Do pleated filters reduce airflow?

Even though pleated fiberglass filters are very common and are continuously highly recommended, there's still a misconception around the filters being able to cause damage to your unit because they supposedly restrict air flow. Yes, pleated air filters do indeed restrict the airflow to your HVAC system.

Do pleated air filters restrict airflow?

Because they restrict airflow to your HVAC system. Pleated, high-MERV filters definitely capture a lot of pollutants, but they also restrict the movement of air into your blower or furnace. As a result, the fan has to work harder to heat and cool your home, reducing efficiency.

Are more pleats in an air filter better?

Catch more debris: Pleated air filters have more surface area, so they capture more – and smaller – debris. Depending on the MERV rating, they may filter out pollen, pet dander, bacteria, and some viruses. This makes a pleated air filter a much better choice for anyone with allergies, asthma, or similar sensitivities.

Do air vent filters restrict airflow?

The biggest drawback of vent filters is restricted airflow. Filters slow the passage of air. As particles build up on them, the amount of obstruction increases. This can cause your system to work harder, using up more power and potentially overheating components.

Does the number of pleats in air filter matter?

These filters are often high efficiency; to promote better air flow, look for one with lots of pleats. The more pleats it has, the more easily air can pass through this filter. A pleated polyester filter with a MERV value of 6 to 8 would be an ideal solution.

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Are pleated air filters better than non pleated?

A pleated filter is made up of different sizes, and readily captures pathogens as small as 0.3 microns, filtering out even the tiniest of bacteria. They are overall more effective in capturing very tiny particles than non-pleated air filters; 99.97% of airborne particles are trapped with a pleated air filter.

How efficient is a pleated filter?

Better HVAC Protection

The average efficiency of a pleated air filter ranges between 25% and 30%, but it may go up to 45% in the case of carbon material.

Can air filters be too restrictive?

Burnt out motors and controls can result from too-restrictive filters. Coils, motors, and blowers can also easily become clogged by weak filters creating higher fan usage resulting in higher energy costs.

Do higher MERV filters restrict airflow?

Wrong. While the highest MERV ratings are the most effective for air quality, they can harm your HVAC system. A higher MERV rating means a higher resistance, which means less airflow.

Do HEPA filters restrict airflow?

High-efficiency particulate arrestance (HEPA) filters: These are the true high end of filtration and are able to filter out 0.3 micron particles. HEPA filters drastically restrict airflow and should only be matched to a compatible system.

Why do filters have pleats?

A pleated filter is an air filter that uses a folding pattern with its media (hence the name “pleated” filter). By pleating the media, these filters can have an increased surface area and density while minimizing the reduction in airflow.

What filters do HVAC techs recommend?

HEPA Filter — HVAC replacement companies typically recommend HEPA filters because they can provide the highest protection level when it comes to airborne particles. This filter is capable of capturing small microns, and has a MERV rating between 17 and 20, meaning it can trap tobacco smoke and bacteria.

Are pleated filters good for your furnace?

Pleated filters are bad for your system because they block too much air, forcing the HVAC motor to work harder to pull in the air it needs and burning it out faster.

Will a MERV 13 filter hurt my AC?

What Are MERV 13 Air Filters? MERV 13 air filters are the highest-rated air filters for home use. Any air filter with a rating higher than 13 will restrict air flow to the point of which could cause damage to your HVAC system, resulting in an added expense to fix it.

Does MERV 11 hurt HVAC?

In particular, using an air filter with a MERV rating that's too high can damage the compressor, heat exchanger, and air conditioner coil. In most cases, a MERV 11 air filter isn't too high for residential use.

Is MERV 13 too restrictive?

Is MERV 11 too restrictive? Though MERV 13 is suggested by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), it might not be the most efficient choice for some residential HVAC systems.

Is MERV 12 too high for HVAC?

When in doubt, choose a MERV 8 to MERV 10 filter rated for high airflow, so it won't damage your furnace or air handler. Or you can ask a certified HVAC technician what filter is best for your furnace or air handler.

Are MERV 14 filters bad for HVAC?

The abbreviation stands for Minimum Effective Reporting Value. In other words, it's a measurement showing how small the holes are in the filter. The higher the MERV number, the smaller the holes, and the less that can pass through. Ultimately, this is what makes MERV 14 filters not a good choice for home use.

Does a MERV 8 filter restrict airflow?

If your unit is older and/or very sensitive with airflow, use a filter that ranks from MERV 1 up to possibly MERV 6. If you want your air to at least be cleaned and handle dust, mold, pollen, and bacteria, then a MERV 8 will do the job.

What happens if air filter is too small?

An improperly sized air filter doesn't do its job. When it's too small, it lets dust, mold, and other contaminants into your air vents. These then spew into your air, providing air quality problems.

How much does a HEPA filter restrict airflow?

Standard panel filters have MERV ratings from 1 to 4 and generally remove air particles no smaller than 3 to 10 microns. HEPA filters exceed MERV 16. These air filters remove 99.97 percent of particles down to a size of . 3 microns.

Does air filter depth matter?

A deeper depth can improve the lifespan and efficiency of the filter as well - they also make it easier for air to move into and out of your filter.

What is the most efficient air filter?

HEPA, or High-Efficiency Particulate Air, filters have even higher MERV ratings, ranging from 17 to 20. These filters are extremely efficient and are used in cases where air quality is critical. They can remove almost all of the particulates in your facility's indoor air.

Do pleated filters last longer?

Pleated air filters are more expensive at the outset, but they are also more efficient at trapping particles and can last up to 90 days, depending on use.

Which filter is most efficient?

Made from cotton or polyester, pleated filters are one the most popular and efficient filter choices.