Pleated filters are known for their ability to capture a wide range of contaminants, but they also have the potential to restrict air movement to the fan or oven. This can cause the fan to work harder, reducing efficiency. Yes, pleated air filters do restrict air flow to your HVAC system, but all air filters will restrict air flow to some extent. The key is finding the right filter for your unit and overall system to ensure that you reduce the amount of contaminants in the air as much as possible.
The effectiveness of your pleated air filters can be determined by their Minimum Efficiency Value (MERV) rating. This rating indicates the tightness of the mesh fabric of an air filter, with higher values meaning more restricted air flow. If the fabric is too tight, it can lead to a costly restriction of air flow. It's important to note that an air filter can be too efficient.
Perfectly pleated air filters have a mesh fabric that traps and absorbs particles without restricting air flow. Pleated filters with high MERV indices are very effective in trapping particles even with the smallest sizes. A MERV 12 filter from Bardi Heating, Cooling & Plumbing will trap up to 80% of particles with diameters smaller than one micron, including smoke and pet dander. Pleated filters also contribute to Total External Static Pressure (TESP) by reducing the total external static pressure in the system.
This means that using an air filter will reduce the amount of air flow in your HVAC system. However, you don't need to modify the ducts when installing pleated air filters in your home. Unfortunately, dirty or inefficient air filters can reduce airflow in your home. This is why it's important to find the right filter for your needs and maintain consistent airflow while still removing contaminants from your home.
Pleated filters can trap contaminants as small as 0.3 microns, including some viruses and bacteria. When it comes to maintaining HVAC system performance, it's important to choose the right type of air filter. Fine-mesh carbon air filters help eliminate odors and malodorous compounds even at low concentration levels. Additionally, you should check if your return air filter is misinstalled - this can cause damage to your unit and reduce airflow. In conclusion, pleated filters do restrict airflow to some extent, but they are still a great choice for improving indoor air quality and maintaining consistent airflow in your HVAC system. It's important to find the right filter for your needs and ensure that it is installed correctly.
