The air filters keep the air clean inside your home and keep your HVAC system running safely and efficiently. And believe it or not, there is a right and wrong way to install air filters. Manufacturers specifically design filters so that air flows through in one direction. And improper installation can damage your HVAC system. Here is what you need to know.
How Can Putting the Air Filter in the Wrong Way Damage the Unit?
There are several ways an improperly installed air filter can impact your heating and cooling. Here are the top three concerns:
Decreased Efficiency
Usually, the biggest concern is efficiency. One side of your air filter is more porous to let air in. The other side has smaller pores to catch the particles that pass through. If air is initially pulled through the less porous side, it will become bottle-necked. The furnace will have to run longer and work harder to pull air through. The same applies to air conditioning and you will notice a spike in your utility expenses.
Dirty Components
Your furnace pulls cooler air from the home through the heat exchanger and blows it back into your living space. But the air inside your home accumulates fibers, dust, and particles. The filter is in place to remove those particles from the air before it reaches the internal components of the unit. If dust and fibers were to build up on the blowers and motors, it could cause damage. Not only does this damage the parts and shorten the life of your unit, but it can also become a fire hazard.
Poor Air Quality
Some filters work to remove smaller particles that produce allergic reactions, thus keeping the air as clean as possible. If the filter is installed the wrong way, it will not capture dust and allergens as well. Instead, only partially-cleaned air comes out and the particles get recirculated.
How Often Should I Replace HVAC Air Filters?
There are several factors to consider including usage and the type of filter you choose. During periods of heavy use, like the winter and summer, you should replace your air filters once a month. During the spring and fall, you can extend that time to two or three months based on usage and the amount of dust and pollution in the area. If you aren’t sure, just listen to your vents. If you can hear rustling or whistling, you might have limited airflow caused by blockages or dirty filters.
How to Find the Right Size
You can usually check the old filter for the measurements. If not, you can find proper measurements on the filter air box, the furnace itself, or in the owner’s manual. Getting the right size is critical, so check those numbers two or three times before buying new filters.
How to Properly Install Air Filters
The proper insertion of the air filters is the first step in efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. All filters have arrows printed on the sides to show you which way to install them. In most cases, you can simply look at the old filter’s arrows and install the new filter in the same manner. But if you suspect the old filter wasn’t proper, you can double-check. Air typically flows away from the supply ducts and towards the blower. The arrows on your filter should point towards the furnace itself as it pulls air through the cold return duct and into the furnace.
Need Help? Contact Pelle Heating & Air Conditioning
In our experience, 9 out of 10 HVAC failures stem from a dirty system. Dust will limit airflow, force the compressor or heat exchanger to run more frequently, and reduce the efficiency of your unit. To avoid these types of problems and heating repairs, you need to change the filter regularly. If you need help or have concerns, call us at (669) 219-8957. Or you can stop by 1045 N 10th St., San Jose, CA 95112 to talk to a professional today.
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