A MERV 8 filter is considered suitable for residential settings, capturing particles like pollen, dust mites, and mold spores. MERV 11 filters are more efficient, capturing additional particles such as pet dander, smoke, and smog, making them better for individuals with allergies or respiratory issues.
Filters with MERV ratings from 5 to 8 are good at trapping mold spores, dust mite and debris. This range, which includes MERV 8 air filters, is commonly used in residential HVAC systems. MERV ratings from 9 to 12 are typically used in residential and commercial settings.
Applicable in most commercial buildings, residences, industrial workplaces and paint booths. MERV 8 filters have 90 percent efficiency on particles that are 3 to 10 micrometers in size. MERV 1 to 4 – effective at controlling larger particles such as, sanding dust, spray paint dust, lint and carpet fibers.
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.
MERV 8 filters equate to an MPR of 600 and an FPR of 5. MERV 10 is equivalent to an MPR of 1000 and FPR of 6. MERV 11 is equal to FPR of 7. MERV 12 is the same as MPR of 1900 and FPR of 8 or 9.
For most homes, a MERV rating between 8 and 13 strikes the perfect balance between filtration, airflow, and cost. A MERV 11 filter, for instance, can last up to six months and offers excellent air cleaning without putting too much strain on your HVAC system.
Similar to the previous MERV filters, it is often recommended to replace MERV 8 filters every 90 days. As a side note, make sure to replace you air filter with the right air filter size.
MERV 8: Less restrictive, allows for better airflow, holds up to the light and you can see through it. MERV 11: More restrictive, captures smaller particles, builds up debris faster, and increases pressure drop.
If there are no pets, people with health concerns in the household, or excessive outdoor pollution, MERV 8 is probably sufficient. If you require better filtration and your air conditioning system can handle it, MERV 13 may be a better option.
One disadvantage of the highest MERV rated filters is that: The pressure drop across high MERV filters is more.
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.
HEPA filters are not MERV-rated because they exceed the ASHRAE Standard rating system. Informally, however, if HEPA filters were to receive a MERV rating, they would rate roughly at MERV 17 or higher.
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.
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.
While you may automatically think that a higher MERV rating means a better air filter, that's not always the case. Higher MERV ratings aren't always necessary and can decrease your unit's efficiency. The best MERV rating will be the one that suits your needs and lets your unit run efficiently.
HEPA Filters
With a MERV rating nearing 16, HEPA filters provide the highest protection for your home. They're able to remove even the smallest microns or airborne particles, including tobacco and bacteria. Those who live with allergies or other respiratory issues may benefit from HEPA filters the most.
Yes, a MERV 8 filter is generally considered good enough for most homes, especially those without special air quality needs. MERV 8 filters are capable of capturing common airborne particles such as pollen, dust mites, and mold spores, which are the primary concerns in typical residential settings.
Air filters with a MERV rating of 8 are capable of removing larger particles, such as pet hair, dust, and pollen. However, for pet owners, it's recommended to choose a filter with a higher MERV rating, such as 13, as it can capture smaller particles like pet dander, bacteria, and virus-carrying particles.
If you are looking for a filter that can efficiently capture large particles, then MERV 13 is a good option. If you are looking for a filter that can efficiently capture smaller particles, then HEPA may be a better option.
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.
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.
According to the ASHRAE, the best rating for residential HVAC systems is MERV 13. But before you upgrade your filter, make sure your specific system can accommodate that rating. A higher MERV rating often means lower airflow, which can cause the system to work harder—use more energy—to do its job.
MERV 8 filters capture a significant portion of large particles but are not highly effective against finer smoke particles or smaller airborne contaminants.
Those with an 8 rating achieve about 70-85% efficiency for particles sized between 3.0 to 10.0 microns. In contrast, rated-11 filters boast higher efficiency, capturing up to 85-95% of particles in that range and even smaller ones down to 1.0 microns.
Different MERV 8 Filters do not perform in the same way on all particle size ranges. Pleated filters have far higher efficiency on medium sized and small sized particles than polyester pads or ring panels. The ASHRAE 52.2 test method is designed to measure the fractional efficiency of a filter by particle size.