. Better Indoor Air QualityOne side of an air filter is usually more porous than the other due to design considerations. The filter’s function relies on this intentional design. To prevent allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander from entering the furnace, the more porous side should be directed towards the incoming air, which is the air coming back from your house. Good indoor air quality is crucial for homes with people who suffer from allergies or have respiratory issues, so understanding the direction is very vital to preserve that. 2. Reduced Energy ConsumptionIn addition, the manufacturer-designed airflow path through the air furnace filters is minimized when airflow is directed correctly. Installing a filter backward causes the less porous side to be exposed to the entering air, which can significantly increase the resistance to airflow.The furnace has to work harder to push air through the filter because of this resistance, which means more energy consumption and higher electricity costs. This additional stress can eventually wear down the blower motor and other parts of the furnace, which could cause them to break down early and cost a pretty penny to fix. 3. Enhanced Heating EfficiencyIn addition, the furnace’s efficiency is improved when the airflow is directed correctly. The air that enters the furnace is as clean as it can be because the filter is able to catch impurities to its fullest capacity when the air flows through it appropriately. The effectiveness of the heat exchange mechanism depends on this cleanliness since cleaner air transmits heat more efficiently.The accumulation of debris within the furnace, caused by either dirty air or blocked airflow, insulates the heat exchanger and diminishes its efficiency. This reduces your furnace’s heating efficiency and may cause it to overheat, which is dangerous. 4. Extended Filter LifespanFinally, to make sure your furnace’s air filter lasts as long as possible, you should check the direction of airflow through it. Filters can last their whole intended lifespan with proper installation, reducing maintenance expenses and the need for replacements. On the flip side, if the installation isn’t done correctly, the filter will clog up more often, which means you’ll have to replace it more often and shell out more money for maintenance. Check out Comfort Union for precision installation Efficiency meets expertise! 💪✨ Our team at Co Choosing the perfect tankless water heater isn't j Annual water heater flushing isn’t just a mainte Load More Follow on Instagram We’re the Smart ChoiceWhy Choose Us? For starters, we will show up on time with a fully stocked service van, eager to resolve your heating, cooling, plumbing or electrical problem. Contact Us Glen R17:46 07 Sep 24I recently had the pleasure of working with Comfort Union Heating and Plumbing, and I can’t say enough about the exceptional service I received. Led by Asif, the team was incredibly meticulous in their work, ensuring that every detail was attended to.Their attention to detail and commitment to quality work were evident from start to finish. If you’re looking for reliable and skilled service in heating and plumbing, I highly recommend Comfort Union Heating and Plumbing. Thank you, Asif, Muhammad and the team, for a great experience!Chris Ellett13:28 06 Sep 24I had a great experience with comfort union. Even over the long weekend they answered the phone, and were there the next day to replace my hot water tank. Moe called in the morning to give me an ETA and then a text when he was actually on the way. He was thorough, friendly, knowledgeable and would use this family run business againBerta Sipos02:20 05 Sep 24Amazing service Asif, Mo and Daryl. Thank you Comfort Union! On Friday evening our hot water tank stoped working. We e- mailed Comfort Union in 30 minutes they called us back. Very professional and friendly staff. Friday evening we had our quote. Very detailed and clear. On Saturday morning they called to see if we have any questions. The price was very reasonable. We booked the service and that afternoon we had a brand new hot water tank installed. We were very pleased and we highly recommend Comfort Union. These three young man were just amazing! Thank you again.Samiur20:24 04 Sep 24Professional, competitive and immediate service. Installed a new heat pump from them and it was good experience. Highly recommend.Charles Kabano19:12 01 Sep 24Comfort Union just finished up HVAC work for the secondary suite basement for us in Airdrie, and I gotta say, these guys did a fantastic job. They installed a new Carrier furnace, moved our old Trane to a different spot, and hooked us up with a Lennox AC. Everything was smooth, and they really knew what they were doing.I love that they’re a family business—and really care about their work and their customers. The crew was super friendly and easy to talk to, and they made sure to explain everything along the way. The new furnace and AC are working great, and moving the old unit seemed like no big deal for them.Overall, just a great experience. If you need any HVAC work done in Airdrie, these are the people to call. Can’t recommend Comfort Union enough!Kyle21:57 29 Aug 24Vic DePaz01:09 28 Aug 24Comfort Union team was awesome to deal with and loved they are Calgary family run business. I will greatly recommend them. Great