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.

What MERV rating filter should I use?

As a general rule, residences do not use higher than MERV 8 filters. We do recommend that everyone uses filters that have at least an 8 MERV rating. These filters will remove the majority of pollutants from your indoor air. ... MERV 13 to 16 ratings are usually reserved for filters for labs, hospitals, and operating rooms.

Is MERV 13 too high?

MERV is a good way to help judge the effectiveness of an air filter. ... In some cases, using an air filter that is too restrictive for your system may cause low air flow problems as well. MERV 13 is the highest MERV value safe for residential furnaces; the higher ratings are used primarily in commercial units.

Is MERV 11 or 13 better?

A MERV 11 rated furnace filter can trap the majority of harmful contaminants that are present in the air. ... A MERV 13 filter is capable of filtering out all particle impurities like dust, lint, pollen, mold, dust mites, pet dander, smog, and smoke. On top of this, it can also trap bacteria and viruses.

Do MERV 13 filters stop Covid?

Filters with MERV-13 or higher ratings can trap smaller particles, including viruses. Many home HVAC systems will have a MERV-8 filter installed as the default. ... By itself, using an upgraded HVAC filter is not enough to protect people from COVID-19.

What is a MERV Rating?

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How long do MERV 13 filters last?

For 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.

Can my HVAC handle MERV 11?

The short answer is that it can, but it's not really an issue except under extreme circumstances. Most modern HVAC systems have no problem working with higher MERV filters, which is why millions of homeowners depend on them.

Is MERV 11 too restrictive?

A MERV 11 air filter has a higher efficiency rating. Meaning, it can capture finer particles and clear more contaminants out of the air. ... In most cases, a MERV 11 air filter isn't too high for residential use.

Can I use MERV 12 instead of MERV 11?

MERV 12 filters trap 80 to 89 percent of average particles of 1.0 to 3.0 microns, with an average particle size efficiency of 90 percent or better. As you can see, they're pretty close. That's why you're just as good going with a MERV 11 as with a MERV 12. You will get decent results from either.

Do I really need MERV 13?

In most households, a MERV 11 filter provides enough purification to keep the home healthy. However, if someone in your home suffers from allergies, you probably want to go with a MERV 13. This can be pet allergies, pollen allergies, or even allergies to mold and dust.

Will MERV 13 hurt my HVAC?

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.

What MERV rating can my HVAC handle?

In general, filters with a rating of MERV 16 or below are considered to be HVAC-system-grade filters for residential, commercial and general hospital use. MERV 17 through MERV 20 filters are typically used in surgical operating rooms, clean rooms and other contexts that require absolute cleanliness.

What is MERV number?

MERV stands for “minimum efficiency reporting value” and the MERV rating is a measure of how effectively a filter removes particles from the air that passes through it. The higher the MERV rating, the more particles the filter will catch.

Is MERV 8 good enough?

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. MERV 9–12 (better): The best option for residential use.

Is MERV 5 too low?

Learn the basics of the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) system to choose the best filter for your air conditioner, heat pump or furnace. ... MERV 5 to 12 filters trap small to large particles, and shouldn't restrict airflow – if you regularly change the filter.

How do I know my MERV rating?

MERV ratings range from 1 to 20, with lower ratings denoting a lower-quality filter.

1. MERV 1-4 Filters: Filters with a MERV rating of 1 to 4 do little to trap harmful particles in your home's air. ...
2. MERV 5-8 Filters: MERV ratings of 5 to 8 indicate a medium-quality filter that's sufficient for most homes.

Is a MERV 12 filter good?

A filter with a MERV rating of around 10 to 12 is sufficient to remove most allergy-causing particles from your home's air. Most air filters that are able to remove common allergens will have the word “allergy” or “allergen” on their packaging.

Is MERV 13 the best?

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.

What is the difference between MERV 10 and MERV 11?

A MERV 9 will trap less than 50% of particles sized 1.0-3.0 microns, MERV 10 will stop up to 64%, MERV 11 will get up to 79%, and MERV 12 is capable of catching up to 89%.

Are HEPA filters bad for HVAC?

The Wrong High-Efficiency Air Filter Might Spell Disaster for Your HVAC System! ... 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.

Can I use a MERV 13 filter in my furnace?

The ideal MERV filters for both air filtering and furnace efficiency are 7-13, experts say. These filters can be used without any modifications to your equipment. Your system may handle MERV 14-16 with no discernable stress. However, many residential systems require modifications to pull air through these filters.

What MERV rating does Lennox recommend?

We advise buying no less than a MERV 13 if the system allows for it.

What is the best MERV rating for home use?

According to the ASHRAE, the best rating for residential HVAC systems is MERV 13. But before you upgrade your filter, make sure your specific system can accommodate that rating. A higher MERV rating often means lower airflow, which can cause the system to work harder—use more energy—to do its job.

What MERV rating is best for Carrier furnace?

Selecting a good quality filter with 12 – 16 MERV to remove a high percentage of offending particulates. Be sure to check your filter at a minimum of once per month.

What MERV rating does Rheem recommend?

4. What MERV rating does Rheem recommend? Rheem recommends filters of MERV 8 and above. This MERV level is strong enough to remove substances like pollen, dust mites, dust and pet dander from the air.