Furnace filter screens are designed to be placed a certain way, and not heeding this proper direction can cause issues. By taking a few moments to ensure your filter is placed the right way, these headaches can simply be avoided.
Understanding Your Furnace
The furnace works to move air throughout your home with a blower system, and attached to this is a filter that pulls particles from the air to increase air quality. This filter also keeps particles from entering the furnace, where buildup can slow down or cause damage to your unit.
Dust and pet dander can get caught in the filter, so it needs to be replaced every 12 months to maintain efficiency. Filters also come in different grades, allowing for even finer particle collection for people with seasonal allergies.
How a Furnace Filter Works
The fibers of a filter are designed to work efficiently only one way, allowing air to pass through smoothly without interference. When a furnace filter is placed backwards, the fibers can’t do their job properly. This means your furnace has to work harder to generate the same air flow, resulting in increased energy costs. Particles are also allowed to build up irregularly, making the furnace working even harder to draw air.
Installing a Furnace Filter Properly
Every filter comes with an installation sheet, as well as arrows printed on the box indicating how it should be placed for optimum performance. To install, simply line up the arrows as indicated and slip the filter frame into the reciprocal holder on the front or side of your furnace. This will allow air to move freely, so your filter can do its job properly.
For more advice on installing your furnace filter properly, please contact your local HVAC specialist at Donald P. Dick Air Conditioning. Serving the Fresno area for nearly 40 years, customers rely on us for timely, expert service.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Fresno, California area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about furnace filters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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