A MERV 11 is not too high for home use unless your HVAC unit is older. Make sure to check with your HVAC manual to see what MERV filters are recommended.
MERV 11 should be ok - using a filter with too high a MERV rating with a system that isn't designed for it can cause issues due to increased static pressure.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It's essential to note that air filters with a higher MERV rating may not be appropriate for use with your furnace. Depending on your unit, a high MERV rating can be too restrictive and may affect your HVAC system's overall performance.
If you are wondering what MERV to try, keep these recommendations in mind; ASHRAE recommends MERV 6 or higher. US Department of Energy recommends MERV 13. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, LEED recommends a minimum of MERV 8.
MERV filter rating system: Compares the arrestance value of 12 different ranges of particle size. One disadvantage of the highest MERV rated filters is that: The pressure drop across high MERV filters is more.
Sometimes, a MERV 11 filter may be too restrictive, particularly for older or smaller HVAC systems not designed to handle the increased pressure drop. If you notice that airflow has diminished or your HVAC unit is cycling on and off more frequently, these could be signs that your filter is too restrictive.
The general best practice is to use the thickest air filter you can for maximum efficiency. BUT, never try to force an air filter to fit into a space that it isn't designed for. If you try to use a 4-inch thick air filter for a system that's made for a 1-inch thick filter the efficiency will actually be worse.
The higher-rated filter also captures up to 50 percent or greater of the smallest particles floating through the air. The primary benefit when comparing a MERV 11 vs. MERV 13 filter is that the latter includes stronger protection against airborne bacteria and viruses that spread through droplets in the air.
HVAC System Compatibility
MERV‑8 filters are among the most popular choices because they strike a balance between performance and adaptability, fitting most systems without modifications. However, it's worth noting that filters with higher MERV ratings can restrict airflow.
Although air vent filters reduce dust, the main disadvantage of using a dust vent filter is that airflow is restricted, making your HVAC system work harder. Your unit uses more energy and might overheat when it operates harder.
Not sure what is right for your system? We typically suggest something around a MERV rating of 7-8 for one or two inch furnace filters. If you or someone in your home have severe allergies and you'd like to improve your filter system contact Bryant Air Conditioning, Heating, Electric & Plumbing for more information.
Designed with exclusive Filtrete™ 3-in-1 technology, including a high MPR 1500 and MERV 12 rating, your AC filter will help pull and capture countless microparticles – such as pet dander, smoke, bacteria and up to 54% of virus airborne particles (1) – while letting cleaner air flow through.
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.
As a rule of thumb, our suggested MERV rating for furnace filters runs from 6 to 8 for a great balance between top furnace efficiency and home comfort. Choosing the best MERV rating for a furnace filter has a major impact on your indoor air quality, your HVAC system and, most important, your family's well-being.
If you're looking for an air filter that will provide the best possible protection for your HVAC system and improve your indoor air quality, then an expensive air filter is the way to go. However, if you're on a budget, a cheap air filter can still provide some benefits.
Although some older HVAC systems may be strained and experience less airflow with pleated filters, most HVAC systems today have had advancements so that the performance is unaffected by pleated filters.
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.
For a furnace to work properly, it should always be equipped with a clean, working filter. As we'll see, a dirty filter can cause problems, and so can having no filter at all. When it's cold outside, many of us rely on furnaces to heat our homes.
Changing a furnace filter is simple. First, make sure your furnace is turned OFF so it doesn't blow air when you remove the filter. Next, locate the filter housing on your furnace. This is different for each model, but you can normally find it between the air intake and the furnace.