Filter for Atwood furnace

It will have to be a very free flowing filter and as you probably know, that type doesn't do much.
Probably worth trying though. If you block it too much the sail switch will keep the furnace from working.
If you try it please come back and let us know how it worked. It's been discussed many times but I don't think I've ever heard of someone actually trying following through.

Hewshal#53 wrote:
I am considering putting a lightweight foam or fiberglass filter behind the intake grill on my Atwood 8531 furnace. The opening is 10 x 24". Comments

Why? Millions of these furnaces are in use, the manufacturer never deemed a filter necessary, why would you? :h

He may have seen the dirt in the AC filter and concluded that an air intake at floor level would be even worse. :S

well nothing like burning up you furnace and maybe even your TT. better sleep with one eye open at night. your furnace will overheat so don't even think of it. if the builders wanted a filter they would have put one in. I will bite my tongue for now.

old guy wrote:
well nothing like burning up you furnace and maybe even your TT. better sleep with one eye open at night. your furnace will overheat so don't even think of it. if the builders wanted a filter they would have put one in. I will bite my tongue for now.

Seems you haven't. :S

I don’t think you really want to reduce airflow to and from the furnace. There is a reason the manufacturers don’t put filters on them. I’d call Atwood if you really think you must install a filter and see what they say.

Use a stand alone filter instead. Atwood (and Suburban) is very clear about no filters. They did have an add on electrostatic filter for a while, but they are as rare as hens teeth.

Wow, to all that worry about burning up the furnace with a filter, do you really think the intake is that well sealed?? I have a paper filter behind the grill, but it draws from cabinets under the sink also!

rhagfo wrote:
Wow, to all that worry about burning up the furnace with a filter, do you really think the intake is that well sealed?? I have a paper filter behind the grill, but it draws from cabinets under the sink also!

A, it won't burn up, it will cycle on the limit switch, shortening the lifespan.

B, if it's not drawing through the filter, why have it?

Wow, Thanks for all of the responses. Read a few remarks on other forums where some individuals had installed mesh filters to stop dust and dirt from entering their furnace compartment. Idea was to prolong furnace life and prevent the smell you often get when starting up in the fall. None of my Atwood literature said anything pro or con about filters, and yes I probably should have called before asking a dumb question. Meanwhile, I shan't be a trial and error statistic and will think outside the box on others things.