Which Way Does a Furnace Air Filter Go?

Do you suspect your furnace's performance is lacking due to air filter problems? Call Fast Air Repair in Ocala for reliable solutions!

Your furnace needs a clean, good-quality air filter to keep the heating system operational and maintain good indoor air quality. Changing filters seems simple, yet slipping a new one in incorrectly is possible. So, which way does a furnace air filter go?

Fast Air Repair is a top HVAC company in Ocala, Florida, specializing in all heating system components like air filters. As licensed professionals, we know that using an air filter correctly will dramatically improve a furnace's performance. Here, you can learn everything you should know about furnace air filters, their function, and their positioning.

Why Air Filters Are Essential to Furnaces

Every heating system has an air filter that is essential for keeping the furnace in great condition. The filter is a pleated screen that protects the furnace's interior components and ductwork from excessive debris buildup.

As the heating unit draws in indoor air, the air will pass through the filter before reaching the heat exchanger. Since indoor air can have many contaminants, the filter is necessary for trapping airborne particles as air flows through the system. When the indoor air passes over the exchanger and becomes warm, a blower fan will disperse the cleaner heated air throughout the house via ductwork.

Over time, the screen will become dirty and develop clogs. The obstructions will restrict air flowing through the furnace, which forces the system to overwork itself. This airflow restriction can cause:

• Reduced energy efficiency
• Poorer indoor air quality
• Premature furnace failure
• Increased risk of illness due to airborne pollutants, allergens, and microbes

How To Change Your Air Filter

Air filters for furnaces can be washable or replaceable. If your system uses a disposable filter, you should replace it at least once every 90 days. Failing to replace your filter on a regular schedule could cause major problems for your HVAC system, your comfort, and your health.

Here's a helpful guide on how to change your furnace's air filter. 

Find the Filter

The first step in changing an air filter is locating it. Your air filter could be on the intake side of your furnace between the system and the ductwork, inside the bottom door of the furnace near the blower, or in the top door by the blower. If you're unsure where your air filters go, consult your furnace's owner's manual. 

Remove the Old Air Filter

Before you can slide the new filter into place, you must take out the old unit. It's best to wear a mask when you take the old filter out. Otherwise, your handling of the air filter could cause dirt and debris to loosen and become airborne. 

Many furnace filters are disposable. If your air filter is disposable, you can throw it away and replace it with a fresh new filter. 

Take Note of the Arrows

Which way does a furnace air filter go? When you remove the old filter, take a moment to find the arrows around the frame. The arrows indicate the furnace's airflow direction. They will face the furnace, not the intake air duct. 

Once you locate the arrows, use a marker to mark their placement. This step isn't essential. Still, it'll make it easier to install future filters. 

Use the Arrows To Insert the New Filter

Insert the new air filter correctly by sliding it into position with the arrow pointing toward the heating unit. The filter should be the same size as the previous one to ensure a snug fit.

Can You Insert Filters Into Any Position?

For your filter to do its job correctly, you must insert it correctly. The filter has to match the direction of the furnace's airflow.

Here's some tips to help you put your filters in correctly every time:

• Look at the Old Filter: If the dirty air filter is in the right position, you can use it as a visual guide to install its replacement correctly. Always check the direction of the old filter if you're uncertain about the direction the filter should go in.
• Check the Filter Frame: Always align the new furnace filter with the arrows or markings along the filter frame. Sometimes, the air filter itself will have arrows indicating which side to insert first. Still, you can use the markings on the frame if the filter is blank.
• Review the Furnace's Instruction Manual: A furnace owner's manual will include instructions about the best way to replace the air filter, including the right way to insert the filter. 
• Get Expert Help: If problems arise or you're still unsure about the right way to use an air filter, don't hesitate to contact an HVAC technician for help. They can guide you through the process or handle it themselves during a furnace inspection or tune-up. 

Top Tips for Furnace Filter Replacement

The ideal HVAC air filter replacement timeline is at least once every three months. However, doing this job once every 30 days may be best under certain circumstances.

Does your home include a furry pet, a household member with allergies or asthma, or an excessive amount of dust? If so, increasing your air filter replacement frequency may be necessary.

Switching from a 90-day schedule to a 30-day one will reduce how much dust your home collects. It will also take care of airborne pet dander and other allergens that could trigger an asthma attack or allergy-like symptoms. Even though the air filter will clog more easily under these conditions, switching the screen out more frequently will result in fewer HVAC complications and improve your indoor air quality. 

Here are other tips to consider to ensure your HVAC air filter replacement is perfect:

• Buy the Right Furnace Filter: Disposable fiberglass and pleated varieties are the most common furnace air filters. Electrostatic options are also available. Though you may want to use the best air filter that traps the smallest particles, it's best to follow your heating system's specific requirements. 
• Turn the Furnace Off: Changing a furnace filter is relatively simple. Still, you should turn off the furnace before switching air filters to maintain safety. If the unit is still running, it could pull the debris that shakes off the old filter during the change. 
• Dispose of the Old Filter Correctly: You don't want to shake loose the pollutants and contaminants from the old air filter while disposing of it. Carefully remove it from the furnace, put it inside a plastic bag, and seal it to lock the debris inside. Throw the bag with the filter away in an outdoor trash bin.

Replacing your furnace air filter is a crucial part of HVAC maintenance. Still, you must complete the task correctly to reap the full benefits of a clean air filter. 

Turn to Fast Air Repair for Your Furnace and Air Filter Needs

Now that you know the answer to, "Which way does a furnace air filter go?" you can be certain your heating system will have a clean, functional air filter at all times. Still, if you want to ensure the furnace filter is properly installed or if you need someone to check for gas leaks on a furnace, count on Fast Air Repair to address your needs. 

As a top HVAC company serving Ocala, Florida, our licensed technicians provide top-tier HVAC services. Our customers' satisfaction is our guarantee, so we offer same-day services and only use factory-authorized replacement parts. Call (352) 290-2850 for an appointment with Fast Air Repair.