An incorrectly installed HVAC air filter can lead to an inadequate air filtration process, allowing unwanted airborne particles to cycle back into the room. Or it may impede airflow within the unit, resulting in other issues. If you’re installing an air filter, you might ask yourself; which way does an air filter go in the ceiling?
If your filter is on the ceiling, the arrow should point towards the unit or into the return. This will allow the filter to clean the air before it gets into the HVAC unit and not on its way back into the rooms.
In this guide, we discuss how to correctly install an air filter, with a particular focus on getting the directions right. In other words, which way does the filter go?
We also discuss what else you need to consider when shopping for an air filter and air filter maintenance best practices.
What’s the Role of an Air Filter?
HVAC air filters have one main job: catching particulates and pollutants, such as dust, mold, pet dander, and fungal spores.
Failure to remove these elements from indoor air exposes the home’s occupants to significant risks. For instance, exposure to pollutants, such as allergens increases the risk of throat infection, lung disease, and allergies.
Most AC air filters are made from spun fiberglass material or pleated paper. However, some are made from cloth enclosed in a cardboard frame. The primary material determines the efficiency of the filter and even its life expectancy.
How do Air Filters Work?
Air filtration in air conditioners is a straightforward process. The core material sits in the way of air entering the air conditioner, thus trapping airborne particles in the air. The filter rating determines the range and sizes of particles the filter can trap.
The clean air then enters the evaporator coils, where the cold refrigerant extracts the heat. Then the clean and now-cool air returns to your rooms via the supply vents.
Here is the difference between a furnace filter and return air filter
What Happens if you Use an HVAC without a Filter?
First off, only selected air conditioners can run without an air filter. Others will indicate a “filter absent” warning on the control panel and stop working after a short period.
However, even where you can run the AC without an air filter, it’s in your best interest to always have a filter installed as it’s too dangerous to run the AC without one.
- It exposes you and your loved ones to health and safety issues, including mold, allergens, and fungal spores. These elements easily cause disease.
- Dirt accumulation inside the air conditioner is bad for the AC’s internal components. For instance, the absence of a filter can accelerate dust accumulation over the evaporator and condenser coils, possibly impacting heat exchange and causing AC overheating. It can also cause the blower motors to stop.
- Dirt accumulation can lead to poor cooling performance, reduced appliance efficiency, or no cooling.
Which Way Does the Filter Go?
In general, if your filter is on the ceiling, the arrow should face the ceiling, and if it’s on the wall, the arrow should point to the wall. This will allow the filter to clean harmful particles before reaching your HVAC unit.
The user manual will tell you the correct way to install the air filter. However, if the information is missing or you cannot access it, just keep your eyes on the direction of the arrows.
If you check the sides of the air filter, you’ll notice that one or more of the sides have arrows. You need to focus on the arrows during installation.
Which Way do the Arrows Point – In or Out?
The arrows point in the direction of airflow. It tells you where the oncoming air should enter the filter and where it should exit. Therefore, the arrows always point inside the air conditioner or away from the installer.
Still, feel a little lost? Don’t be. Air flows into the AC through the return air ducts, and the filter is installed just after the return duct because this is where it can tram as many airborne pollutants as possible.
So, air flows from your room, through the return vent, then through the filter, into the air conditioner. Thus, the tip of the arrow on the air filter should point into the AC.
Why does the Airflow Direction Matter?
The direction of airflow is important when installing the air filter because the two sides of the filter aren’t made equal. One side, usually the one facing out of the AC, is denser than the other to allow it to trap maximum airborne particles without significantly affecting the flow of air into the air conditioner.
Making the side of the filter facing outside denser also makes it easier to clean the filter as the dirt is trapped outside the filter.
Now, imagine interchanging the faces so that the less dense side faces outward! The particulates would be trapped deep inside the filter, making it impossible to scrub or wash away the dirt.
What Happens if you Install the Furnace Filter in the Wrong Direction?
We’ve already seen that installing the air filter in reverse allows dirt particles to travel deep into the filter, making filter cleaning difficult. However, that’s not the only concern;
- Potential filter damage: The less dense filter face that typically faces into the AC has material that strengthens the filter and maintains its shape. Thus, switching the faces can quickly deteriorate this strengthening material, resulting in faster filter damage.
