MERV is an abridgement for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value.

Your filters MERV rating tells you, on a calibration of i-16, how effectively your filter traps the small particles you don't want to circulate through your home such as grit, pollen, mold, and other irritants. The college the MERV rating, the more efficient the filter volition exist in trapping these airborne particles. Each filter's rating represents its lowest possible performance, meaning every MERV rating answers the question, "worst case scenario, how many particles will this filter trap?"

Should I Buy Filters with the Highest MERV ratings?

The MERV rating is calculated past comparing the filter's efficiency to the particle size it can capture. And then, while higher MERV ratings are more than efficient, the recommended MERV ratings for residential filters are between MERV 7 and MERV 13. Most airborne contaminants found in residential homes can be removed with an air filter within MERV 7 and MERV thirteen.

Furnace and air filters higher than MERV 13 are typically plant in a hospital surround, where air sanitation is of the highest importance. Most air filters of MERV 7 or college are effective at trapping dust, mold spores, tobacco smoke, pet dander, and pollen. A lot of homeowners don't pay attention to their filter MERV rating, simply if you're a person with pets or allergies, then it volition be beneficial for you to care more than. Higher-rated filters are benign to those who are chronically sick; take respiratory weather, or live with pets.

MERV Ratings Breakdown

MERV Ratings Chart

MERV 6-viii

Furnace filters with MERV ratings between half-dozen-8 are the cheapest ones and are considered the blank minimum of efficiency. MERV half-dozen-viii filters protect your HVAC organisation, but are not considered the most effective at communicable big portions of airborne particles. If anyone in your household suffers from allergies or asthma, yous should consider getting a higher MERV air filter. Filters with a MERV 6 rating are more affordable and will provide the bare minimum for a home without furry pets.

MERV eight-ten

These air filters are about mutual for use in residential homes and are withal relatively affordable.  MERV viii-10 filters capture more of the large particles and at to the lowest degree half of the smaller particles similar pollen, mold, and mildew spores. These air filters are also a more affordable option for allergy sufferers than college MERV filters. So, if yous're looking for a high-quality furnace filter that's not too expensive, and then a MERV 8-ten filter is worth considering.

MERV xi-13

MERV 11-thirteen air filters are somewhat of a middle ground between the cheap ones and the more expensive ones. They are efficient at capturing nearly all of the largest particles, as well equally most of the smaller ones. If you accept pets, a MERV 11-13 filter volition exist much more effective at cleaning your indoor air. These air filters provide highly effective residential air filtration for a much healthier animate environment.

MERV thirteen air filters are considered the best overall for residential HVAC systems. Schools commonly apply MERV 13 air filters to provide clean learning environments for their students and staff. Information technology's also worth noting that anything higher than MERV 13 is not recommended for residential use. MERV 13 air filters are highly constructive at removing a college range of particles including fume, bacteria and fifty-fifty some viruses. They're perfect for people who are prone to affliction and need the cleanest, most sterile environment possible.

MERV xiv and college

These air filters are incredibly efficient only are not recommended for residential use. They're large, bulky, and are designed primarily for heavy duty filtration in places such as medical facilities. Air filters with MERV ratings higher up thirteen too tend to restrict airflow because they accept smaller pores to capture smaller particles. A MERV fourteen or higher air filter can create more than resistance in airflow than a residential HVAC system is designed to handle. This reduction in the air flow to your HVAC system can worsen the air quality in your abode, likewise as put too much force per unit area on your AC system.

What MERV Rating Should I Use for My Furnace Filter?

Furnace Filter

Before shopping effectually for college efficiency air filters, it's important to remember that your filter and your furnace must work in harmony. Filters with higher MERV ratings may remove more than harmful contaminants from your domicile, but they can reduce the quality of the air you lot exhale if you select a filter with a MERV rating that's too efficient for your HVAC system. You'll also have to change these filters more than oftentimes than filters with a lower MERV rating.

At Minnick'southward, we provide the best heating, cooling, and air quality service available in Maryland and the surrounding area. Not sure which air filter is correct for your furnace? Contact united states of america online or callus at (301) 605-9112   and we'll be more than happy to help you out with whatever questions you may have about your HVAC system, especially your filter.

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