Installing a new air filter in your furnace or air conditioner is a relatively simple task. But if your filter is installed in the wrong direction (a mistake that can be made quite easily), the performance and efficiency of your system will suffer. Today we’re going to talk about why it’s important for a furnace filter to face in the right direction and how to ensure you install yours the right way!
The two sides of an air filter are different
When you look at an air filter, it might not seem like there’s much of a difference between both of its sides. But the truth is one side is more porous than the other. This is done so that air can flow more easily through the filter to minimize the drop in airflow that the filter might create.
What happens if a furnace filter faces the wrong direction?
If an air filter is installed in the wrong direction, air will have to pass through the filter via the less porous side. This will make it more difficult for your air handler to keep air flowing through the filter, which will force your furnace to work harder and consume more energy to make up for the loss of airflow.
In addition, a filter that’s installed in the wrong direction will not be as effective at trapping particles from your home’s air. This will allow airborne particles to bypass your filter and continue to build upon your system and circulate throughout your home.
How can you ensure your filter faces the right way?
Air filters have arrows printed on them that indicate which direction they should be installed. The arrows should always point away from the supply air and toward the blower. If you’re confused about which direction to install your filter, please feel free to give us a call at Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning!
After you have made sure that your filter is installed in the right direction, you can simply look at which way the arrows are pointing on your old filter every time that you install a new filter.
Call Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning to take care of your furnace filters
If you have any questions about the right airflow direction for your furnace filter, or if you’d like a heating and cooling system serviced or installed in your home, contact Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning, your St. Louis heating and air conditioning contractor. We service the St. Louis area, including towns like Lake St. Louis, Manchester, and Maryland Heights.
HVAC system maintenance isn’t just a “good idea.” It’s the best way to preserve the health, performance, and efficiency of your indoor comfort system! The easiest way to stay on top of your annual heating tune-ups is by signing up for a maintenance plan. At Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer several maintenance plan levels to suit your comfort and budget needs: Gold, Silver Plus, and Silver. Click here for individual plan details.
Ready to schedule furnace repair service or a furnace tune-up with Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning in St. Charles, MO, or surrounding areas? Contact us online or give us a call at (636) 442-0338 today!