work.Kathleen Vinluan01:26 24 Aug 24Quick and Reliable.Louis TSAKALAKIS18:22 15 Aug 24good job on timeMarcelina Hume16:48 29 Jul 24We recently had a heat pump installed by Comfort Union and couldn't be more pleased with their service. From the initial consultation to the completed job, the team was outstanding. They provided personalized recommendations and were mindful of our budget. I highly recommend Comfort Union to anyone seeking efficient and detail-oriented service.Thank you for your exceptional customer service and competitive rates!Michael Stuart23:54 11 Jul 24Thanks for a great job. Good workMd Zillur Rahman00:07 06 Jul 24My friend Muhamad Ayoob khan is very knowledgeable and professional person. He takes every job very seriously. He is capable and knows what he is doing. You can rely on him for your HVAC needs.Batool Rizvi06:24 01 Jul 24Excellent service, very reasonable cost. Always recommended.Shabeeb Rizvi06:23 01 Jul 24I recently had a Gree heat pump and Carrier furnace installation by Comfort Union, and I'm really happy with the results. The Gree heat pump is very quiet and the Carrier furnace works great.I highly recommend Comfort Union for HVAC work in Calgary. Their expertise and dedication are impressive. Good work!jaweda zaidi00:44 01 Jul 24Juan Guerrero14:56 28 Jun 24Great service, highly recommend Comfort Union for HVAC repair and installation services in Calgary!sreekumar cngr19:41 22 Jun 24Sidharth Narula00:08 21 Jun 24"5/5 stars! I'm highly impressed by the exceptional service I received from Comfort Union on a weekend! As a family of plumbers, engineers, and soldiers, they brought a unique combination of skills and discipline to the job, replacing my water heater tank with complete satisfaction and professionalism. Their expertise, efficiency, and courtesy were truly outstanding. I highly recommend Comfort Union for any plumbing needs. Thank you for a job exceptionally well done!" Consequences of Incorrect Air Filter Installation There are a number of problems that can arise if you install your air filter backward:Reduced Air Quality: Backward filters are less effective at capturing pollutants, which results in a decline in the quality of the air inside the home and may have adverse effects on health.Increased HVAC Strain: Backward filters add resistance, which makes your furnace work harder. This might cause it to wear out faster and use more energy.Decreased Comfort: Uneven heating or cooling, reduced ventilation, and decreased comfort levels are all possible outcomes of improper installation. Furnace Filter Tips for Correct Installation Check Arrow Direction: To ensure proper installation, make sure the new filter’s arrow points in the same direction as the previous one. For easy reference in the future, mark the direction on your furnace with a permanent marker.Filter Types and Directions:Differentiated by the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of a filter, the following are the most common types:-Disposable Filters: Find the airflow arrows on the frame of the disposable filter. These need to be oriented in the direction of the airflow.Reusable Filters: Usually, reusable filters do not have any designated directions for airflow. Proceed with the installation in the same manner as the prior filter.HEPA Filters: To ensure the proper operation of a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, it is important to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.Check Filter Regularly: You can tell when a filter needs to be changed by looking at it. If you live in a very dusty area or have pets, check the filter often for signs of dirt and debris buildup and replace it as soon as the manufacturer suggests or sooner if necessary to ensure cost and filtration efficiency.Get an Electronic air filter monitor: If you want to ensure that your air filter is in good working condition, you need to have a filter monitoring system. It’ll let you know when it needs to be changed with replacement filters. Conclusion For optimal performance and extended life of your heating and cooling system, it is crucial to install the HVAC furnace filter properly. An increase in system performance and ideal indoor air quality are both within your reach if you adhere to the above-mentioned precise instructions for furnace filter direction. You can maintain clean air in your house and keep your system in good working order by checking and changing your filters on a regular basis.Proper airflow and the system’s energy efficiency depend on your paying attention to the advise to position the HVAC filter and its arrow correctly. Comfort Union is the place to go for professional HVAC solutions, expert advice, and customized service. Keeping your home cozy and energy efficient is our top priority. Share this: In this Article Share this: Related Posts A complete Guide on Furnace Rebates in Alberta Bryant furnace troubleshooting: All you need to know Electric furnace vs Heat pump: Which is the most perfect system for you? What size furnace do I need? A detailed guide on finding the best unit for your home How to Reset Your Goodman Furnace – Step-by-Step Guide LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR CONTRIBUTOR Asif Engineer-in-Training & Apprentice Asif is the driving force behind Comfort Union. Growing up, he learned the ropes of engineering and trades