what does the merv number mean on air filters

What's the difference in MERV ratings for air filters?

An air filter's minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating measures how effectively the filter stops dust and other contaminants from passing through the filter and into the air stream. Filters with higher MERV ratings trap small particles more effectively than filters with lower MERV ratings.

Will a Higher MERV filter affect my air flow?

This is mainly because a filter with a large face area will minimize pressure drops. The efficiency of the air filter. The MERV rating has an indirect impact on airflow. Generally, filters with higher MERV values will have less airflow. Blower motor type.

What is the difference between Merv 11 and MERV 13?

The MERV 11 filter is better at capturing pet dander and bacteria from sneezes. It also provides additional protection against smoke, smog, or automobile exhaust fumes that may seep in from the garage. What does a MERV 13 filter capture? A MERV 13 rated filter captures 90% or better of particles between the sizes of 0.3 and 10 microns. The higher-rated filter also captures up to 90 percent or better of smaller particles floating through the air.

What does the MERV rating on a filter indicate?

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, and it's used to tell you how well an air filter can catch particles in your home's air. MERV 5–8 (good): These filters are better at catching small particles (3–10 microns) like mold spores, hair spray, dust mites and animal dander.

What is a good MERV rating for filters?

between 8-10In 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.

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.

Is MERV 8 or 11 better?

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.

What is better higher or lower MERV?

To determine resistance, filters use the MERV rating system. In short, the higher the MERV rating is, the more resistant the filter is.

Is MERV 11 too high for home?

In most cases, a MERV 11 air filter isn't too high for residential use. Generally speaking, anything under a MERV 13 air filter should provide very efficient air purification in a home without impacting airflow.

Will MERV 13 hurt my HVAC?

MERV 13 air filters are the highest-rated air filters for home use. Any air filter with a rating higher than 13 will restrict air flow to the point of which could cause damage to your HVAC system, resulting in an added expense to fix it.

Is MERV 12 too high for HVAC?

These high-quality filters trap particles as small as one micron, including Legionella and humidifier dust. MERV 9 to 12 filters are the best filters that a residential HVAC system will accommodate without serious system modifications.

What MERV rating can my HVAC handle?

Using an air filter with a MERV rating of about 5 to 8 is appropriate for most residential homes. MERV 5 – MERV 8 filters provide good filtration and will remove most pollen, mold spores, and dust mites.

What is the most common MERV rating?

MERV 8 filterIn the U.S., the MERV 8 filter has proven to be the most common filter on the market.

Is there a downside to high MERV filters?

The higher MERV filters have higher resistance. When you add more resistance, you can get a bigger pressure drop across the filter. And that's where the problems begin. The blower in the furnace or air handler is rated for a certain amount of pressure drop.

Can I use 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.

What filter should I use in my furnace?

The higher the MERV, the better the filter. Typical MERV ratings for residential furnace filters are between 6 and 12. If you're concerned about indoor air quality, the Environmental Working Group recommends a MERV 10 or higher.

Are MERV 13 filters effective against coronavirus?

What kind of filter should I use in my home HVAC system to help protect my family from COVID-19? Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, or MERV, reports a filter's ability to capture particles. Filters with MERV-13 or higher ratings can trap smaller particles, including viruses.

How often should MERV 13 filters be changed?

every 3 monthsFor Merv 8, 11 and 13 filters, we recommend that you change your filter at least every 3 months, however changing your filter every 2 months provides better filtration which provides healthier and cleaner air in your home.

Is MERV 12 too high for HVAC?

These high-quality filters trap particles as small as one micron, including Legionella and humidifier dust. MERV 9 to 12 filters are the best filters that a residential HVAC system will accommodate without serious system modifications.

What is the most common MERV rating?

MERV 8 filterIn the U.S., the MERV 8 filter has proven to be the most common filter on the market.