Washable air filters have a MERV rating of 1-4. A rating of 1-4 means the filter only captures particles larger than 10 microns. Pollen, dust mites and lint are all 10 or more microns in size, so a washable filter could prevent those types of debris from circulating in your HVAC system.
MERV ratings indicate the capabilities of a furnace filter — how strong it is, what kind of particulates it can trap etc. Washable air filters are only available in MERV ratings 1 to 4.
A: Our current recommendation is to use a filter with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 13, but a MERV 14 (or better) filter Is preferred. Of course, the ultimate choice needs to take the capabilities of the HVAC systems into consideration.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Furnace filters with a MERV 8 rating or higher can effectively remove pet dander from the air. On average, MERV 8 filters remove 85% of large air particles and 50% of small particles. The higher you go the better the filtration will be, but we don't recommend going higher than MERV 13.
Washable filters generally fall very low on the scale, with MERV ratings between 1 and 4. That means they aren't very effective at capturing the microscopic particles that tend to decrease your home's indoor air quality. Disposable filters have a wide range of MERV ratings, typically ranging between 4 and 12.
MERV 11 is still highly effective for homes, filtering common allergens and larger particles. Choosing between them depends on your system's capacity and air quality needs—MERV 13 if air quality is a priority, MERV 11 for balanced filtration and airflow.
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.
Simply put, the biggest edge a HEPA 13 filter has over a washable type is its incredible effectiveness in purifying the air. It's a powerful way to maintain indoor air quality and ensure that it's safe to breathe, giving it a serious leg-up over washable filters.
If you have electrostatic or washable filters, they should be washed, dried, and re-installed once a month. The washable filters are more eco-friendly and, if cleaned and reused appropriately, can last 5 to 10 years.
One disadvantage of the highest MERV rated filters is that: The pressure drop across high MERV filters is more.
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.
MERV 8: This is the most standard size of filter for residential homes. They can capture up to 85% of all large particles and 50% of smaller ones, like lint, household dust, pollen, and mold spores.
The higher MERV rating could make your AC work harder, as the filter is more dense and the system will have to work harder to push the air through the filter. This may decrease the lifespan and efficiency of the system if your unit isn't built to handle this type of filter.
Expensive air filters, on the other hand, are more efficient at trapping particles. This means that fewer harmful contaminants can enter your system, and you'll be able to enjoy better indoor air quality.
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.
Because not all HVAC systems can use HEPA filters, air filters with a MERV rating of 13 to 16 are the best option to trap pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and dust mites, and they're highly effective for reducing allergens and improving indoor air quality.
It's also difficult for many existing HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems to adopt a MERV 13 due to the increased load on the fan from the finer filter media, which can actually cause more harm than good as well as reducing airflow if your system isn't designed to handle that type of filter.
How Often Do I Need to Change Out My Air Filter? Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days, or 3 months. That can change based on where your home is located (ex. dusty, dry climates), if you have any pets, and the age of your system and equipment.
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.