Do you ever wonder if you are installing your furnace filter correctly when replacing it? Believe it or not, there is a right and wrong way to change your AC filter. If you’re wondering which way the airflow arrow points, you’ve come to the right place.
Which Direction Does The Arrow on the Air Filter Go?
Simply put, the arrow should always point in the direction the air is flowing.
Here’s a video that explains it well:
Here’s an easy way to figure out which way the airflow arrow should point: The arrow should ALWAYS point toward your return or furnace. When you install the filter, the pleated part should face you. The other side, which usually consists of a metal mesh or cardboard frame, should point towards the return.
If your filter return is located in the ceiling, the arrow should point toward it. The airflow arrow should point toward your furnace if your filter is in your unit.
Why Do You Need a Furnace Filter?
Air filters are an essential part of your system. Without a filter installed, you risk damaging your furnace or HVAC system and circulating allergens and other contaminants throughout your home’s air, which can cause chronic illnesses. Without a filter, you will also see an increase in energy costs because your system has to work harder to do its job.
Why is it important how you install your air filter?
There are many reasons why the direction you install your air filter matters.
When you install your air filter with the arrow pointing the correct way, it can impact both the quality of your air and the longevity of your system. Installing your air filter correctly will allow it to do its job- effectively capture dust and other debris and prevent it from reaching the essential parts of your system. If you’ve installed your filter the wrong way, it can cause buildup on the crucial components of your system, and It can also increase the wear and tear on your system, decreasing its lifespan and causing you to replace it much sooner than you would like. An air filter installed correctly can also help you cut down on energy costs because the system does not have to work harder to pull in air. Installing your HVAC filter correctly can help prevent costly system repairs, replacements, and high energy costs.
An air filter installed correctly also captures contaminants in the air more effectively and efficiently, which will improve your home’s indoor air quality.
Novice to Expert in No Time
We know multiple scenarios could lead to you having to research this question. Maybe there is no filter to reference; it’s your first time installing an air filter, or you have a filter that doesn’t have an airflow arrow. If you’re unsure where your return is located, checking your HVAC owner’s manual is a good idea.
Don’t sweat it! As long as you make sure that the pleated part of the air filter is facing you, you can confidently know that you are installing your filter the way it should be. You shouldn’t have to force the filter in any way, and it should fit snuggly in the area you insert it into.
When in doubt, pay attention after you’ve installed your filter, and your system runs the air for the first time. Listen for unusual sounds coming from the furnace or air filter grille.
Changing Your Air Filter Doesn’t Have to Be So Hard
Now that you know the right way to install your air filter, changing your furnace filters should be an easy home maintenance task. The most important thing you must remember is that your filter should be changed every 1-3 months. Going too long without replacing your filters can increase the strain on your equipment, lead to a higher energy bill, and cause poor air quality.
Need Replacement Air Filters?
The quality of your air filter is just as important as putting it in correctly. Poorly made filters will clog fast, making them just as ineffective and dangerous as if you had installed them incorrectly! If you’re unsure whether your current filter is sufficient, we’ve got you covered!
Filters Fast® Air Filters are a great choice for home air filters. Each Filters Fast filter is made with high-quality pleated media to capture airborne contaminants in your home’s air.
Don’t wait! Keep continuous clean air in your home!
Do you wish there was an easier way to remember what size air filter you need and when it’s time to change it? Sign up for our Home Filter Club filter subscription service! Just find the filter you need, subscribe, and save!
We’re Here to Help
If you have any questions or need assistance installing your filter, contact us at [email protected]. A member of our team will be happy to help you ensure that your filter is installed correctly.
For more information on air filters, check out the following articles:
- 4 SURPRISING Reasons Your Air Filters Get Dirty Quickly
- 5 Tips to Make Your Air Filter Change Smoother
- How to Save Money on a HVAC Repair
- Are Filters Fast® Air Filters Good Quality?
Brandon says
Hello Vicky, thanks for reaching out! The arrow on your air filter should point towards your furnace.
Vicky Helsel says
My air filter goes in the bottom of the furnace. Should the arrow point up or down? Thank you, vicky
Brandon says
Hello Ed, since you have a different design than our standard filters, we’ll need some more information to assist. If you could find your part number and contact our customer service team via e-mail, [email protected], they’ll be glad to help you further.
Ed says
I have a metal reusable filter. No arrow on filter? How do I know what side goes toward air flow? Thanks Ed
Brandon says
Hello Sheila, thanks for your comment. Usually the arrow is going to point toward the furnace, although the direction of the air flow can affect this. To be certain, we would need more detailed information about your furnace design. Please contact our customer care team at [email protected] for additional assistance in installing your filter.
sheila elliott says
Hi my filter vent is on the floor under the furance unit I take off the top door then the bottom. So which way should my arrow be facing. Right now I have the arrow facing up toward the unit. Thank you have a blessed day
Katie says
Michael,
Thank you for sharing that great tip!
Michael says
One way to check the air flow while your unit is running is to take a plastic bag (like you get at Walmart) and hold it up to the grill. If the bag is sucked in towards the grill, that’s the air flow direction.
Katie says
Hi Chelsea, great question! Unless the manufacturer of your filter says otherwise, the arrow should always point toward the furnace.
Chelsea says
My arrow points the opposite side the metal mesh is on so the metal should be on the furnace side not facing me?
Katie says
Cynthia,
Thank you for your feedback. The filter arrow should point toward your furnace system as it slides in.
Cynthia Tier says
None of this helped me. My air filter slides inside the furnace not on the outside of it. I still don’t know which way the filter arrow goes. Up or down. Nobody seems to know. I’m sure I’m not the only one with a furnace like this.
Katie says
Kristee,
We are so happy to hear that you found this blog post helpful! If you have any questions when it comes to air or water filtration we are happy to help!
Kristee Nassar says
Omg thanks! First time putting in an air filter. Newly single mom and just moved into an apartment. Didn’t ever have to worry about things like this because my husband always took care of em.
Katie says
Ken,
Thank you for reaching out to us. We asked our Air Filtration Expert to weigh-in on this and here’s what she recommended: Make sure you have a filter in each return. Perhaps start with a 1″ MERV 8 to see if that offers the improvement you are looking for. She also recommends adding room air purifiers to help improve the overall air quality.
Ken says
When I built my home 20 years ago my heat pump, duct..all were installed then. There were two return vents installed in the hallway that had 1” pleated filters in. 4 years ago I had to replace that heat pump with a new American Standard. That company installed me a 16x20x4 filter in the return just before the return to the handler. I use a Mer 13 and change it about every 8 months. The filter says a year. There is dust that gets in the hallway returns before reaching the filter near the handler meaning the return duct gets a lot of dust before ever getting to the filter. Can I put some kind of thin filter in the hallway returns to catch some of that house dust before it gets to the filter back before the handler? Could that be to much restriction? Any other options? Don’t like the idea of all that dust going into the hallway return bents before it travels 20 ft to the 20x16x4 filter before the return to handler?
Katie says
Andy,
You are absolutely right, I do live in the south and do not have a basement. I have also seen air filters installed next next to the furnace, but now you have my wheels turning as to what the differences are. This is really interesting!
Andy Murphy-Young says
I’ve never seen a place where you put the air filters in the wall intake like that. They have always been in the basement next to the furnace. Do you live in the south where their aren’t basements or use a different type of HVAC?