from his dad, sparking his entrepreneurial spirit. With a master's in Software Engineering from the University of Calgary and degrees in both Commerce (Accounting) and Chemical Engineering, Asif is a rare mix… Related Posts A complete Guide on Furnace Rebates in Alberta As the Canadian winter gets colder, more and more Alberta households are thinking about getting new, more energy-efficient heating systems. If you are aware of the furnace rebates that are available, you can save a lot of money and help the environment with it as well. In this piece, we'll take a look at some of Alberta's most promising energy-saving initiatives, such as furnace rebates and environmentally friendly home improvements, that can cut down on energy bills and pollution. By Asif in Furnace on May 15, 2024 Bryant furnace troubleshooting: All you need to know Keeping your home cozy during the chilly months largely depends on the reliable operation of your Bryant furnace. Knowing the right steps to identify and fix common issues not only ensures continuous comfort during the heating season but can also extend the lifespan of your heating unit. By Asif in Furnace on May 17, 2024 Electric furnace vs Heat pump: Which is the most perfect system for you? When it comes to selecting a heating system for your home, one of the most typical debates that people have is between an electric furnace and a heat pump. There are pros and cons to each system, especially when it comes to how much energy it uses, how much it costs, and how well it works in different climates. In this article, we're doing a detailed comparison to help you decide which might be best for your heating needs. By Asif in Furnace on May 15, 2024 What size furnace do I need? A detailed guide on finding the best unit for your home One of the most important things to think about when thinking about getting a new furnace for your house is, "What size furnace do I need?" For optimal comfort, economy, and energy efficiency, it is crucial to select a furnace that corresponds to the heating needs of your room. By Asif in Furnace on May 10, 2024 How to Reset Your Goodman Furnace – Step-by-Step Guide Modern furnaces incorporate extensive monitoring of both combustion processes and safety conditions. If a furnace fails to initiate the ignition process or detects a potential safety hazard, it may automatically enter a “lockout mode” to prevent damage or unsafe operation. By Asif in Furnace, Heating on February 9, 2024 Table of content In the Article
Although it may appear to be a simple task, ensuring that the air filter is installed in the right furnace filter direction is crucial for keeping the airflow effective and improving the air quality inside. As HVAC professionals, we’ve witnessed firsthand how improper installation can drastically reduce a system’s performance.In this article, we’ll help you understand the direction of your furnace filter that will ensure proper air flows into your home. Locating Your Air Filters If you want your HVAC system to work well, the first important thing you need to do is find where the air filters are. Depending on the manufacturer and model of your HVAC system, the location of the air filter can differ greatly. You may usually find them in these places: Blower Compartment:The air filter is often housed in or close to the blower compartment in older and even some modern systems. The blower fan, which distributes air throughout your house, is located in this crucial component of the system. To gain access to this area, you typically have to open a panel on the furnace’s front.Return Air Duct or Grille:A lot of newer houses have their filters mounted on the grille or in the air return duct. With this configuration, the air is filtered as soon as it enters the HVAC system. Changing or checking these filters is usually a breeze because they are conveniently located. Here are some other things to keep in mind when you’re trying to find your air filters Consult Your Furnace ManualThe location of the filter and how to install it are both covered in full in your system’s manual. If you are working with a unique configuration or a less usual system layout, this information will be essential. Visual InspectionIf you’re still confused, a quick visual check of your system should do the trick. Look out for any big metal panels or ductwork that could hide the filter. These are usually fastened with simple tools and can be easily uninstalled. Maintenance RecordsLook for notes about the placement of the filter in any maintenance documents that may have been left by specialists who installed or repaired your system. You can learn more about your system’s inner workings from these records. Ask a ProfessionalSeek the advice of a trained HVAC specialist, such as one from Comfort Union, if you have questions. If you want to be ready for future maintenance, they can show you how to access and adjust your filter and give you some advice. Which Way Should the Air Filter Arrow Point in a Furnace? If you want to keep your furnace running efficiently and your indoor air quality high, you need to know which direction you need to put the air filter in the filter air box. To make sure your furnace works properly and the furnace air flow is maintained, the air filter’s direction is crucial, not a minor consideration.An arrow will be printed on the side of the filter