Heater filter

[Gizmo100]

The "Central Heat" in our unit does not appear to have a filter. Is this normal for a RV, I've check the intake vent and looked in the heater compartment. I even broke down and read the instruction book.....OK I didn't read ALL of it but I looked at it really hard.

 

[captsteve1]

Short answer, NOPE!!!

Btw, that manual makes for a nice coaster too... the tend to hold a beer quite well.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

I've only seen one RV furnace that had a filter and that was because it used an air return duct that was in the floor.  Most RV furnaces just suck their circulation directly and are either under a piece of furniture or inside a cabinet with a grill on the side.  The grill may have a cloth mesh covering for cosmetic purposes, but it's not a filter per se (might get dirty, though).


Most RVs don't run the furnace often enough or long enough to make a dust filter a necessity, but it certainly doesn't hurt to have one.  If you want to add a filter, feel free. Just make sure the size and filtering material enables adequate air flow (more is better).

 

[Gizmo100]

Thanks....I don't see us using it much, but you never know.
It surprised me when I couldn't find a filter. But I understand the logic of not needing one.

 

[ennonne]

When you google rv furnace filter you see a lot of folks asking about where to find them.

As you found, you don't have one. They aren't normally supplied, or recommended.

From an Atwood furnace manual (not sure what you have):

"RETURN AIR
The return air passage should be clean and clear of obstructions and meet the minimum square inches as specified in the installation instructions. Make sure combustibles are not stored in the furnace
compartment. Filters are not recommended at these air passages."

 

[BIG JOE1]

An RV furnace filter or the lack of one.... Point to Ponder ? (just my take on it)

RV furnace fan motors are just a (common) 12v motor. While Dry Camping, or during a Power Outage.. unless a filter was constantly cleaned, for Maximum, Unrestricted Air Flow... the Amp draw would increase.. and quite possibly pull the battery(s) down prematurely ??, then causing the Temp probes, in the heat/burner chamber.. to shut down the furnace= No Heat ?

Many of us might not be that attentive to maintaining a Furnace Filter ? Soooo.. there ain't one ?? 

On Edit: enored's Atwood furnace points.. well taken.