To filter the airborne particles that carry COVID-19, leading health and engineering organizations like the EPA and ASHRAE recommend a minimum filter rating of MERV 13.
No, a MERV 11 filter is typically not too high for a home. It is widely considered a "sweet spot" for residential use, providing excellent filtration against pet dander, pollen, and dust mites without severely restricting airflow in most properly sized, healthy systems.
What filter removes viruses? HEPA filters and MERV 13–16-rated filters are most effective at removing virus-sized particles from the air, especially when used in well-maintained systems.
When used properly, air purifiers can help reduce airborne contaminants including viruses in a home or confined space. However, by itself, a portable air cleaner is not enough to protect people from COVID-19.
Choose MERV 11 if you have pets, allergies, or want cleaner air, as it filters finer particles like pet dander and smoke. Choose MERV 8 if you have no allergies, pets, or are on a budget, as it provides better airflow and protects your HVAC system without risking restriction.
No, MERV 8 filters are generally not too restrictive for most HVAC systems and are considered the sweet spot for balancing air filtration and system airflow. They provide effective protection against dust, lint, and pet dander without placing excessive strain on the blower motor, making them suitable for most homes.
Whether your HVAC system can handle a MERV 11 filter largely depends on its design, the thickness of the filter, and your maintenance habits. While MERV 11 provides excellent filtration for dust and allergens, it has a tighter weave than standard filters, which creates more air resistance (pressure drop).
Wash their clothes, towels and bedding separately from anyone else's. Clean and ventilate the home: The virus can linger in the air, and on surfaces. Clean everything the sick person might have touched or worn when they were in the early stages of getting sick, or when they were contagious before developing symptoms.
COVID-19 can linger in the air in a room for minutes to several hours. The exact duration depends heavily on ventilation, room size, and humidity. Smaller aerosol particles remain suspended for a long time, allowing the virus to spread beyond an infected person's immediate vicinity.
Cleaning is an important first step to make sure you remove most germs from surfaces in your home. Using household cleaners that contain soap or detergent will remove germs and dirt on surfaces. Cleaning alone removes most harmful viruses or bacteria from surfaces.
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.
The $5,000 rule is a guideline to help homeowners decide whether to repair or replace their HVAC system. You multiply the age of your unit by the cost of the needed repair. If that number exceeds $5,000, replacing your HVAC system is often more cost-effective.
Prevention steps and strategies
Upgrade central HVAC filter efficiency to a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV)-13 or better.
You should change your MERV 11 air filter every 2 to 3 months. Because MERV 11 filters are high-efficiency and trap very small particles, they can get clogged more quickly than basic filters.
A filter with a MERV rating that is too high for your residential HVAC system can severely restrict airflow. This restriction puts unnecessary strain on your system, much like a clogged filter does. It can lead to reduced efficiency, increased energy costs, and potential long-term damage.
Not changing your filters on time can lead to airflow problems, rising energy bills, indoor air quality issues, and a total system failure. The key is to check and change the filter regularly so buildup never gets out of hand.
Throw out all of the trash.
For anyone who is ill in your home, try dedicating a lined trash can for that one person's use. It's a good idea (and a CDC precaution for all cleaning and disinfecting during a time of virus) to wear gloves when you are removing or handling any trash bags.
COVID-19 symptoms typically appear 2–14 days after exposure. This is called the incubation period, which is the time between exposure to an infection and the appearance of the first symptoms. You can be contagious 1–2 days before symptoms begin, which is why the virus can spread so easily.
Ensuring proper ventilation with outside air can help reduce indoor airborne contaminants, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and other viruses.
The COVID virus has more success surviving on hard surfaces, such as glass and plastic, than on porous ones like bedding. Once the virus lands on a porous material like a fabric, the droplets evaporate much quicker than they do on a hard surface.
Moreover, herbal infusions using sage and perilla showed a potent anti-viral effect via the activation of the heme oxygenase 1 enzyme (HMOX-1), leading to a reduction in oxidative stress, thus an inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication [27].
Your chances of catching COVID-19 if a housemate has it range from 20% to over 40% depending on the variant, making household transmission one of the most common ways the virus spreads. However, infection is not guaranteed, and your personal risk drops significantly if you take preventative measures.
For most homes in good condition, MERV 11 is not too restrictive. A quality pleated MERV 11 filter balances airflow and filtration, reducing allergens without harming efficiency when changed on schedule.
A good MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating for residential HVAC systems is typically between 8 and 13. MERV 8 filters capture basic particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander and are adequate for most households.
Yes, you can use a MERV 11 filter in most homes, as it is excellent for capturing pet dander, pollen, and smog. However, because it is denser than standard filters, it may restrict airflow. Check your HVAC manual to ensure your system can handle a MERV 11 rating.