Which way does the furnace filter go? Is there a wrong way to put in the furnace filter?
The short answer is yes, there is a wrong way to replace your furnace filter, but never fear. We show you exactly how to replace your furnace air filter and why your furnace filter direction matters.
The Correct Furnace Filter Direction
First of all, if you’re changing the filter, even if you put it in wrong, it’s better than not changing it all. So good job!
There is an arrow on the filter, sometimes they are very tiny. The arrow is an air flow indicator. What you want to remember is that this is the furnace’s filter. So, the arrow always points toward the furnace.
You could be in a basement where the return air comes down the left side or you could have a house where the return air comes down the right side. Always remember whether it’s coming from the left side, the right side, the arrow always points towards the furnace.
Why Is It Important For The Filter To Be Put In Correctly?
The reason they put those the airflow arrows on the filter is because the filter is constructed in a certain way to withstand the air pressure that will be going through the filter. When you know the airflow will be going in a certain direction the filter can be reinforced so it doesn’t pull apart or be sucked into the blower compartment.
Many filters have a side that is reinforced with the cardboard and the other side is open to actually filter the air. When the filter is replaced correctly with the arrows pointing toward the furnace, it will have proper reinforcement and will ultimately be longer lasting and more efficient.