frame to help you install the air filter in your furnace. Importantly, this arrow indicates the direction in which air moves through your system. Hence, keep the return air ducts at a safe distance and direct this arrow straight at the furnace at all times.What this means is that the air is drawn into the furnace and then flows through the furnace filters in the arrowhead direction. This allows the filter to effectively trap any airborne particles before the air is heated and distributed throughout your home. Why Proper Airflow Direction Matters in Furnace Systems 1. Better Indoor Air QualityOne side of an air filter is usually more porous than the other due to design considerations. The filter’s function relies on this intentional design. To prevent allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander from entering the furnace, the more porous side should be directed towards the incoming air, which is the air coming back from your house. Good indoor air quality is crucial for homes with people who suffer from allergies or have respiratory issues, so understanding the direction is very vital to preserve that. 2. Reduced Energy ConsumptionIn addition, the manufacturer-designed airflow path through the air furnace filters is minimized when airflow is directed correctly. Installing a filter backward causes the less porous side to be exposed to the entering air, which can significantly increase the resistance to airflow.The furnace has to work harder to push air through the filter because of this resistance, which means more energy consumption and higher electricity costs. This additional stress can eventually wear down the blower motor and other parts of the furnace, which could cause them to break down early and cost a pretty penny to fix. 3. Enhanced Heating EfficiencyIn addition, the furnace’s efficiency is improved when the airflow is directed correctly. The air that enters the furnace is as clean as it can be because the filter is able to catch impurities to its fullest capacity when the air flows through it appropriately. The effectiveness of the heat exchange mechanism depends on this cleanliness since cleaner air transmits heat more efficiently.The accumulation of debris within the furnace, caused by either dirty air or blocked airflow, insulates the heat exchanger and diminishes its efficiency. This reduces your furnace’s heating efficiency and may cause it to overheat, which is dangerous. 4. Extended Filter LifespanFinally, to make sure your furnace’s air filter lasts as long as possible, you should check the direction of airflow through it. Filters can last their whole intended lifespan with proper installation, reducing maintenance expenses and the need for replacements. On the flip side, if the installation isn’t done correctly, the filter will clog up more often, which means you’ll have to replace it more often and shell out more money for maintenance. Check out Comfort Union for precision installation Efficiency meets expertise! 💪✨ Our team at Co Choosing the perfect tankless water heater isn't j Annual water heater flushing isn’t just a mainte Load More Follow on Instagram We’re the Smart ChoiceWhy Choose Us? For starters, we will show up on time with a fully stocked service van, eager to resolve your heating, cooling, plumbing or electrical problem. Contact Us Glen R17:46 07 Sep 24I recently had the pleasure of working with Comfort Union Heating and Plumbing, and I can’t say enough about the exceptional service I received. Led by Asif, the team was incredibly meticulous in their work, ensuring that every detail was attended to.Their attention to detail and commitment to quality work were evident from start to finish. If you’re looking for reliable and skilled service in heating and plumbing, I highly recommend Comfort Union Heating and Plumbing. Thank you, Asif, Muhammad and the team, for a great experience!Chris Ellett13:28 06 Sep 24I had a great experience with comfort union. Even over the long weekend they answered the phone, and were there the next day to replace my hot water tank. Moe called in the morning to give me an ETA and then a text when he was actually on the way. He was thorough, friendly, knowledgeable and would use this family run business againBerta Sipos02:20 05 Sep 24Amazing service Asif, Mo and Daryl. Thank you Comfort Union! On Friday evening our hot water tank stoped working. We e- mailed Comfort Union in 30 minutes they called us back. Very professional and friendly staff. Friday evening we had our quote. Very detailed and clear. On Saturday morning they called to see if we have any questions. The price was very reasonable. We booked the service and that afternoon we had a brand new hot water tank installed. We were very pleased and we highly recommend Comfort Union. These three young man were just amazing! Thank you again.Samiur20:24 04 Sep 24Professional, competitive and immediate service. Installed a new heat pump from them and it was good experience. Highly recommend.Charles Kabano19:12 01 Sep 24Comfort Union just finished up HVAC work for the secondary suite basement for us in Airdrie, and I gotta say, these guys did a fantastic job. They installed a new Carrier furnace, moved our old Trane to a different spot, and hooked us up with a Lennox AC. Everything was smooth, and they really knew what they were doing.I love that they’re a family business—and