Filters with a MERV rating of 8-13 are usually higher-end filters for home use or high-quality commercial filters. These filters are typically the right choice for use in homes and many businesses.
12 MERV is on the high end, and may be appropriate. 5 is on the edge of the lowest end considered effective, BUT if you have an older system and are changing them often, this actually may be ideal. Next you'd have to factor in if you have allergies, climate, do you have pets, how often are your windows open, etc.
MERV rating 9-12
Filters in this range can trap more than 85% of the particles sized 3.0-10.0 microns. 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%.
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.
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.
Restricted airflow can decrease comfort, increase energy use, and accelerate the wear and tear of HVAC components. In particular, using an air filter with a MERV rating that's too high can damage the compressor, heat exchanger, and air conditioner coil.
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.
A common question among homeowners is, “What is the max MERV for a home?” Generally, a MERV rating up to 13 is typically the upper limit for most homes. Using filters with a MERV rating higher than this can be too restrictive, potentially impeding airflow and straining your HVAC system.
They are best for people who have severe allergies or a compromised immune system. Understanding the difference between MERV 12 and MERV 13 is crucial, as MERV 13 filters provide better filtration efficiency, capturing smaller particles that MERV 12 filters may miss.
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.
One disadvantage of the highest MERV rated filters is that: The pressure drop across high MERV filters is more.
Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days, or 3 months. That can change based on where your home is located (ex. dusty, dry climates), if you have any pets, and the age of your system and equipment.
MERV 11 is made of a thicker filter material than MERV 8. This means that more energy will be consumed to allow enough air to pass through. This increase in energy will cause a slow but inevitable deterioration of the HVAC components which is why you must maintain your furnace as often as you can.
MERV 5-8 filters need to be changed roughly every 3 months. MERV 9-11 filters require replacement every 6 months. MERV 12-16 filters should be replaced about every 9 months.
Because not all HVAC systems can use HEPA filters, air filters with a MERV rating of 13 to 16 are the best option to trap pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and dust mites, and they're highly effective for reducing allergens and improving indoor air quality.
Well, MERV ratings range from 1 to 20, with 1 being the lowest level of filtration, and 20 being the highest. Filters that are MERV 16 through 20 are usually only found in hospitals, cleanrooms, and nuclear power plants. The home air filters you're looking for have a MERV rating anywhere between MERV 5 and 13.
ASHRAE currently recommends using a minimum MERV 13 filter, which is at least 85% efficient at capturing particles in 1 µm to 3 µm size range. A MERV 14 filter is at least 90% efficient at capturing those same particles.
MERV filters come in various ratings, with higher numbers indicating better filtration. A higher air filter MERV rating means it traps smaller particles, even microscopic bacteria and viruses, but it also restricts airflow and requires proper ductwork in order for your equipment to operate properly.
MERV 13 Air Filters
Filters with higher ratings are intended for healthcare and laboratory environments with excellent air quality and HVAC systems that can handle highly efficient filters. Using a filter above MERV 13 in a home is unnecessary and can restrict airflow and damage the HVAC system.
Comparison Between MERV 11 and MERV 12
Likewise, MERV 12 filters catch about the same types of particles. The difference between 11 and 12, therefore, is quite negligible. We do not carry MERV 12; MERV 11 does just as good a job.
A good MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating for residential HVAC systems is typically between 8 and 13. MERV 8 filters capture basic particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander and are adequate for most households.
While higher MERV ratings are effective at capturing smaller particles, they also create more resistance. This can lead to reduced airflow and potential damage to your HVAC system.
HEPA filters are not MERV-rated because they exceed the ASHRAE Standard rating system. Informally, however, if HEPA filters were to receive a MERV rating, they would rate roughly at MERV 17 or higher.
MERV 12 Pleated Air Filters Plus Carbon
Constructed with electrostatically charged synthetic materials, these filters also feature an activated carbon layer that helps reduce common household odors from pets, cooking, smoke, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).