The MERV 11 air filter is the wrong choice for people who do not own pets and do not have any breathing trouble; this is because it can lead to restricted airflow. Air filters with higher ratings can also have negative effects on HVAC components.
Therefore, the very best MERV rating for you, whether you're deciding between 8, 11, or 13, depends on your specific needs and the capabilities of your HVAC system. Higher MERV filters capture more and smaller particles, but they also reduce airflow more.
Most residential homes use filters ranging from MERV 8 to MERV 13. MERV 11 falls comfortably within this range and provides a higher level of filtration than a MERV 8 filter while not being as restrictive as MERV 13.
For most homes, a rating of MERV 8-13 is a good start to keep your air healthy.
MERV 11 is generally not too high for most home HVAC systems and provides effective filtration, capturing smaller particles like pet dander, pollen, and mold spores. This level is beneficial for households with allergy sufferers or pets, as it improves indoor air quality.
A filter's pressure drop directly corresponds to a filter's air flow rate. The higher the pressure drop the more restrictive the filter is to air flow. The lower the pressure drop the easier it is for air to flow through the filter.
High-MERV filters increase the static pressure of your system, and if the ductwork is already marginal, this can cause the airflow to drop to a level where the temperature exceeds the furnace's limit.
Generally, this is how long a filter lasts based on MERV ratings: MERV 1-4 furnace filters should be replaced once a month. MERV 5-8 filters need to be changed roughly every 3 months. MERV 9-11 filters require replacement every 6 months.
This extra depth gives the filter more room for airflow. That means that as the filter collects dirt and other debris from your air, it won't restrict the airflow in your furnace as much. This prevents damage to the furnace and gives the filter itself a longer lifespan.
A MERV 11 filter is the most popular choice for residential homes. This type of filter can remove most of harmful contaminants from a home environment, including smoke, dust mites, pet dander, mold, pollen, dust and smog.
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.
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 11 and MERV 13 filters are specifically designed to trap and remove even the tiniest smoke particles from the air. These filters offer superior filtration capabilities and can help alleviate the negative effects of wildfire smoke on indoor air quality.
The primary drawback of high MERV filters is that the pressure drop across them is too high, which can lead to reduced airflow and increased energy consumption in HVAC systems. This resistance may strain mechanical components over time, potentially causing failure.
Can the air filters in your home negatively impact airflow? Unfortunately, they can. While most rely on air filters to help reduce indoor air pollution, some simultaneously reduce airflow either because they are dirty, inefficient or too efficient.
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. A MERV 11 filter is capable of filtering at the following rates: 0.30-1.0 size microns greater than or equal to 20%
Home air filter recommendations
Hog Hair Air Filters – These washable air filters are more efficient and longer-lasting than fiberglass filters. They also do not restrict the airflow to your system like 1-inch pleated filters.
What is the recommended MERV rating for home use? MERV ratings for air filters range from 1-16 with the higher ratings being more effective at filtering pollutants. In general, HVAC professionals will recommend MERV filter ratings between 8 and 13 for home use.
Opinions vary widely on the topic, but every professional agrees a good HVAC air filter is necessary for your home because they've seen all the problems that the wrong kind of air filter can create in a home's HVAC system. Burnt out motors and controls can result from too-restrictive filters.
Air filters with higher ratings can also have negative effects on HVAC components. The MERV 11 air filter is a safe option for residential use, and it usually does not cause restricted airflow.
One disadvantage of the highest MERV rated filters is that: The pressure drop across high MERV filters is more.
Superior Particle Capture: MERV 11 filters excel at capturing smaller particles, including mold spores, fine dust, and pet allergens.
1“ Throw Away Filter
1” throw away filters are typically a MERV 2 rating. Most Bard products can use either a 1” throw away or a 2” throw away filter. Upgrading from a 1” filter to a 2” filter will give you a higher filtration value. Remember to reference your manual for what your Bard product is capable of handling.
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.
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.