HEPA filters are known for their powerful filtration capabilities, but they can also restrict airflow in some home comfort units. It is essential to call a heating and cooling professional before installing one to prevent damage to the system. Alternatively, residential HEPA filtration options include whole-house air filters that connect to the duct network via a bypass loop. These units draw air from the duct, transport it through the HEPA filter assembly, and then loop it back into the duct without restricting airflow.
All air filters will restrict airflow to some extent, but you should 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. High-efficiency air filters offer a number of advantages, but they also have certain drawbacks. HEPA filters are thick and dense, which can interfere with the airflow process of your HVAC equipment. If airflow is restricted, the demand for heating and cooling on the property will increase, forcing utility bills to skyrocket and potentially causing damage to the entire HVAC system.
Pleated air filters are designed with different properties and results in mind, so you should keep this in mind when buying your own filter. Dusty air filters can eliminate the efficiency of HEPA filters and cause contaminants to accumulate in the ducts. While higher-quality air filters fall into a more expensive category, they are also better able to filter and remove pollutants from the air inside your home. It's essential to keep your HVAC filters clean and free of dirt, as all the air that cools and heats your home passes through them.
As the filter becomes dirty and airflow becomes more restricted, the PSC engine will deliver even less airflow. If you tried to install a HEPA filter in your oven, you would probably have trouble getting enough air from the vents. Coils, motors, and blowers can also be easily clogged by weak filters, creating greater fan usage, resulting in higher energy costs. Electrostatic filters range from MERV 2 to MERV 10 and use charged fibers to remove particles from the air. Opinions vary widely on the subject, but all professionals agree that a good HVAC air filter is necessary for your home because they have seen all the problems that a wrong type of air filter can create in a home's HVAC system. Since air filters in many residential homes contribute more than half of that pressure, it's clear that air filters are responsible for a large part of the pressure drop in an HVAC system.
Sobieski Services is at the forefront of ensuring healthy indoor air quality with efficient air filters. In conclusion, HEPA filters drastically restrict airflow and should only be combined with a compatible system. An HVAC contractor can measure airflow and tell you if your system can support HEPA filtration in the duct. While all air filters will restrict airflow to some extent, it's important to find the right filter for your unit and overall system to ensure that you reduce contaminants in the air as much as possible.
