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.
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.
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.
The abbreviation stands for Minimum Effective Reporting Value. In other words, it's a measurement showing how small the holes are in the filter. The higher the MERV number, the smaller the holes, and the less that can pass through. Ultimately, this is what makes MERV 14 filters not a good choice for home use.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 ...
A MERV 13 rating has a high level of filtration. It's able to catch small particles. Even microns as small as 0.3 to 1.0. A MERV 13 filter catches dust, pollen, mold, bacteria and viruses.
Most modern HVAC systems have no problem working with higher MERV filters, which is why millions of homeowners depend on them. The primary risk with high-efficiency air filters comes from them being left unchanged for long periods of time.
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.
A filter with a MERV rating of between 1-6 can remove particles anywhere between 0.3 to 10 microns with an effectiveness of 20%. It can remove small particles such as dust mites, spray paint dust, carpet fibers, and pollen.
This will vary depending on your HVAC system. Still, a MERV value of 9 to 12 is generally recommended for most household HVAC systems. You can also consult your HVAC system's owner's manual to determine the appropriate MERV rating for your system.
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.
The middle-efficiency range of MERV 5-10 likely requires filter changes somewhere around two or three months. However, this mid-range really varies depending on other factors and filter material. Air filters with a MERV 11 rating or higher rating can usually go between three and six months before replacing.
For most homes, a rating of MERV 8-13 is a good start to keep your air healthy.
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.
Determining the Right MERV Rating for Your HVAC System
In general, most homes will do well with a filter rated between MERV 8 and 13. These filters can remove most unwanted particles without increasing the energy consumption of the unit.
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.
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.
To determine the best MERV rating for your home and HVAC system, start with the owner's manual. Look in the manual for the listed maximum MERV rating. Using a filter with a value higher than the recommended limit immediately affects the system's efficiency and will ultimately lead to costly future repairs.