Is a pleated air filter better?

While fiberglass air filters will do the job in the most basic way, in most cases, pleated air filters are much better. They can filter out smaller particles – important for people with airborne sensitivities. They are less likely to clog in a short amount of time, and they can last up to 90 days.

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.

How often should you change a pleated furnace filter?

every 90 days
As a general rule, you’ll want to replace pleated air filters and furnace filters in your home every 90 days. The longer the filter is in place, the more dirt, dust and allergens are trapped clogging the filter and decreasing their efficiency.

How long does a pleated air filter last?

90 days
Pleated air filters are high-quality filters that are very effective in trapping particles and last up to 90 days. Pets—If you own pets, change your filters every two months to keep your air clean.

Are pleated air filters bad for HVAC?

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.

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.

Is MERV 11 too restrictive?

In most cases, a MERV 11 air filter isn’t too high for residential use. Generally speaking, anything under a MERV 13 air filter should provide very efficient air purification in a home without impacting airflow.

Is MERV 12 too high?

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….Learn how to maintain your. home and HVAC this fall.

MERV	Minimum Particle Size
9–12	3.0–1.0 μm
13–16	1.0–0.3 μm
17–20	< 0.3 μm

Why does my furnace filter get dirty so quickly?

Your filter gets clogged faster when your furnace is running more often. That’s because more air is cycled through your filter when your furnace goes through more heating cycles, so more contaminants get caught on the filter’s media. The colder it gets outside, the faster your filter will get clogged with dirt.

What MERV rating should I use in my house?

In general, the best MERV rating for a home is somewhere between 8-10. These filters will capture a large portion of the airborne particles and improve indoor air quality without making your energy costs rise significantly.

What MERV is best for home?

between 8-10
In general, the best MERV rating for a home is somewhere between 8-10. These filters will capture a large portion of the airborne particles and improve indoor air quality without making your energy costs rise significantly.

Does MERV 11 restrict airflow?

Be aware, too, that some retailers also use their own rating system instead of MERV. A decade ago, it used to be that if you had an HVAC system that used panel filters rated 6 through 9 MERV, putting in a MERV 11 or higher filter would restrict airflow (known as filter pressure drop).