Air filters are essential for keeping your home's air clean and healthy, but they can also restrict airflow to your HVAC system. It's important to find the right filter for your unit and your overall system to ensure that you reduce the amount of contaminants in the air as much as possible while maintaining a constant airflow. Yes, pleated air filters do restrict airflow to your HVAC system, but all air filters will restrict airflow to some extent. Low-efficiency air filters are usually recommended, as they work well when routinely changed.
However, an air filter can be too efficient, and this can negatively affect airflow. The effectiveness of low-efficiency air filters increases as the filter becomes loaded with dirt and dust. Dirty air filters significantly reduce airflow, making it difficult for the HVAC system to function properly. Air filters contribute to TESP by reducing the total external static pressure in the system.
With modern technology, the increase in airflow resistance that comes with a high-efficiency filter is usually marginal. These filters would best serve in a cleanroom or other area that requires little or no pollution and that has the system capacity to accommodate such an effective air filter. It's important to remember that all air filters will restrict airflow to some extent, but you can find the right filter for your unit and your overall system to ensure that you reduce the amount of contaminants in the air as much as possible while maintaining a constant airflow.