- The filter material may be sucked into the AC: The strengthening material plays an important role in keeping filter fibers from getting sucked into the air conditioner. However, this protection becomes nonexistent if you interchange the filter faces.
How can you Confirm that AC Filter is Installed in the Correct Direction?
The easiest way to tell that your air conditioner air filter is installed correctly is to verify that the direction label on the filter points inside the air conditioner. This means it’s installed in the direction of airflow.
But what if the direction label is missing? In that case, you have two options;
- Call the manufacturer: Tell them about your predicament and ask what you should do. They’ll help you identify the air filter’s airflow direction.
- Consider professional installation: Professionals have the advantage of experience. They can identify the filtration end of the filter from the support end with their eyes closed. So, you can trust them to install the filter correctly even without the direction mark.
How to Choose the Right AC Filter
As you’d expect, installation direction isn’t the only important factor when replacing or installing an air conditioner air filter. Other critical factors to consider are;
- Filter dimensions: Check the owner’s manual to find out which types of filters are compatible with your air conditioner. You can also manually measure the existing filter’s dimensions.
- The MERV rating: An air filter’s Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) defines the filter’s ability to capture airborne particles. The higher the rating, the finer the filtration.
- The thicker, the better: Thickness is the distance between the filter’s front face and the back surface. Although the thicknesses vary widely, from one inch to 5+ inches, you should always consider thicker options as they trap more dirt.
- Consider the material: Different AC furnace filters are made from different materials, including spun fiberglass, pleated paper, and cloth encased in a cardboard frame. Generally, HEPA filters made from spun fiberglass are the most effective.
Here are some of the best air filters for different purposes
How to Properly Install an Air Filter
Whether installing AC air filters for the first time or replacing old/dirty filters, you need to know how to install them properly.
- Locate the return vents: Return air vents are the large entryways through which indoor air enters the AC. Air filters are located behind these vents. This means that an AC with multiple return vents has many air filters that you need to install/change. Skip to step #4 if installing the filter for the first time.
- Vacuum or dust the return air vents: Use a vacuum cleaner to remove the dust sitting over and behind the return air vents.
- Remove the old filter: Open the air vent grille and remove the old filter. This should be a straightforward job as most AC air filters slide out effortlessly.
- Confirm that you have the right filter/replacement: The consequences of installing the wrong AC filter are too painful to bear. So, verify that you have the correct filter for that AC model for the final time.
- Look for the direction indicator: After confirming that you have the right filter, it’s equally important to install it correctly. So, hold the filter with the arrow pointing in the airflow direction, i.e., into the AC.
- Install the filter and finish up: Set the filter in place, ensuring it fits snugly and completely covers the air intake vent. Then return the cover. That’s it!
Air Filter Maintenance Tips
AC air filter maintenance is easy. All you need to do is clean the filter regularly and change it are the manufacturer recommends.
- Clean the filter every week: Generally, you need to clean the AC filter every week to keep the AC working at optimal efficiency.
- Change the filter monthly: Change non-washable filters every 3-4 weeks and washable filters as often as the manufacturer recommends.
Which Way Does An Air Filter Go FAQs
What Happens if you Install an AC Filter Backward?
The airflow is impacted. Air will have a harder time passing through the filter, potentially resulting in cooling inefficiency. Additionally, the filter material may be pulled into the AC.
Does the Arrow Point Up or Down on an Air Filter?
The arrows on an AC air filter point in the airflow direction – not up or down. Typically, they point into the air conditioner.
How do I Know Which Way the Air Flows in my AC?
Air flows from your room into the AC via the return air vents – that’s how all air conditioners work. So, if you can locate the return air ducts, air flows into the AC via those ducts.
Are AC Filters Directional?
Yes, AC air filters are directional. The good news is that the direction for installation is indicated by an arrow on the side of the filter. Make sure to install the filter with the arrow pointing into the AC.
Why does My Air Filter Get Dirty so Fast?
Because it’s hotter outside. More air is pulled into the AC per hour when it’s very hot outside. Thus the filter gets dirtier faster.
Summary
Now you know how to install an air conditioner air filter correctly, especially which way the air filter goes. Don’t forget to share the article so others can benefit too. Also, don’t hesitate to give us a call for any inquiries.