Burned motors and controls can result from overly restrictive filters. Coils, motors, and blowers can also be easily clogged by weak filters, creating greater fan usage, resulting in higher energy costs. The short answer is yes, but it's not really a problem, except in extreme circumstances. Most modern HVAC systems have no problem working with higher MERV filters, which is why millions of homeowners depend 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 keep abreast of changing filters, you are unlikely to experience any filter related issues with your HVAC system. Air conditioners can turn off if fine filters restrict airflow. The air conditioner is also stressed by a dirty filter that slows down airflow, causing the system to work harder.In addition, your system may not be able to provide enough heating or cooling to the home. Or just one or two distant rooms become uncomfortable.
Typically, 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.When an air filter is too efficient, it can cause low airflow. You can check the effectiveness of your air filter by reviewing its Minimum Efficiency Report Value (MERV) rating. Ratings range from 1 (lowest possible filtration) to 20 (highest possible filtration).
Simply put, the higher the MERV rating on an air filter, the less dust particles and contaminants will pass through it and vice versa. MERV ratings could lead you to believe that high-efficiency air filters are the way to go.However, sometimes they can work so well that they make your HVAC system less efficient because they block airflow too much. This leads to higher energy bills and could damage the oven if it overheats. What is the best air filter for your home? One that removes most contaminants in the air, but allows your HVAC system to do its job effortlessly.
Learn more about the four main types of air filters and which one is best for your home.The type of blower you have in your oven or air conditioner will largely determine if there will be a reduction in airflow in the system. The problem when you do this is that it causes low airflow and you actually make your HVAC system work harder to circulate air throughout the house. Many air conditioning manufacturers recommend using an air cleaner with a MERV rating of 8-9 to balance air allergen filtering with the cost and stress of the HVAC system. Deeper pleated filters allow dirt to spread over a larger surface area, reducing pressure drop and allowing filter changes less frequently without significantly affecting system performance.Fine filters mean smaller pores to remove contaminants, creating resistance stress that wears down equipment.
As the filter becomes dirty and airflow becomes more restricted, the PSC engine will deliver even less airflow. While ASHRAE recommends MERV 13 and 14, it is best to select a filter with the highest possible MERV rating for your specific HVAC system. Ironically, the effectiveness of low-efficiency air filters increases as the filter becomes loaded with dirt and dust.I recommend changing air filters every 1 to 2 months to maintain peak performance and energy efficiency levels. Filters in this category can sometimes be referred to as rock traps because their job is to ensure that nothing too significant and devastating is absorbed by the HVAC unit at the very least.
During the short time you get a small benefit from your low-efficiency filter, you are greatly overcome by the problems it creates. The trick is that you need to maximize the filter face area to get the lowest possible filter pressure drop.
