When it comes to furnace air filters, it's important to know which direction they should face. On the new filter, look for the arrow that indicates the correct direction of airflow. This arrow should always point towards the furnace and away from the return duct that carries the air that needs to be heated or cooled. It's a good idea to draw the airflow direction arrow with a permanent marker on the oven or duct network.
If you are looking at an oven filter, look for the arrow that indicates the correct direction of airflow. This arrow should always point in the same direction as the airflow. If the air flows to the right, the arrow should point to the right. The arrow should point towards the oven system and away from the return duct of the oven filters.
You may need to measure the air duct if you find that the filter in place is too small or too large. If you haven't already figured it out, a downflow configuration means that your downflow air controller or oven blows cooled or heated air down. Whether you live in a house or an apartment, changing your air filter is an essential maintenance task as it improves indoor air quality, keeps your oven running efficiently, and minimizes runny nose and watery eyes in your home. The air cleaner is located somewhere inside, either inside the air duct system or inside the indoor HVAC unit itself.
Proper filter maintenance means you get more life out of your oven and air conditioner, allowing you to delay having to install a new HVAC system in the future. To do this, take three measurements: the depth of the return air duct, the height and width of the space in which the air cleaner slides. When the blower draws in air, it passes over the filter removing dirt, dust, pet dander, pollen, and other particles that can eventually damage your oven. All oven filters (or HVAC air filters) have arrows around their edges that point in the direction of airflow in your air handler.
Oven filters trap many of these airborne particles that prevent airflow and impact your home's air quality. You may also notice that your air conditioning unit shuts down before it reaches its set temperature on your thermostat, a decrease in return duct air pressure, or cool air blowing when it should be warm and vice versa. Although small in size, your oven filter plays a vital role in maintaining your home's HVAC system and indoor air quality. You should replace your air filters regularly to ensure both your HVAC system and family stay healthy. To determine which filter is right for you, find out what size you need (this is shown on your current filter or in your oven or air conditioner's owner's manual), compare MERV ratings and cost, and consider any special needs in your home.
When replacing an old filter, try not to shake or hit it as this could release particles back into your home's air. When filters become clogged with dust, dirt, and debris they can no longer do their job of improving indoor air quality.
