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.
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 won't hurt your HVAC unit unless your system is not designed to handle higher MERV ratings. In this case, a higher air filter like MERV 11 could potentially damage it.
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 it is true that the more the air filter traps the more effective it is at capturing more particles; it will eventually become too loaded, at which point, the airflow could be zero and extremely restrictive. Which is not recommended, and could cause increased energy bills, and undue wear on your HVAC unit.
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.
Decreased Acceleration and Power
One of the first signs of a clogged intake air filter is a noticeable decrease in acceleration and power. If your car feels sluggish or struggles to pick up speed, it could be due to restricted airflow caused by a dirty filter.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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%
Pleated air filters can restrict airflow to some extent due to their denser construction and larger surface area. Non-pleated air filters generally have lower airflow resistance compared to pleated filters.
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.
Just about the worst thing you can do for your home HVAC system is replace your filter with a 3M/Filtrete Micro-pleat filter. I have never seen one that did not restrict airflow to dangerous levels.
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.
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%.
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.
One disadvantage of the highest MERV rated filters is that: The pressure drop across high MERV filters is more.
Since they can catch bacteria, mold and fungi, MERV 11 filters can prevent contaminants from circulating in your home's air. MERV 11 filters are especially useful if your household has … Allergy sufferers: MERV 11 filters can trap pet dander, pollen, dust and mold.
If you don't change your air filter, it can quickly become clogged with dust and debris, preventing proper air filtration. This leads to a variety of issues for your HVAC system including system inefficiency, higher energy bills, inadequate air quality, and ultimately failure.
A contaminated air filter can restrict engine airflow, resulting in a rich air/fuel mixture. This results in incomplete combustion and an engine misfire. A rich fuel mixture can also foul the spark plugs, causing a misfire. An engine misfire can greatly increase vehicle emissions.