If you install your air filter the wrong way, it can cause a lot of problems. The normally collective end of the device will not face the air supply, and this can cause the filter to clog and the air not to be cleaned properly when it reaches the lungs. The biggest damage that can result from a filter installed upside down is that it can damage your HVAC system and reduce its lifespan. An AC filter installed upside down will greatly slow down airflow, making it more difficult for your oven to operate.
When efficiency decreases, the likelihood of a system failure, such as a refrigerant line leak or a failed compressor, increases. Oven filters are designed to allow air to flow in one direction through the filter media. In this way, the filter does its job of preventing dust from accumulating on the blowers and motors inside the furnace. While turning the air filter upside down from time to time isn't likely to cause damage to the system, it can cost you money in efficiency.
As if that weren't enough, the air quality in your living space will also decrease. When you place the air filter in the wrong direction, it cannot capture dust and air particles, and they will remain floating in the air. The most common problem you will have if you have an improperly installed filter is decreased efficiency. Since the filter is designed to be efficient when installed in one way only, installing it incorrectly will make your system inefficient.
One side of the filter is more porous to allow more air to flow freely. Therefore, when installing a filter backwards it would mean that your oven has to work harder to get the results you want. This will result in higher utility bills and may cause damage to your oven. You won't feel the effects of this at first, but this inefficiency can build up and lead to furnace system breakage and further repairs.
As a central heating and cooling system owner, one of your most important maintenance responsibilities is to regularly change your air filter. Some filter designs even capture smaller particles, such as those that cause allergic reactions in people, to keep the air in the living space as clean as possible. A furnace or central air unit that has to draw air through the non-porous side of a filter loses efficiency and runs longer, requiring more energy because it slows down the flow of air through the heat exchanger, according to Bob Vila.If you install the air cleaner incorrectly, your oven will have to work a lot harder to do its job properly. HVAC air filters come in different sizes; they can be 12 to 24 inches (30.48 to 60.96 cm) wide and 12 to 36 inches (30.48 to 91.44 cm) long.
The biggest problem with installing an air filter upside down is that your oven has to work harder to do its job. This is because the AC filter is designed in a way that allows for even distribution of dust within the filter material rather than just on the surface. Remember that these steps apply specifically to return air ducts, and may differ slightly for window air conditioning units or air handling cabinets. Most air cleaners have arrows printed on the sides that act as indicator marks pointing to the direction of airflow. This is because a dirty, clogged air filter will significantly impair the efficiency of your oven and air conditioner.
One tip is that once you know which way is up for your filter, draw an arrow on it with a permanent marker so that you can match up with future filters. Air filters can become clogged with dust, mold, or pet dander and as a result, air cannot easily pass through them. While inserting an air cleaner in the wrong direction may not damage your system directly, it will reduce its efficiency and cost you additional money. Also, if you look at where the filter is located, you'll notice that there are no HVAC components on one side of the duct where there should be an arrow pointing towards airflow. It basically boils down to this: filters are designed with one side being more porous than another so that they can trap larger particles when they first enter and smaller particles on their way out. When installed backwards, this process doesn't work as efficiently as it should. In conclusion, installing an air cleaner incorrectly can lead to decreased efficiency and higher utility bills due to increased strain on your HVAC system.
It's important to pay attention when changing out filters so that they are installed correctly for optimal performance.
