The direction of the HVAC filter is an important factor to consider when it comes to air flow. While both sides of the filter may look the same, one side is more porous to allow air to enter. If the filter is not installed correctly, air cannot pass through and the unit must work harder, resulting in greater energy consumption and a loss of efficiency. Fortunately, most air filters are designed to not fit properly unless inserted in the right direction.
To ensure that your filter is installed correctly, look for the airflow arrows printed on the side of the filter. This is shown in the image below. It is essential that you install the filter in the right direction, as installing it backwards will cause your HVAC system to be subject to unnecessary wear and tear. When the filter is installed backwards and starts to prevent air flow, air can start to circulate around the cardboard frame of the filter, which is not that difficult to do.
Installing your air filter or oven filter backwards will cause your HVAC system to work harder than necessary, reducing equipment life and increasing your energy bills. To determine the ideal filter for you, find the right size you need (this is shown in your current air filter or in the boiler or air conditioner owner's manual), compare MERV ratings and cost, and consider your home's special needs. This makes sense because you want the air to be filtered before it reaches the actual oven equipment and covers it with dust. This means that you want the spent air that is extracted to flow through the air filter before it re-enters your home.
So following that logic; our house has two floor levels, the lower level has three roof filters and the upper level has two separate roof filters. If you find an air filter that doesn't have an arrow, check it again, since almost all filters have it. And finally, the air passes through a high-efficiency HEPA filter to trap even the smallest particles with an efficiency of up to 99.97%. The best air filters keep air flow through the air controller unimpeded, expelling clean air into your home.
HVAC systems expel cold or hot air and extract spent air, which recirculates throughout your house. Therefore, be sure to look for arrows printed on the sides of filters as they indicate which direction they should be installed in. By installing your filter correctly and replacing it regularly, you can ensure that your HVAC system works efficiently and effectively for years to come.
