Do Filtrete filters restrict airflow
William Taylor
Published Mar 09, 2026
Most Filtrete™ Filters (those above MPR 300) have fibers with a permanent electrostatic charge. That charge lets filter media fibers capture teeny-tiny particles much more efficiently—without restricting airflow.
Do higher for filters restrict airflow?
Generally, 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 blower motor in your HVAC system.
Does a MERV 11 filter restrict airflow?
A MERV 11 air filter has a higher efficiency rating. … Air filters with higher MERV ratings can filter more, but the thickness of the filter material can restrict airflow. Restricted airflow can decrease comfort, increase energy use, and accelerate the wear and tear of HVAC components.
Does a higher MERV rating restrict airflow?
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. When researching HVAC systems, airflow will come up a lot.Does MERV 13 filters restrict air flow?
MERV 13 air filters are the highest-rated air filters for home use. Any air filter with a rating higher than 13 will restrict air flow to the point of which could cause damage to your HVAC system, resulting in an added expense to fix it.
Is MERV 13 too high for residential?
One factor to consider is air flow through the system. … In some cases, using an air filter that is too restrictive for your system may cause low air flow problems as well. MERV 13 is the highest MERV value safe for residential furnaces; the higher ratings are used primarily in commercial units.
Are pleated 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. … A decent amount of those pollutants cycle back through the system into your home so that you breathe them in.
What is the MERV rating for Filtrete filters?
Basic DustMicro Allergen Defense* MPR Rating:3001000MERV Rating:511** Efficiency:34%88%Pressure Drop:0.230.23What MERV rating can my HVAC handle?
The ideal MERV filters for both air filtering and furnace efficiency are 7-13, experts say. These filters can be used without any modifications to your equipment. Your system may handle MERV 14-16 with no discernable stress.
What MERV rating does Trane recommend?Clear The Air’s Trane Perfect Fit Merv 11 replacement filters effectively remove 91% of airborne particles. Our Merv 11 filter eliminates allergens such as dust mites, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, dust, and smog.
Article first time published onWhat MERV rating does Bryant recommend?
We typically suggest something around a MERV rating of 7-8 for one or two inch furnace filters. If you or someone in your home have severe allergies and you’d like to improve your filter system contact Bryant Air Conditioning, Heating, Electric & Plumbing for more information.
Are Filtrete filters pleated?
Filtrete™ Basic Air Filters capture large airborne particles. Available as pleated or flat panels, these non-electrostatic home air filters capture lint and household dust. CUT-TO-FIT FILTERS AVAILABLE for all sizes up to 20 in.
Why are air filters pleated?
By pleating the media, these filters can have an increased surface area and density while minimizing the reduction in airflow. In other words, pleated filters can collect more particles than standard throwaway filters without increasing your air conditioner’s energy consumption.
Which is better fiberglass or pleated air filter?
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.
What MERV rating is HEPA?
All HEPA filters have a rating of a MERV 17 or higher. A HEPA filter with a MERV 17 rating will trap 99.97% of air particles that are 0.3-1.0 micron in size and an even better % of particles below 0.3 microns and above (HEPA filters are rated at their worst performance).
Can I use a MERV 12 filter in my furnace?
The short answer is that it can, but it’s not really an issue except under extreme circumstances. Most modern HVAC systems have no problem working with higher MERV filters, which is why millions of homeowners depend on them.
Is MERV 14 too high?
MERV 14 is too strong for most home HVAC systems. Explore our MERV 13 Titanium filters to find a size that fits your home. … In other words, it’s a measurement showing how small the holes are in the filter. The higher the MERV number, the smaller the holes, and the less that can pass through.
Do pleated air filters restrict 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.
Will MERV 8 hurt my furnace?
When in doubt, choose a MERV 8 to MERV 10 filter rated for high airflow, so it won’t damage your furnace or air handler.
What MERV rating should I get for home?
Using an air filter with a MERV rating of about 5 to 8 is appropriate for most residential homes. MERV 5 – MERV 8 filters provide good filtration and will remove most pollen, mold spores, and dust mites.
Are Filtrete filters fiberglass?
What is the difference between fiberglass filters and Filtrete filters? Fiberglass filters were originally developed to protect your furnace and/or air conditioning system. They were not intended to improve your indoor air quality. … The real difference is the electrostatic charge found in most Filtrete Filters.
What MERV rating is filtrete 600?
Attribute NameValueFilter Life3 monthsMERV RatingMERV 7MPR Rating600Overall Thickness (Imperial)1 in
Is filtrete a good filter?
1-inch Air Filters CR’s take: The Filtrete 1900 Maximum Allergen Reduction filter is impressive at removing dust, pollen, and smoke from the air when the HVAC system is running on its highest fan speed, earning an Excellent rating in that test. … In both cases, air flow through the filter is strong.
Can you use a MERV 13 filter in a Trane furnace?
Clear The Air’s Trane Perfect Fit Merv 13 filters are the best possible choice in residential HVAC filtration. … This filter is the ideal choice for asthmatics.
What size filter does a Trane xr80?
Air Flow ConfigurationCabinet WidthFilter Size(s)Upflow17-1/2″17x25x1Upflow21″20x25x1 (bottom)Upflow24-1/2″24x25x1 (bottom)UpflowAll17.5x25x1 (side)
Do Trane AC units have filters?
The trane air handler filter is usually located in the return air duct or blower compartment before the return air reaches the trane air handler. This allows the filter to clean the air coming from your house before it enters the Trane AC unit.
What does MERV stand for?
Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, or MERVs, report a filter’s ability to capture larger particles between 0.3 and 10 microns (µm). This value is helpful in comparing the performance of different filters.
Are carbon furnace filters worth it?
Even if you don’t notice any odors, using a carbon air filter can remove harmful VOCs from your home’s air. Harmful pollutants such as odors and gases will slip right through high-MERV and HEPA filters. Even if you use an efficient pleated air filter in your home, carbon air filters will still provide benefits.
Is higher MERV better?
MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, and it’s used to tell you how well an air filter can catch particles in your home’s air. The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient the air filter is at catching harmful pollutants in your home’s air.
Why are furnace filters pleated?
A pleated air filter is mode of a wire back synthetic media that traps and absorbs more particles than spun fiberglass. The air filters increased quality cause it to have a higher price range than lower style filters.
What is 3M Filtrete?
Filtrete™ Brand is a premiere 3M Brand helping improve indoor air quality for your family. For nearly 25 years, Filtrete™ Filters have delivered cleaner air to millions of homes, becoming a leader in residential air filtration. As a result, Filtrete is the most trusted filter brand in America*.