MERV 13 - 16 The MERV scale stops at 16 so this is the most efficient you can get outside of a HEPA filter. These filters have a lot of stopping power so they will catch the most amount of pollutants and allergens in your HVAC system. These filters are recommended to be changed every year.
MERV 14 is too strong for most home HVAC systems.
Explore our MERV 13 Titanium filters to find a size that fits your home.
The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioner Engineers (ASHARE) recommends a MERV 6 or higher. Most people go with a MERV 8 filter. Most residential areas can remove contaminants with MERV 8 to MERV 13, while most hospitals use MERV 14 to MERV 20.
Changing MERV 13 filters every 30 days to 90 days is ideal, depending on use and other factors. While some larger 4” pleated filters can technically last up to six months between changings, the truth is that it depends on a variety of factors.
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.
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.
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.
A higher MERV rating isn't always better. While higher-rated filters can trap more particles, they can also put additional strain on your HVAC unit and cause your energy bill to go up. In most situations, a filter somewhere in the middle is more than sufficient.
The standard recommendation is to change your furnace filter every 1-3 months, depending on the type of filter you have and the conditions within your home. For instance, if you have pets or if someone in your household has allergies, you may need to change the filter more frequently to ensure optimal air quality.
Though the appearance of mold will vary depending on what type it is, it shouldn't be too hard to identify. Watch for green, yellow, black, or white stains developing on your AC system's walls and air filter that display a fuzzy, velvety texture.
MERV Rating 14-20
These filters offer the highest level of filtration and are not usually needed for regular homes and businesses. An air filter with a MERV rating of 14-20 can remove smoke, bacteria, carbon dust, and viruses from the air. Highly rated filters like these are often used for hospitals and laboratories.
What kind of filter should I use in my home HVAC system to help protect my family from COVID-19? Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, or MERV, reports a filter's ability to capture particles. Filters with MERV-13 or higher ratings can trap smaller particles, including viruses.
In most cases, a MERV 11 air filter isn't too high for residential use. Generally speaking, anything under a MERV 13 air filter should provide very efficient air purification in a home without impacting airflow.
Opting for higher-rated MERV filters necessitates regular HVAC system checks to ensure it operates efficiently without undue strain. Filters with a rating of 14 or above are typically intended for commercial or industrial settings, requiring systems with robust airflow capabilities.
For most homes, a MERV rating between 8 and 13 strikes the perfect balance between filtration, airflow, and cost.
MERV rating 13-16
MERV 13-16 filters are capable of trapping 90% or more of particles in the 1.0-10.0 micron range. MERV 13 will prevent less than 75% of the 0.3-1.0 micron particles from passing through, MERV 14 will get up to 84%, MERV 15 up to 94% and MERV 16 can trap 95% or more of the smallest particles.
Expensive air filters are made from higher-quality materials, like fiberglass, that can last for up to 12 months. This not only saves you money, but it's also more convenient since you won't have to remember to replace your air filters as often.
The colder it gets outside, the faster your filter will get clogged with dirt. That's why it's extra important to check on your filter every month during winter. Your furnace's fan is set to “on.” If the fan setting on your thermostat is set to “on” instead of “auto,” your furnace's fan will constantly be running.
The danger of not changing the air filter in the house for a long time is that it will eventually lead to furnace damage. This means that the entire system will get destroyed by the excess heat. Replacing the entire system can cost you enormous amounts of money, and it's almost the same as buying a new HVAC unit.
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.
MERV 13 filters typically need to be changed every three to six months. However, the frequency with which you need to change your filter depends on a number of factors, including: The type / brand of filter you're using. The size of your HVAC system.
A MERV rating between 9-12 or even higher would be good if someone in your family suffers from allergies or asthma. A MERV 11 filter can trap particles such as dust, dust mites, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, lint, and larger particles.
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.
ASHRAE has similar guidance, which is to "use combinations of filters and air cleaners that achieve MERV 13 or better levels of performance for air recirculated by HVAC systems." The simplest way to meet this guidance is to use a MERV 13 filter in your appropriately-designed HVAC system, if the system is able to ...
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.