air filter go in furnace

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 Manual

The 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 Inspection

If 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 Records

Look 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 Professional

Seek 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 Quality

One 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 Consumption

In 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 Efficiency

In 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 Lifespan

Finally, 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.

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dong Lauredodong Lauredo
05:09 13 Oct 24
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William HucmanWilliam Hucman
00:23 07 Oct 24
My hot water tank failed on a Friday evening. Had spent some time on Saturday morning calling a number of service companies and Comfort Union was one of the quickest to respond and able to execute the work over the weekend. The gentlemen that showed up were very friendly, completed the work in a timely manner, left no damage and cleaned up after the work was complete. Great experience with Comfort Union!
Trang LeiTrang Lei
04:33 06 Oct 24
We strongly recommend that Comfort Union attends to your residential heating, plumbing, and electrical services. Our tank water heater broke down on the weekend. On Monday, we called a few large companies, and all their estimates were on par or above the price point for the following tankless water heaters: Navien NPE-240A2, Rinnai RXP199iN, Rheem CRTGH95DVLN-3, AOSmith ATHR-199X3. During our online search, we encountered a hidden gem: Comfort Union, a small, family-oriented business with competitive and affordable pricing. They strive to adhere to a strict moral code that values integrity, fairness, and straightforwardness. We had the pleasure of meeting Asif, who was patient and took the time to address all our questions, concerns, and needs. He assessed the situation and recommended the most suitable tankless water heater option.We were not pressured to buy products – Asif was genuine and transparent. He used his expertise to guide our decision-making, always considering our needs and best interests. Ultimately, we decided on the Rinnai RX199iN SENSEI® RX Series. This model from Rinnai, a frontrunner in the industry, offers higher efficiencies, higher BTU output, better pairing with existing systems, and forward-thinking technologies. These unique features have truly enhanced our home comfort and reduced our energy bill. Asif and his team were excellent. Their workmanship, craftsmanship, and customer service are unparalleled. With their engineering backgrounds, they combine their vital knowledge to ensure our installation process is of the highest quality and standard. A special thanks to Asif, who worked tirelessly and meticulously to ensure all components were correctly installed and even took extra effort to reposition the water supply line and pipe at no additional cost. These thoughtful additions demonstrate their attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction, making us feel valued and important. Their commitment to our satisfaction was evident throughout the process, making us feel truly important. Thanks to their professionalism and expertise, the entire process was smooth and hassle-free. Their service was not only quick and reliable but also very affordable.  This affordability, coupled with their superb customer service, a key factor that sets them apart, will make me use them for all my residential heating, plumbing, and electrical services needs. Our experience with Comfort Union has been nothing short of exceptional. We couldn't be more satisfied!
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16:45 04 Oct 24
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Abdel Aziz FarahAbdel Aziz Farah
17:54 02 Oct 24
Asif and Ismail were awesome came in let me know everything I needed and it was a smooth install. Would highly recommend them to anybody!!!
Ab CaAb Ca
04:01 30 Sep 24
I recently had the pleasure of working with Comfort Union for three major installations in my home—a new heat pump, a tankless water heater, and a furnace—and I couldn't be happier with the entire experience!Heat Pump Installation:From the first consultation, Comfort Union’s team impressed me with their knowledge and transparency. I decided to upgrade to a heat pump because I wanted to improve energy efficiency and take advantage of both heating and cooling from one system. The team carefully assessed my home’s layout and explained every step of the process, including how the heat pump would function in Calgary’s colder climate. They even took the time to break down the cost savings I could expect over time.The installation was seamless. The technicians were punctual, professional, and clearly experts in their field. They worked efficiently, ensuring that all components were correctly installed, and even took extra care to tidy up after themselves. They walked me through the setup, explaining how to use the system, and answered all of my questions patiently. Now, I enjoy year-round comfort with a system that’s quiet, effective, and eco-friendly!Tankless Water Heater Installation:I also had Comfort Union install a tankless water heater (Rinnai RXP199), and it’s been a game-changer for my household. No more waiting for the water to heat up or running out of hot water during long showers—this tankless system delivers endless hot water on demand!Their installation team was fantastic. They emphasized the importance of proper installation for efficiency and to protect the warranty, which gave me peace of mind knowing I was in good hands. I appreciated that they took the time to explain the maintenance needs to ensure the system stays in top shape for years to come. Plus, they added smart touches like installing a drier filter for extra protection against Calgary’s colder months.Furnace Installation:Lastly, I had Comfort Union replace my old furnace, and wow—what a difference it’s made! They recommended a high-efficiency model based on my home’s size and heating needs, and it has drastically improved my energy bills. The new furnace is powerful yet super quiet, and I can already feel the consistent warmth throughout my house.I can’t stress enough how smooth this installation went. The team was respectful of my space, even laying down mats to protect my floors. They installed a new programmable thermostat and made sure everything was running perfectly before leaving. They also included a comprehensive warranty and provided advice on how to keep the system running efficiently for years.Overall Experience:What I love most about Comfort Union is how they combine their technical expertise with a personal touch. From the friendly office staff to the knowledgeable technicians, everyone I interacted with was professional, courteous, and genuinely cared about my comfort. I also appreciate that they offer full coverage with their installations, including maintenance plans, which makes me feel even more confident in my investment.If you’re looking for a reliable, family-run HVAC company that truly puts customers first, I highly recommend Comfort Union. Their workmanship, attention to detail, and top-notch service exceeded all my expectations. Whether you need a new heat pump, tankless water heater, or furnace, you won’t be disappointed!
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03:26 30 Sep 24
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01:15 18 Sep 24
Tankless Water Heater: Very happy and impressed with how quickly Asif came out to assess the problem, with his knowledge and the response time to quote and install a replacement unit. No pressure sales and upfront pricing with no surprises. I had a quote from another ‘Rinnai Approved’ company who flip-flopped on the work scope, upgrades and advised on new venting (at great cost) that was simply not needed. The tech (Mo) did a good job removing and installing the new unit and so far the unit has been working great.
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02:20 05 Sep 24
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19:12 01 Sep 24
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Vic DePazVic DePaz
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01:26 24 Aug 24
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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.

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