Impact of High-Efficiency Filter Pressure Drop on the Energy Performance of Residential Energy Recovery Ventilators

Suh-hyun Kwon, Beungyong Park and Byoungchull Oh ()
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Suh-hyun Kwon: Division of Architecture, Mokwon University, Daejeon 35349, Republic of Korea
Beungyong Park: Department of Building and System Engineering, Hanbat National University, Daejeon 34158, Republic of Korea
Byoungchull Oh: Research and Development Division, International Climate & Environment Center, Gwangju 61954, Republic of Korea

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 16, 1-12

Abstract: As the importance of both indoor air quality (IAQ) and energy efficiency grows in residential buildings, the application of air filters in energy recovery ventilators has become essential. However, high-efficiency filters such as MERV 12 inevitably increase the pressure drop, adversely affecting the airflow, fan energy use, and heat exchange balance. This study quantitatively investigates how different levels of filter resistance—from clean conditions to 200% dust loading—affect system airflow, static pressure, exhaust air transfer, and power consumption. A standardized dust loading procedure was adopted to simulate long-term use conditions. The results show a 37% reduction in net supply airflow under heavily clogged filters, while the unit exhaust air transfer ratio increased from 7.2% to 17.7%, exceeding compliance limits. Surprisingly, electrical energy consumption decreased as the fan load dropped with the airflow. Despite an increase in the apparent heat exchange efficiency, this gain was driven by return air recirculation rather than true thermal effectiveness. These findings highlight the need for filter performance-based ERV certification and operational strategies that balance IAQ, energy use, and system compliance.

Keywords: energy recovery ventilator (ERV); filter pressure drop; energy efficiency; filter; test (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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