What MERV Rating Should I use?

Have you ever found yourself staring at a wall of air filters in the store, wondering what on earth "MERV" means? You’re not alone! There are so many options available, and choosing the right air filter for your home can be overwhelming. The MERV rating is important because of how effectively it can capture airborne particles. And let's face it, we all want to breathe cleaner air, right?

But before you grab the filter with the highest MERV rating and call it a day, there are a few important things to consider. Let’s dive in and help you find the perfect MERV match for your needs!

Key Takeaways

■ MERV ratings help you understand the level of filtration to expect when choosing a filter.

■ MERV rating can be selected depending on your health concerns, the presence of pets in home, as well compatibility with HVAC system.

■ MERV ratings range from 1-16, and the higher the rating, the more it filters the air.

What is MERV?

MERV stands for minimum efficiency rating value. It’s a nationally recognized measurement system that’s used to rate every air filter. The rating is based on the filter’s ability to catch particles of a specific size.

The MERV rating range is 1-16, with 1 being the lowest and 16 being the highest.

MERV Ratings: The Pros and Cons

When it comes to choosing a MERV rating, understanding the trade-offs can help you make the best choice. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common MERV ratings and their benefits:

MERV 1-4: These filters are the most basic and most inexpensive. However, they only capture larger dust and pollen particles. They’re suitable for homes without pets or allergy concerns. They tend to be flimsy and have to be changed out more frequently than other filters.

MERV 5-8: A step up, these filters capture smaller particles and are good choice of filter for some homes. They offer better indoor air quality without a significant impact on airflow. Choosing a MERV 8 over a MERV 6 offers a substantial increase in air filtration efficiency, as is a great choice for homes that want the best efficiency at a cheaper price.

MERV 9-12: Ideal for homes with pets or people with allergies, these filters catch even smaller particles, including mold spores and fine dust.

MERV 13: These high-efficiency filters are often used in hospitals and commercial buildings. They capture bacteria and smoke particles but may reduce airflow if your system isn’t equipped for them.

Anything above MERV 13: Used in clean rooms and laboratories, these filters trap even the tiniest particles. They’re not typically necessary for homes and the downsides is that they require powerful HVAC systems, making them practically impossible for home use.

Finding the Best MERV Rating for Your Home

Choosing the right MERV rating for your home involves considering several factors:

Your Local Environment: You’ll want to consider the environment you live in to determine how much filtration your home needs. For example, if you live in a dusty area or near a busy road, a higher MERV rating may be beneficial.

HVAC System Usage: This kind of goes without saying, but the more you use your HVAC system, the more often you’ll need to replace the filter. Therefore, homes that use their AC all the time will need to think about changing their filters more often or buy a higher efficiency air filter that can hold more dirt over time.

Health Considerations: Homes with people who have respiratory issues, like allergies or ashtma will benefit from higher MERV-rated filters. Or homes with more vulnerable populations like elderly or young children.

Pets and Smokers: If you have pets or smokers in the house, a higher MERV rating can help reduce odors and dander, and filter out that smoke for the health of others.

Budget: And of course, higher MERV ratings typically come with a higher price tag, so find a balance that works for your budget.

So which MERV should you use?

For most homes, a MERV rating between 8 and 13 strikes the perfect balance between filtration, airflow, and cost. A MERV 11 filter, for instance, can last up to six months and offers excellent air cleaning without putting too much strain on your HVAC system.

Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing MERV Ratings

Is MERV 11 Too High for Home?

A MERV 11 is not too high for home use unless your HVAC unit is older. Make sure to check with your HVAC manual to see what MERV filters are recommended.

What is the Best MERV Rating to Use?

The right MERV rating for you would depend on what your requirements are. Make a list of what your concerns are then use the chart to decide. For most homes, a rating of MERV 8-13 is a good start to keep your air healthy.

Does MERV 11 Restrict Airflow?

It depends. A MERV 11 filter can restrict your airflow more than filters with lower ratings. This isn't a problem per se, but it will force your HVAC system to work harder if it's not designed to handle it.

How Do I Choose My MERV Rating?

Take into account the air quality in your home, any allergies you may suffer from and also how powerful your HVAC system is when deciding on a MERV rating. Long-story-short, higher ratings catch more particles but can restrict airflow and efficiency.

Does MERV 11 Hurt Your HVAC?

MERV 11 won’t hurt your HVAC unit unless your system is not designed to handle higher MERV ratings. In this case, a higher air filter like MERV 11 could potentially damage it. You should check the maximum MERV rating that your system allows on your unit’s manual.

Do I Need a MERV 11 Filter?

You may not need a MERV 11 filter or higher unless you have specific air quality issues or allergies. For the average household, a MERV 8 air filter can be good enough. You’ll want to think about factors like how often you want to change your filters and what type of material do you want filtered out of your air.

What Is the Best MERV Rating for a Residential Home?

The best MERV filter for a home is typically between 8 and 13. With the right media, this strikes a good balance of air filtration and efficiency.

Do Higher MERV Filters Restrict Airflow?

The higher a MERV filter, the more it filters the air with better efficiency. This means that a higher MERV will restrict airflow. However, unless your system is older, this might not be an issues for your home. It depends on how much filtration is important to you over system energy efficiency. Decreased airflow means the system could be working harder.

What Is Better MERV 8 or 11?

In general MERV 11 is a better filter than MERV 8. However, whether MERV 8 or 11 is better for your home solely depends on your needs. MERV 11 filters out more particles but can restrict airflow more than MERV 8.

Can An Old Furnace Handle MERV 11?

It depends on your system. A MERV 11 filter can be difficult for an old furnace to manage. You should ensure you check the specifications of your system before adding a high MERV filter.

How Often Do You Change MERV 11 Filters?

Generally 1-3 months. The frequency for changing MERV 11 filters depends on your home's air quality and your HVAC system usage, but generally, you should change them every 3 months.

Does A Higher MERV Make the AC Work Harder?

Potentially, yes. The higher MERV rating could make your AC work harder, as the filter is more dense and the system will have to work harder to push the air through the filter. This may decrease the lifespan and efficiency of the system if your unit isn’t built to handle this type of filter.