Metal plate over the Furnace filter... Question

[Wayne B. Wilson]

Bob i believe it is mounted on the back side of the unit

[Doug Edwards]

Not according to the pictures.. Why would someone put a filter in a unit then put a piece of sheet metal over it? I think it is just some homeowner was ignorant of how the system works and didn't know any better.

[Bobby Hamilton]

Originally Posted by dedwards

Why would someone put a filter in a unit then put a piece of sheet metal over it?

Maybe the filter was getting sucked up into the drum.

[Doug Edwards]

That is what the hold down bale is to prevent (in the second photo is it that heavy gauge metal loop holding down the horse hair filter). By placing the sheet metal over the opening in the platform, it shuts off all return air up into the unit. The series of photos clearly shows they intended for the filter to be located under the squirrel cage fan and there is a return air grill located directly under the door of the air handler closet. So, one must assume the intention was for return air to enter the grill, pass up through the opening in the platform and filter, past the fan assembly and through the unit, just like 95% of all other HVAC units in the country.

[Bob Elliott]

I think only David can answer this.

[sparksnmore]

I just want to add that I have seen this many times.
The furnaces came shipped with a horsehair filter in the bottom and IF the bottom was not used for RA, it was fairly common for the filter to be left there as was rather than replace it with a sheet metal bottom.

It doesn't hurt a thing in there although it is not needed either since it is not doing anything. I assume that the installer(s) felt since the furnace is setting on a solid surface, no air can get in but IF any does, it will be filtered. (in the ones that I've seen like that)

Having said that, I can't see any RA interning the furnace in the pictures plus the one picture looks like the RA grill is allowing air to enter under the furnace floor and up through the bottom of the furnace, like most typical bottom RA furnace applications.
Of course we all know that can't be possible IF that is a piece of sheet metal on top of the filter.

[Neil Jay]

I agree with sparksnmore, I've seen this before too. Especially, for some reason, when I was in West VA. The Furnace Filter was often just left in place. I know this is an old post, but I've been lurking here for awhile and when i saw this I jumped in. Guess I'll have to get involved in the converstaion now