What does the term "straining" refer to in HVAC systems?

The term "straining" in HVAC systems specifically refers to the process of large particles being trapped by the fibers within the filter media. This action occurs as air passes through the filter, allowing the medium to capture and hold onto particulate matter that exceeds a certain size. The fibrous structure of the filter effectively creates a physical barrier that impedes larger contaminants while allowing air to flow through, thus improving indoor air quality and the efficiency of the HVAC system.

Straining is essential in ensuring that the filter can perform its intended function of protecting the HVAC components and providing clean air to the environment. Understanding this concept is critical for filtering applications, as it emphasizes the importance of selecting the appropriate filter media based on the specific particle sizes one aims to remove.