Do Expensive Air Filters Restrict Airflow?

Usually, a filter with a higher MERV rating will reduce airflow. However, there are many other factors at play, such as the size of the filter and the type of fan motor in your HVAC system. The short answer is that it can, but it's not really a problem except in extreme circumstances. Most modern HVAC systems have no problem working with higher MERV filters, so millions of homeowners rely on them.The main risk of high-efficiency air filters comes from the fact that they are not modified for long periods of time.

If you're aware of changing filters, you're unlikely to experience filter-related issues with your HVAC system. The airflow in your home is the direct path that air follows through a ducting system and filters to enter multiple rooms. When the MERV rating of a filter is too high, then the mesh fabric starts to restrict airflow.The average household benefits from having a filter rated high enough to block air problems, but not so high as to cause airflow complications. Our premium filter hits the right notes and provides protection without any ventilation blockages.

With any filter, be sure to check out the MERV rating. MERV, or minimum efficiency report value, tells you how well a filter can capture contaminants.If the MERV rating is really high, your HVAC will have to work harder to produce efficient airflow. For example, hospitals use filters with a rating of 16, but that is not necessary for your home environment, and using a filter with such a high rating will increase your energy costs. Disposable pleated air filters are made of polyester or cotton paper.

Eliminate smaller particles such as spores, mites and other allergens.However, the disadvantage of cleaner air is that system performance decreases with these filters. They can add more resistance to airflow, making the system more expensive to operate. Pleated filters can also cause strain on the fan motor, affecting cooling in the evaporator coil, which can cause the coil to freeze. They are also more expensive than basic fiberglass filters.Yes, pleated air filters restrict airflow to your HVAC system.

However, you should be aware that all air filters will restrict air flow to a certain extent - it's a fact. What you need to worry about is simply finding the right filter for your unit and your overall system to ensure that you reduce the amount of pollutants in the air as much as possible. When these filters get dirty and need to be replaced, air will continue to flow through them and will not be clogged as easily.As mentioned in the last section, if the dirty filter is neglected, the build-up will cause a strain on the system. There are many types of filters, such as media filters and HEPA filters, and they all adapt to different circumstances.

Alec Lower writes for Second Nature that innovations in HVAC design have made systems more efficient, to the point where less airflow is needed to run smoothly. Keep in mind that as the MERV rating increases, the filter becomes more restrictive and more pressure and energy will be needed to exhaust air.When most people talk about electronic air filter, it usually refers to an air purifier or an electrostatic air filter. The air in the rooms of your home fluctuates in quality and temperature, and often stagnates, cools too much, gets too hot or filled with floating dust. Oven filters not only prevent the system from clogging with dust and debris, but also clean the air in your home.Since using an air filter isn't optional, you'll need to find a filter that meets your air filtration and airflow needs.

But chances are that your home's HVAC system isn't strong enough to be able to draw air through the incredibly thick, restricted airflow area of a HEPA filter. You can clearly see how the air filter reduces the total external static pressure by increasing the pressure drop. Air Conditioning Contractors of America assumes that the pressure drop across a filter is 0.10 in. I recommend changing your air filters every 1 or 2 months to maintain maximum levels of performance and energy efficiency.