As a rule of thumb, our suggested MERV rating for furnace filters runs from 6 to 8 for a great balance between top furnace efficiency and home comfort. Choosing the best MERV rating for a furnace filter has a major impact on your indoor air quality, your HVAC system and, most important, your family's well-being.
HVAC System Compatibility
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
A MERV rating between 9-12 or even higher would be good if someone in your family suffers from allergies or asthma. A MERV 11 filter can trap particles such as dust, dust mites, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, lint, and larger particles.
For households working with tight budgets, MERV 8 filters offer cost-effectiveness and minimal upkeep requirements. Superior particle capture and enhanced air quality come with MERV 11 filters, making them suitable for dwellings with pets, allergies, or high pollution.
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 5-8 filters need to be changed roughly every 3 months. MERV 9-11 filters require replacement every 6 months. MERV 12-16 filters should be replaced about every 9 months.
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.
In the average American home, the most common air filter is only a MERV 4. These are usually the furnace filters that you can see through and do not stop particles smaller than 10 microns. Most residential systems are well able to use the MERV 12.
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.
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.
In general, the best MERV rating for a home is somewhere between 8-10. These filters will capture a large portion of the airborne particles and improve indoor air quality without making your energy costs rise significantly.
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.
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.
One disadvantage of the highest MERV rated filters is that: The pressure drop across high MERV filters is more.
The type of filter you need will depend on the specific needs of your facility. If you are looking for a filter that can efficiently capture large particles, then MERV 13 is a good option. If you are looking for a filter that can efficiently capture smaller particles, then HEPA may be a better option.
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.
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.