Will MERV 13 damage my furnace?
MERV 13 is the highest MERV value safe for residential furnaces; the higher ratings are used primarily in commercial units. If you are wondering what MERV to try, keep these recommendations in mind; ASHRAE recommends MERV 6 or higher. US Department of Energy recommends MERV 13.
Does MERV 11 hurt HVAC?
In particular, using an air filter with a MERV rating that's too high can damage the compressor, heat exchanger, and air conditioner coil. In most cases, a MERV 11 air filter isn't too high for residential use.
Is a MERV 13 air filter good?
A MERV 13 filter is a step in the right direction and captures more particles than a typical MERV 8 filter. However, it is not as good at capturing small virus sized particles like a HEPA can. A MERV 13 will trap less than 75% of air particles that are 0.3-1.0 micron in size (the coronavirus is 0.1 microns).
How high MERV Can my furnace handle?
If your family has health or allergy issues, then you may want to look for a high-efficiency filter that's MERV 11 or higher. But for most households, a MERV 7 or 8 filter might be the sweet spot between performance and cost.
Is MERV 13 too restrictive for residential?
Filters within a MERV rating of 17-20 are almost never necessary in a residential home. A MERV rating of 13-16 is considered hospital level air quality, so it is unlikely your home needs any more than that.
Does MERV 13 catch asbestos?
Filters rated 13-16 capture particulates down to 0.3 microns. This includes bacteria, some viruses, most insecticide dust, sneezes, asbestos and much more. Keep in mind that air filters in this range may impede airflow to the point of straining the HVAC system.
Do higher MERV filters restrict airflow?
Generally, a filter with a higher MERV rating will reduce airflow. However, there are many other factors at play such as the size of the filter and the type of blower motor in your HVAC system. Filters for central HVAC systems are usually the primary form of particle removal for residential and commercial buildings.
What MERV is best for home?
In general, the best MERV rating for a home is somewhere between 8-10. These filters will capture a large portion of the airborne particles and improve indoor air quality without making your energy costs rise significantly.
Does MERV 13 filter mold?
MERV 13 Air Filter While a MERV 13 filter can catch dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria, it can also filter out smoke, smog, and even virus carriers. In fact, there aren't many airborne particles that a MERV 13 air filter can't catch.
Is MERV 8 or 13 better?
You're better off purchasing MERV 8 filters and changing them more often. That's because not only are the 13s higher in price, they need to be replaced more often. They remove dust and allergens so well that they pack with dust much faster than a standard MERV 8.
Is MERV 11 or 13 better?
MERV 11 furnace filters have a particle arrestance of a little over 90%. In comparison, MERV 13 HVAC filters have a particle arrestance of around 98%. Naturally, it is significantly more efficient. MERV 11 rated air filters are ideal for those who live in a moderately polluted area, have mild allergies, or own a pet.
Can filter be too strong for furnace?
When it comes to high-efficiency filters, such as the HEPA filter, you can have too much of a good thing. Too strong a filter can damage your HVAC system.
Is MERV 11 too high for home?
Increased usage can lead to more wear and tear, so make sure to regularly maintain your furnace. MERV 11 filters however, are not considered to be too high for residential use. Anything higher than a MERV 11 is designed for commercial or households with family members suffering from respiratory issues.
Is MERV 11 A good furnace filter?
The MERV 11 will increase indoor air quality by removing 85% of micron sized contaminants in the air which maintains the efficiency of the HVAC unit. It is also highly recommended if there are pets in the home which can greatly reduce the air quality indoors.
Is MERV rating/11 good?
MERV 11 filters are more efficient than MERV 8 filters as they can capture smaller particles. They offer additional protection from pet dander, dust mites, auto-emissions, and lung-damaging dust. This is a good option for households with pets or those looking for even better air quality than the MERV 8 can provide.
Can a higher MERV rating restrict airflow?
Generally, a filter with a higher MERV rating will reduce airflow. However, there are many other factors at play such as the size of the filter and the type of blower motor in your HVAC system. Filters for central HVAC systems are usually the primary form of particle removal for residential and commercial buildings.
Why are MERV filters higher?