really care about their work and their customers. The crew was super friendly and easy to talk to, and they made sure to explain everything along the way. The new furnace and AC are working great, and moving the old unit seemed like no big deal for them.Overall, just a great experience. If you need any HVAC work done in Airdrie, these are the people to call. Can’t recommend Comfort Union enough!Kyle21:57 29 Aug 24Vic DePaz01:09 28 Aug 24Comfort Union team was awesome to deal with and loved they are Calgary family run business. I will greatly recommend them. Great work.Kathleen Vinluan01:26 24 Aug 24Quick and Reliable.Louis TSAKALAKIS18:22 15 Aug 24good job on timeMarcelina Hume16:48 29 Jul 24We recently had a heat pump installed by Comfort Union and couldn't be more pleased with their service. From the initial consultation to the completed job, the team was outstanding. They provided personalized recommendations and were mindful of our budget. I highly recommend Comfort Union to anyone seeking efficient and detail-oriented service.Thank you for your exceptional customer service and competitive rates!Michael Stuart23:54 11 Jul 24Thanks for a great job. Good workMd Zillur Rahman00:07 06 Jul 24My friend Muhamad Ayoob khan is very knowledgeable and professional person. He takes every job very seriously. He is capable and knows what he is doing. You can rely on him for your HVAC needs.Batool Rizvi06:24 01 Jul 24Excellent service, very reasonable cost. Always recommended.Shabeeb Rizvi06:23 01 Jul 24I recently had a Gree heat pump and Carrier furnace installation by Comfort Union, and I'm really happy with the results. The Gree heat pump is very quiet and the Carrier furnace works great.I highly recommend Comfort Union for HVAC work in Calgary. Their expertise and dedication are impressive. Good work!jaweda zaidi00:44 01 Jul 24Juan Guerrero14:56 28 Jun 24Great service, highly recommend Comfort Union for HVAC repair and installation services in Calgary!sreekumar cngr19:41 22 Jun 24Sidharth Narula00:08 21 Jun 24"5/5 stars! I'm highly impressed by the exceptional service I received from Comfort Union on a weekend! As a family of plumbers, engineers, and soldiers, they brought a unique combination of skills and discipline to the job, replacing my water heater tank with complete satisfaction and professionalism. Their expertise, efficiency, and courtesy were truly outstanding. I highly recommend Comfort Union for any plumbing needs. Thank you for a job exceptionally well done!" Consequences of Incorrect Air Filter Installation There are a number of problems that can arise if you install your air filter backward:Reduced Air Quality: Backward filters are less effective at capturing pollutants, which results in a decline in the quality of the air inside the home and may have adverse effects on health.Increased HVAC Strain: Backward filters add resistance, which makes your furnace work harder. This might cause it to wear out faster and use more energy.Decreased Comfort: Uneven heating or cooling, reduced ventilation, and decreased comfort levels are all possible outcomes of improper installation. Furnace Filter Tips for Correct Installation Check Arrow Direction: To ensure proper installation, make sure the new filter’s arrow points in the same direction as the previous one. For easy reference in the future, mark the direction on your furnace with a permanent marker.Filter Types and Directions:Differentiated by the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of a filter, the following are the most common types:-Disposable Filters: Find the airflow arrows on the frame of the disposable filter. These need to be oriented in the direction of the airflow.Reusable Filters: Usually, reusable filters do not have any designated directions for airflow. Proceed with the installation in the same manner as the prior filter.HEPA Filters: To ensure the proper operation of a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, it is important to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.Check Filter Regularly: You can tell when a filter needs to be changed by looking at it. If you live in a very dusty area or have pets, check the filter often for signs of dirt and debris buildup and replace it as soon as the manufacturer suggests or sooner if necessary to ensure cost and filtration efficiency.Get an Electronic air filter monitor: If you want to ensure that your air filter is in good working condition, you need to have a filter monitoring system. It’ll let you know when it needs to be changed with replacement filters. Conclusion For optimal performance and extended life of your heating and cooling system, it is crucial to install the HVAC furnace filter properly. An increase in system performance and ideal indoor air quality are both within your reach if you adhere to the above-mentioned precise instructions for furnace filter direction. You can maintain clean air in your house and keep your system in good working order by checking and changing your filters on a regular basis.Proper airflow and the system’s energy efficiency depend on your paying attention to the advise to position the HVAC filter and its arrow correctly. Comfort Union is the place to go for professional HVAC solutions, expert advice, and customized service. Keeping your home cozy and energy efficient is our top priority. Share this:
