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Upgrading Filtration in Your HomeThe Right Way to Increase MERVBack to HVAC 101
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TL;DR - What You'll Learn
✔ Upgrading to a higher-MERV filter starts with evaluating your HVAC system—not buying a new filter.
✔ Airflow testing and ductwork evaluation determine whether your system can safely support better filtration.
✔ The best filter is the highest-efficiency filter your HVAC system can handle without restricting airflow.
✔ Upgrading to a higher-MERV filter starts with evaluating your HVAC system—not buying a new filter.
✔ Airflow testing and ductwork evaluation determine whether your system can safely support better filtration.
✔ The best filter is the highest-efficiency filter your HVAC system can handle without restricting airflow.
Many homeowners looking to improve indoor air quality assume the next step is buying a higher-MERV filter. Sometimes that's the right answer. Sometimes it isn't.
As we discussed in Understanding MERV Ratings, a higher-MERV filter can capture smaller airborne particles—but it also creates more resistance to airflow. Whether your HVAC system can safely support that additional resistance depends on how the entire system is designed and installed. That's why we don't recommend filtration upgrades based on the filter alone. Because your home is a system, changing one component can affect the performance of the whole. That's why we evaluate your HVAC system before recommending a filtration upgrade.
Upgrading Filtration Starts with Testing
Before recommending higher-MERV filtration, we want to answer one question: Can your HVAC system move enough air with a more restrictive filter?
The only way to know is through inspection and testing.
Every home is different. Two houses with the same size air conditioner may have completely different ductwork, return air capacity, airflow, and static pressure. One system may be ready for a filtration upgrade today, while another may need improvements before a higher-MERV filter makes sense. That's why Bluebonnet A/C Services follows a step-by-step evaluation process before recommending filtration upgrades.
The only way to know is through inspection and testing.
Every home is different. Two houses with the same size air conditioner may have completely different ductwork, return air capacity, airflow, and static pressure. One system may be ready for a filtration upgrade today, while another may need improvements before a higher-MERV filter makes sense. That's why Bluebonnet A/C Services follows a step-by-step evaluation process before recommending filtration upgrades.
Step 1: Visual Inspection and Testing Plan
The first step in determining the best filter upgrade plan for your home is a full visual inspection of the HVAC system and ductwork.
When our technicians visit your home, Bluebonnet AC Services begins with a detailed inspection to identify potential airflow restrictions before any testing begins. During this inspection we look for:
This inspection allows our team to determine what testing will provide the most useful information about your system. If the ductwork appears older or poorly sealed, Bluebonnet AC Services may recommend additional testing before upgrading filtration.
When our technicians visit your home, Bluebonnet AC Services begins with a detailed inspection to identify potential airflow restrictions before any testing begins. During this inspection we look for:
- Undersized return ducts
- Damaged or disconnected ductwork
- Signs of duct leakage
- Filter size and location
- Return grille size and placement
This inspection allows our team to determine what testing will provide the most useful information about your system. If the ductwork appears older or poorly sealed, Bluebonnet AC Services may recommend additional testing before upgrading filtration.
Step 2: System Testing
After the inspection, Bluebonnet AC Services performs system testing to measure airflow and system performance.
At a minimum, this includes Total External Static Pressure (TESP) testing. Static pressure measures the resistance the blower must overcome to move air through the HVAC system. One way to think about it is blood pressure for your HVAC system. If static pressure is too high, the system may experience:
Testing ensures we’re working with real system performance data instead of guesswork
At a minimum, this includes Total External Static Pressure (TESP) testing. Static pressure measures the resistance the blower must overcome to move air through the HVAC system. One way to think about it is blood pressure for your HVAC system. If static pressure is too high, the system may experience:
- Reduced airflow
- Higher energy consumption
- Increased equipment wear
- Uneven comfort throughout the home
Testing ensures we’re working with real system performance data instead of guesswork
Step 3: Ductwork Adjustments
Once testing is complete, Bluebonnet AC Services can make targeted improvements to help your system support better filtration. Common adjustments include:
Increasing filter surface area allows air to move through the filter more easily, reducing pressure drop while still improving filtration. For many homes, these improvements allow the system to safely support better filtration for your home.
- Sealing ductwork to prevent air leaks
- Adding additional return ducts to improve airflow
- Increasing return grille size to increase filter surface area
Increasing filter surface area allows air to move through the filter more easily, reducing pressure drop while still improving filtration. For many homes, these improvements allow the system to safely support better filtration for your home.
Step 4: Ductwork Redesign (If Needed)
In some homes, the duct system may simply be too undersized or outdated to support higher-performance filtration. This often happens when:
In these cases, Bluebonnet AC Services may recommend a ductwork redesign to improve system performance. A properly designed duct system can improve:
- The home has been remodeled
- Rooms have been added
- Walls have been removed
- HVAC equipment was replaced but ductwork was never updated
In these cases, Bluebonnet AC Services may recommend a ductwork redesign to improve system performance. A properly designed duct system can improve:
- Airflow balance
- Energy efficiency
- Indoor comfort
- Filtration performance
What Is the Best Filter for Your Home?
The answer depends on how your HVAC system is designed. For many Austin homes, the best filter is:
In other words, the best filter for Austin is one your system can support safely
Bluebonnet AC Services can evaluate your system and help determine which filtration level will work best for your home.
- MERV 8 filters for systems designed for standard airflow
- MERV 11 filters or higher for systems that can support higher filtration
In other words, the best filter for Austin is one your system can support safely
Bluebonnet AC Services can evaluate your system and help determine which filtration level will work best for your home.
The Takeaway
Improving HVAC filtration can help reduce airborne contaminants like dust, pollen and allergens inside your home. But the safest path forward usually includes:
• Inspecting the duct system
• Testing static pressure and duct leakage
• Sealing or adjusting ductwork
• Redesigning ducts when necessary
If you're trying to find the best filter for your Austin home, Bluebonnet A/C Services can inspect your system, perform the necessary testing, and recommend the right filtration strategy. Call 512-470-6240 or book online to schedule an evaluation.
• Inspecting the duct system
• Testing static pressure and duct leakage
• Sealing or adjusting ductwork
• Redesigning ducts when necessary
If you're trying to find the best filter for your Austin home, Bluebonnet A/C Services can inspect your system, perform the necessary testing, and recommend the right filtration strategy. Call 512-470-6240 or book online to schedule an evaluation.