Furnace Air Filter?

[Starcrwzr]

Is there an air filter on RV furnaces like there are on house furnaces? I haven't pulled the panel on the front of mine to see. It seems to work just fine, but it's also 17 years old, and wondered if it needed any maintenance?

Thanks!
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Scott B)
1992 33' Georgie Boy Cruise Master
The Ultimate Recycling Project!
http://www.mountainhighbnb.com

[miket]

I haven't seen one yet with a filter. I get the heat exchanger checked for any cracks or leaks. That's an old unit.
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Workhorse Ambassador
2005 Voyage 33V, CR-V, SMI braking, Pressure-Pro

[utmtman]

I too have never seen one with a filter.
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Lee and Fran
Holiday Rambler Vacationer
While traveling down lifes paths, stop to smell the flowers.

[tumbleturn]

I have 2 of them. I have 2 forced air heaters, one for the bedroom and bathroom, and one for the main area. If you have forced air, you should have a filter. If you have a catalytic heater, I do not believe you would have one.

Mike
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As of 12/19/2008 I am a homeless unemployed bum YAHOOOO. Can you spare a dime? Currently Hanging out around Grass Valley CA

[utmtman]

My furnace is forced air and there are no filters on it. I have thought of buying some thin foam material like they use in some home furnaces and mounting it behind the intake vent to slow or keep out the dust.
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Lee and Fran
Holiday Rambler Vacationer
While traveling down lifes paths, stop to smell the flowers.

[TannerBee]

My furnace is under the dinette and there is a removeable access panel on the vertical wall under the seat (where your heels can kick it). I removed the solid wood insert from the panel and replaced it with a filter material, just for grins. We almost never use this furnace, just electric ones when we are in a campground.
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Floyd and Tanner
Coachmen Santara 35
Rock Hill SC

Time is either spent or invested.

[TerryW]

I have attended several of the "Life on Wheels" seminars on RV appliances and that question frequently comes up. The answer that is always given is DO NOT add a filter ahead of the furnace fan. The reason cited is that the 12v fan motor just does not have the capability to overcome the added static pressure. Instead, it is best to periodically clean the fan scroll and wheel.

As an HVAC trained mechanical engineer, I've always tended to doubt that explanation. But not having any test data, I have also decided not to "push it".
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Terry & Judy
Golden Retreiver & 2 kitties
F350 & 33 ft fifth wheel

[tumbleturn]

[AllenT]

Don't forget to check the amps after the filter has been in use for a while. A new filter will not have near the restriction as one that has some use on it.
Allen

[sundancer268]

The problem with a filter is that as it gets plugged with dirt, the air flow will go down across the heat exchanger and the possibility of going out on the high heat safety will be more likely. The more you go out on the high heat safety, the more likely you are stressing the heat exchanger and the more likely you are to crack it. Make sure your carbon monoxide sensor is working.

[retired and happy]

My Suburban furnace is located in the basement space under a closet in the bathroom. The closet is elevated far enough to allow a compartment underneath with a grill in the wall. Behind that grill, the floor is cut out and a filter lies over the hole in the floor. I haven't had to change it but once in 7 years. First, I didn't know it was there. Second, we don't need the furnace very often. Third, it refused to work about three years ago, so if we need heat, we use small cube electric space heaters.
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Ken
Judy and our Special Angels
1996 37' Itasca Suncruiser
6x12 cargo trailer
2003 EZGO golf Cart