If you're looking at an oven filter, you'll want to check for an arrow that indicates the correct direction of airflow. This arrow should always point towards the furnace and away from the return duct that carries air that needs to be heated or cooled. The arrow should be pointing towards the oven system and away from the return duct of the oven filters. If you install the filter according to the arrows, the side of the wire mesh will be facing down towards the grill and not towards the oven. Proper filter maintenance is essential for getting more life out of your oven and air conditioner, allowing you to delay having to install a new HVAC system in the future.
To determine which way air is flowing, if there isn't an arrow indicating this, turn off the oven (set the thermostat to “off”), turn on the fan option from “automatic” to “on”, and then remove the filter. Take a permanent marker and draw your own airflow direction arrow on the HVAC unit near the oven filter access door. Look for arrows printed on the side of the air cleaner that indicate which way it should be inserted. If you remember this in advance, make a note of which way your oven filter is facing before removing it from the unit. It's important to routinely monitor your air filters to prevent them from becoming clogged with dirt, dust, or debris, and to keep them filtering the air you and your family breathe.
Although small in size, the oven filter plays a vital role in keeping your home's HVAC system and indoor air quality in good condition. Oven filters trap many of the airborne particles that prevent airflow and impact air quality in your home. When you insert an air cleaner incorrectly, it won't be able to filter air in your home efficiently, leading to a variety of maintenance issues. The air filter can accumulate a lot of dust, so it's important to always turn off boiler power before changing it. Whether you live in a house or an apartment, changing your air filter is a necessary maintenance task because it improves indoor air quality, keeps your oven running efficiently, and minimizes runny nose and watery eyes in your home.
If you come across an air filter that doesn't have an arrow, check it again since almost every filter has one. Thin (1 inch thick) filters may need to be replaced once a month, while 5- and 6-inch thick filters can last up to a year. So by installing your air oven filters in the wrong direction, you're not only doing your air system a disservice but also negatively affecting everyone living under your roof. Once you've calculated MERV size and rating, it's time to get ready to change your oven filter.
