If you want your air to at least be cleaned and handle dust, mold, pollen, and bacteria, then a MERV 8 will do the job. Having pets would require a MERV 10 to manage their dander, which tends to have smaller particles than the pollutants previously discussed.
MERV 8 filters are affordable and provide decent filtration for general use, while MERV 10 filters offer higher efficiency, making them ideal for individuals with specific air quality concerns, such as allergies or respiratory issues.
While HEPA filters might provide superior filtration, they can often be costly and may require professional installation. MERV 8 filters provide adequate filtration for most households at a reasonable cost. They are easy to replace which makes them a convenient option for many homeowners.
However, it's worth noting that filters with higher MERV ratings can restrict airflow. While filters rated 13 or below generally don't strain most HVAC systems, those rated above 10 might require professional installation.
Best Air Filter for Your Home
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.
For instance, MERV 8 filters catch larger particles and are less restrictive, while MERV 11 filters catch smaller particles and are more restrictive. This means MERV 11 filters not only have higher initial resistance but also build up additional resistance faster as they capture more debris.
As with MERV 13 filters, it is often recommended changing MERV 10 filters every 30 days to 90 days.
For most homes, a rating of MERV 8-13 is a good start to keep your air healthy.
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.
MERV 11 filters are especially useful if your household has … Allergy sufferers: MERV 11 filters can trap pet dander, pollen, dust and mold. Heavy smokers: If your home is full of smoke, MERV 11 filters can catch the particles to help you breathe easier.
Suitable for Most Homes: MERV 8 filters are effective at capturing larger particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander. For many homes, especially those without specific indoor air quality concerns, MERV 8 filters strike a good balance between filtration and airflow.
This is the recommended bare minimum for home HVAC systems. A MERV 8 filter is going to reduce a majority of pollutants but does not catch the smaller pollutants and allergens that could circulate in your air. It is recommended that this kind of filter be replaced every 90 days.
A MERV 8 filter captures most household dust, pollen, and pet dander. Filters rated MERV 8 are an excellent choice for homes without air quality concerns like allergies or respiratory health complaints.
Air filters with higher efficiency ratings may do a better job clearing the air. Still, they'll also force your HVAC system to work harder, resulting in performance challenges and higher energy bills.
One disadvantage of the highest MERV rated filters is that: The pressure drop across high MERV filters is more.
A 1” MERV 13 pleated filter has a pressure drop of around 0.27, and a 1” MERV 8 has a pressure drop of around 0.14.
The scaling of MERV is not linear; the difference between a MERV 6 and a MERV 8 is nearly double in the percentage of particles captured. Be aware that as the MERV rating increases, the filter gets more restrictive and it will take more pressure and energy to push air through.
Is there a big difference between MERV 8 and MERV 11? Yes, there is a noticeable difference between MERV 8 and MERV 11 filters. While both can effectively capture common airborne particles, MERV 11 filters are better at trapping smaller particles like pet dander, smoke, and some bacteria.
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.
While the highest MERV ratings are the most effective for air quality, they can harm your HVAC system. A higher MERV rating means a higher resistance, which means less airflow. When researching HVAC systems, airflow will come up a lot.
MERV 10 rating: Reduces up to 85% of airborne particles as small as 1 micron including: Dust and Lint, Dust Mite Debris, Pollen, Pet Dander, Mold Spores, Bacteria, Virus Carriers, as well as Most Smoke and Smog.
FPR 4-5 (Good): Dust, link, dust mites, larger pollen particles, and pet dander. FPR 6-7 (Better): All of the above as well as bacteria and mold spores. FPR 8-9 (Best): All of the above plus smoke, smog, and allergens. FPR 10 (Premium): All of the above and odor causing particles.
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%.
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.
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.