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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
For most homes, a rating of MERV 8-13 is a good start to keep your air healthy.
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 is the highest MERV value safe for residential furnaces; the higher ratings are used primarily in commercial units.
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.
Final answer: Windows are the parts of a home that most readily lose or gain interior heat due to their lesser insulating properties compared to other home areas.
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.
MERV Rating
A rating between 1 and 4 will protect your HVAC system, but will not improve air quality. A rating between 5 and 13 is useful in fighting mold, pet dander, bacteria, and some viruses. Anything rated at a 14 or higher has the highest efficiency. This includes True HEPA Filters.
The disadvantage of the highest MERV-rated filters is that the pressure drop across them is significant, which can reduce airflow, increase energy consumption, and lead to wear on HVAC systems. This means while they effectively trap more particles, they also create challenges for air circulation.
While a filter with a higher MERV rating could provide better filtration, it's important to recognize that too high a MERV could cost you more in terms of your heating and air conditioning system. The higher the MERV, the more restrictive the airflow is through the device, causing the equipment to work harder.
A higher MERV rating isn't always better. While higher-rated filters can trap more particles, they can also put additional strain on your HVAC unit and cause your energy bill to go up. In most situations, a filter somewhere in the middle is more than sufficient.
You might be surprised to learn that this isn't often the case. It's important not to choose an air filter that exceeds the recommended MERV rating your HVAC system is designed to handle. In most cases, choosing high-MERV air filters will be detrimental to your HVAC system's performance.
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.
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.
MERV ratings for air filters range from 1-16 with the higher ratings being more effective at filtering pollutants. In general, HVAC professionals will recommend MERV filter ratings between 8 and 13 for home use. This is because the higher the MERV rating, the more an air filter can restrict airflow.
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.
Filters rated 13-16 capture particulates down to 0.3 microns. This includes bacteria, some viruses, most insecticide dust, sneezes, asbestos and much more. Keep in mind that air filters in this range may impede airflow to the point of straining the HVAC system.
That's why Lowe's offers a wide selection of house air filters to suit your needs. We even carry air purifier filters for your air purifier. Whether you call it a furnace filter, heater filter or A/C filter, the job is the same: to filter the air you breathe.
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.