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Ever wonder if your home's HVAC filter can do more than just catch dust bunnies and pet hair? Especially during cold and flu season, it's natural to look for extra ways to protect your family from airborne illnesses. The good news is your HVAC system can be a powerful ally in this fight.
The quick answer is yes, an HVAC filter can help reduce the spread of colds, flu, and RSV but the key is using the right one. A high-quality pleated HVAC filter is your home's first line of defense, capturing many of the tiny airborne particles that carry viruses. Upgrading from a basic fiberglass filter to a pleated filter with a MERV rating between 8 and 13 is a simple and effective step toward cleaner, healthier air year-round.
When someone who is sick coughs, sneezes, or even talks, they release tiny respiratory droplets into the air. These droplets can carry viruses like influenza and RSV, floating around until they are inhaled by someone else. Think of your HVAC filter as a net. As your system circulates air, it pulls these particles through the filter, which traps them before they can be recirculated back into your home.
The effectiveness of this "net" depends on its MERV, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The higher the MERV rating, the smaller the particles it can capture. According to ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers), a MERV 13 pleated filter or higher is recommended for effective virus mitigation in homes where the HVAC system can support it. These filters are dense enough to trap a significant portion of the virus-carrying droplets floating in your air.
While a higher MERV rating sounds better, it's not always the right choice for every home. Filters with MERV ratings of 14 or higher are so dense that they can restrict airflow, forcing your HVAC system to work harder. This can strain the motor, reduce efficiency, and even lead to system damage. For most residential systems, a MERV 13 filter is the sweet spot.
Here’s why MERV 8 to MERV 13 pleated filters are the go-to choice for homeowners:
At Filterbuy, we understand the importance of clean air for your family's health. Our U.S.-made pleated HVAC filters are engineered for reliability and performance. We offer a wide range of MERV ratings, from 8 to 13, ensuring you can find the perfect fit for your home’s HVAC system and air quality needs. Plus, our convenient auto-delivery service makes it easy to stay on top of filter changes, so your air stays clean season after season.
While a high-quality HVAC filter is your whole-home solution, a portable air purifier for colds and flu can provide an extra layer of protection in high-traffic areas. Most high-quality air purifiers use HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, which are even denser than MERV-rated filters.
A HEPA air purifier filter for flu can capture 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. Research from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Mayo Clinic confirms that HEPA purifiers can significantly reduce airborne virus concentrations in a room.
For the ultimate defense, consider using a HEPA air purifier for flu in bedrooms or living rooms while running a MERV 13 filter in your HVAC system.
A great filter is just one piece of the puzzle. To maximize your home's defense against sickness, follow these tips:
Upgrading your HVAC filter is a simple, effective way to help reduce the spread of airborne viruses like the cold, flu, and RSV. A MERV 8 to MERV 13 pleated filter strikes the perfect balance, capturing harmful particles while keeping your HVAC system running smoothly. By combining the right filter with other healthy home habits, you can create a cleaner, safer environment for your family.
Ready to upgrade your home’s protection? Shop Filterbuy’s selection of U.S.-made pleated filters today and breathe easier all season long.
Yes, high-quality HVAC filters, especially those with a MERV rating of 13, can capture airborne respiratory droplets that carry viruses, helping to reduce their circulation in your home.
A MERV 13 pleated filter is widely recommended as the best option for residential use, as it effectively captures smaller virus-carrying particles without overly restricting airflow in most systems.
Most modern HVAC systems can handle a MERV 13 filter, but it's always a good idea to check your system's manual or consult an HVAC professional if you're unsure.
During peak illness seasons, consider replacing your filter every 30-60 days to ensure it remains effective at capturing airborne contaminants.
Absolutely. Pleated filters have a much larger surface area, allowing them to capture more particles and last longer than cheap fiberglass filters.
Yes, an air purifier for flu with a HEPA filter is highly effective at removing airborne viruses like influenza and RSV from the air in a specific room.
HEPA filters are denser and capture more small particles than even a MERV 13 filter. However, they are typically used in portable air purifiers, while HVAC filters clean the air throughout your entire home.
Using a high-MERV HVAC filter for whole-home filtration and a portable HEPA air purifier for colds in high-traffic rooms offers the most comprehensive protection against airborne viruses.
