Articles

Will an Aircon Filter Reduce My Airflow? The Honest Numbers

October 3, 2026

One of the most common questions we get before someone buys an aircon filter is simple: will it reduce my airflow? It is a fair question. Your aircon needs air moving through it to do its job, and nobody wants a filter that makes their room feel stuffy. Here are the honest numbers.

Key takeaways

Any filter adds some resistance to airflow. The question is how much.
Flair Filters reduce airflow by only 5 to 15%, adding just 2 to 6 pascal of resistance.
Max Airflow typically reduces only around 5% of airflow while filtering 65% of pollution.
High Filtration filters up to 90% of pollution, for the cleanest possible air.

Does an aircon filter reduce airflow?

Yes, a little. Anything placed in the path of air adds some resistance, and that is true for every filter. What matters is how much. A well designed filter captures as many particles as possible while letting air pass through easily.

Flair Filters reduce airflow by only 5 to 15%, adding just 2 to 6 pascal of resistance. We publish these numbers because we think you should know exactly what you are putting in your aircon.

Why electrostatic filters keep airflow strong

Flair Filters are made from electrostatically charged nonwoven polypropylene. Instead of relying only on a dense barrier to physically block particles, the charged fibres attract particles as air passes through. This lets the filter capture small particles while maintaining good airflow.

High Filtration vs Max Airflow: which should you choose?

We make two filters so you can choose the balance that suits your home:

Max Airflow

Typically reduces only around 5% of your airflow
Filters 65% of pollution from your air
Ultra thin and light on your aircon
Best if keeping airflow as strong as possible is your priority

High Filtration

Filters up to 90% of pollution
Captures particles of 0.3 microns and above
Best if cleaner air is your top priority

Keep airflow consistent with regular replacement

Flair Filters are designed for single use and should be replaced every 2 months for best results. Each aircon needs 2 filters, so a 12 pack covers one aircon unit for 12 months. With automatic reminders, you will know when it is time to swap in fresh filters.

Noticed your aircon blowing weaker than it used to? Read Why Your Aircon Blows Less Air Over Time.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Flair Filter reduce airflow?

Across our range, Flair Filters reduce airflow by only 5 to 15%, adding just 2 to 6 pascal of resistance. Max Airflow typically reduces only around 5%.