Typically the more expensive these filters get, the higher the MERV rating because the ability to catch smaller particles increases with more restriction (smaller holes for the air to pass through).
When will the new HVAC codes come into effect?
The 2019 codes that went into effect on January 1 st, 2020, mandate that new construction homes have HVAC systems that use MERV 13 air filters. What is MERV?
What happens when a firebox overheats?
In the heating season, the firebox or heat exchanger can overheat so much that it cracks open. The firebox is a hollow metal cabinet or set of tubes that keep the spent gasses from the flame inside of it. The heat carried inside the tubes or cabinet stays inside too.
Is a higher MERV filter bad?
Good luck with your decision to use higher MERV filters in the future. They certainly aren’t a bad thing . Reducing the number of dirty particles for the air in your home is a very common request. It’s just important to make sure the rest of your system is set up to handle the increased restriction the filters create.
Does a MERV filter freeze up?
That temperature is based on a certain amount of warm air flowing across that coil and the refrigerant running through the copper tubing of that coil. With a higher MERV filter reducing the airflow through this crucial part of the air conditioning system, the cold coil can eventually freeze up into an ice ball, restricting airflow altogether.
Why upgrade to MERV 13?
Below you will find six reasons why upgrading your to MERV 13 filtration may compromise overall HVAC ventilation performance, provide inadequate filtration, and how portable purification controls can bridge the gap to give adequate indoor air quality.
Where is MERV 13 air filter tested?
The California Energy Board arranged to have a laboratory testing study of MERV 13-rated air filters performed at PG&E’s Applied Technology Services facilities in San Ramon, CA . The testing was performed per the procedures specified by ASHRAE Standard 52.2. The testing compared MERV 13 Filters varying in ratings, brands, and sizes to determine the average pressure drop with implementing the higher resistance filtration.
How does ventilation improve air quality?
Improved ventilation improves indoor air quality and increases overall occupant health and wellness. In a study conducted by Underwriter Laboratories (UL), indoor environmental quality directly impacts an individual's health, leading to increased performance, productivity, and reduction in sick days.
Is an HVAC system expensive?
HVAC system upgrades are extensive and costly to achieve the same efficiency and performance of an in-room portable air purifier to meet the minimum operational reopening guidelines for improving indoor air quality.
Is it safe to use portable air filtration?
While upgrading filtration with an HVAC system helps capture particulate from the air, on its own, it is not enough to provide safe and clean air. The CDC recommends using portable air filtration, also known as air purification systems, to enhance air cleaning.
What is a MERV 13 filter?
MERV 13 filters help protect against the spread of bacteria, sneeze particles, smoke, and virus carrying germs. If your commercial space offers any type of health or medical services, speak with an HVAC specialist about your special needs.
What is MERV rating?
This is a simple system for rating a filter’s ability to capture particles based on their size.
What does a MERV 8 filter capture?
A MERV 8 rated filter captures at least 84.9% of particles between the sizes of 0.3 and 10 microns. This is typically good enough to get the job done for the average home.
What is the difference between a Merv 11 and a Merv 8 filter?
This may not seem like a significant difference compared to the MERV 8 filter, but a MERV 11 is also more capable of capturing between 65% and 79% of smaller particles.
What is the MERV rating of an air filter?
The air filter MERV rating indicates whether the filter will capture particles at a rate of between 84.9% to 90%. While that doesn’t sound like a huge difference, it is quite significant.
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Does Los Angeles have a MERV filter?
If you live in a smog city or otherwise poor air quality space, install a higher MERV rated filter in your home. Homeowners in rural areas are often shielded from pollutants with a MERV 8 filter.
What is the difference between a MERV 6 and a MERV 8?
The scaling of MERV is not linear; the difference between a MERV 6 and a MERV 8 is nearly double in the percentage of particles captured. Be aware that as the MERV rating increases, the filter gets more restrictive and it will take more pressure and energy to push air through.
Why use MERV 8 filters?
Technology for HVAC units has progressed since and most modern units of the last few years should be capable of a MERV 8 filter at the least. But older units may not be capable of enough air pressure to force air through a higher efficiency filter . Trying so could cause significant issues as well as a need for repairs.
Why is a higher MERV filter important?
