Upgrading to a filter rated MERV 13 or higher can be especially important during smoky periods to effectively remove fine particle pollution from smoke in the indoor air. Most furnaces and HVAC systems can accommodate a MERV 13 filter without creating equipment problems, provided that the filter is replaced frequently.
Because particles of smoke are quite small (typically 0.3 to 1.0 microns in size), an air filter with a MERV rating of 11 or higher is required to efficiently remove them.
You'll need a MERV 13 or higher filter for smoke removal. MERV 11 won't be able to filter it.
MERV Rating 14-20
These filters offer the highest level of filtration and are not usually needed for regular homes and businesses. An air filter with a MERV rating of 14-20 can remove smoke, bacteria, carbon dust, and viruses from the air. Highly rated filters like these are often used for hospitals and laboratories.
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.
The most effective type of air purifier to use to remove tobacco smoke is called a 'Hepa' air purifier ( Hepa stands for High Efficient Particulate Arrestor).
Filters rated MERV 8 are an excellent choice for homes without air quality concerns like allergies or respiratory health complaints. A MERV 11 filter, in contrast, provides enhanced filtration by capturing a greater percentage of smaller particles, including vehicle emissions, bacteria, and mold spores.
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 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.
MERV 14 is too strong for most home HVAC systems.
Explore our MERV 13 Titanium filters to find a size that fits your home.
The medium-MERV filters we recommend, rated MERV 8 to 13, are typically an opaque white, felt-like in texture, and pleated like an accordion. In our guide to furnace and air-conditioning filters, our recommendation is a MERV 12 filter from Nordic Pure. A six-pack typically costs about $55.
Use the highest fan setting during smoke events: Air purifiers are tested and report the CADR based on the highest fan setting. During a smoke event, run your air purifier as often as possible on the highest fan setting to help ensure you are getting the appropriate CADR filtration.
If your family has health or allergy issues, then you may want to look for a high-efficiency filter that's MERV 11 or higher. But for most households, a MERV 7 or 8 filter might be the sweet spot between performance and cost.
MERV 11 and MERV 13 filters are specifically designed to trap and remove even the tiniest smoke particles from the air. These filters offer superior filtration capabilities and can help alleviate the negative effects of wildfire smoke on indoor air quality.
Most residential homes use filters ranging from MERV 8 to MERV 13. MERV 11 falls comfortably within this range and provides a higher level of filtration than a MERV 8 filter while not being as restrictive as MERV 13.
Bacteria Size: 0.3 to 60 microns. Viruses Size: 0.004 to 0.1 microns. Smoke Particles Size: 0.01 to 1 micron.
Upgrading to a filter rated MERV 13 or higher can be especially important during smoky periods to effectively remove fine particle pollution from smoke in the indoor air. Most furnaces and HVAC systems can accommodate a MERV 13 filter without creating equipment problems, provided that the filter is replaced frequently.
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 Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating of the filter strongly impacts the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR). It is recommended to use a MERV 13 filter(s) to remove the very small particles in wildfire smoke.
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.
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.
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.
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.
One disadvantage of the highest MERV rated filters is that: The pressure drop across high MERV filters is more.
This extra depth gives the filter more room for airflow. That means that as the filter collects dirt and other debris from your air, it won't restrict the airflow in your furnace as much. This prevents damage to the furnace and gives the filter itself a longer lifespan.