A consequence of a very effective air filter is the speed with which it can load with pollutants and begin to increase pressure drop. This is just fancy talk for "the filter catches more stuff so it clogs faster.".
What happens if you put dust in your HVAC system?
Dust and dirt on critical parts of your HVAC system will increase demand on your system, which can lead to repair and maintenance bills that you’re not looking to pay.
What happens if you leave a clogged air filter?
If you leave a clogged filter unchanged for a long time, that's when you can start to see issues with resistance to airflow. This is, of course, a very easy issue to prevent. Just remember to change the filter and you're good to go.
Is MERV scaling linear?
The scaling of MERV is not linear; the difference between a MERV 6 and a MERV 8 is nearly double in the percentage of particles captured. Be aware that as the MERV rating increases, the filter gets more restrictive and it will take more pressure and energy to push air through. .
Is a low efficiency air filter better than a no filter?
These filters are certainly better than no filter at all, but that is not saying much. . Ironically, the effectiveness of low-efficiency air filters increases as the filter loads up with dirt and dust. There are two problems, though.
What is the MERV rating for HVAC?
Some homeowners want cleaner air, so they buy an HVAC filter with a high " MERV rating. " This rating, which ranges from 1-20, represents how well filter can catch smaller airborne particles ("1" meaning it can only catch large airborne particles, "20" meaning it can catch very small airborne particles.) Here's the problem: Some filters ...
Why is a dirty air filter bad?
According to ENERGY STAR: “A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool—wasting energy. A clean filter will also prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system — leading to expensive maintenance and/or early system failure.”.
Does leaving an air filter in the return duct hurt the system?
When you leave it in your return duct for too long and it gets caked in dirt, it’s no longer working efficiently. Not only that, it’ s actually hurting your heating and cooling system and raising your energy bills. According to ENERGY STAR:
Can a high MERV filter cause a high energy bill?
Here's the problem: Some filters with a high MERV rating can drop air pressure in your duct system, which can increase energy bills and damage your HVAC system. For example, let's say you have a pleated filter that's 1-inch thick and has a 13 MERV rating.
Why is MERV 13 used?
MERV 13 can restrict airflow in your HVAC system. This is because MERV 13 furnace filters have high levels of pressure drops. Pressure drops are used to measure the extent to which a furnace filter can restrict the flow of air in your HVAC system. The higher the pressure drop, the bigger the capacity of the furnace filter to restrict the flow ...
What is the difference between a Merv 13 and a 14 air filter?
Therefore, you will hardly realize a difference in the air filtration performance of MERV 13 and MERV 14 air filters. MERV 13 furnace filters can attract and trap very tiny solid contaminants. They can trap contaminants that are as small as 0.3 microns wide. For example, such furnace filters can trap microparticles from cooking oil, ...
Does MERV 13 Restrict Airflow?
MERV 13 can restrict airflow in your HVAC system. This is because MERV 13 furnace filters have high levels of pressure drops. Pressure drops are used to measure the extent to which a furnace filter can restrict the flow of air in your HVAC system.
Why does my HVAC system overwork?
When the HVAC system overworks, it consumes a higher amount of power than when it is working ideally. This means that you will end up paying more for power when you use a high MERV rating furnace filter that restricts the flow of air in your HVAC system. Furthermore, airflow restrictions may damage your HVAC system.
How many microns does a MERV 13 filter trap?
For example, a MERV 13 air filter can trap contaminants ranging from 0.3 to 1.0 microns. This means that if you install such a furnace filter, the indoor air in your premises will be free of all small contaminants that usually cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to them.
What is a MERV 11?
MERV 11 is suitable for trapping contaminants that measure between 1.0 and 3.0 microns in diameter. Such contaminants include smoke from vehicles, dust from a humidifier, and droplets from aerosols. MERV 11 is perfect for high-end residential and commercial buildings. This is because its ability to remove over 80% of small-sized contaminants is ...
Why install a 11 MERV filter?
This is because its ability to remove over 80% of small-sized contaminants is suitable for such places. Thus, when you install an 11 MERV furnace filter in your home, you will enjoy an exceptionally high level of Indoor Air Quality.
