Determine Your Air Filter Needs In that case, you may want to consider a higher Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value rating of 9 to 12. While for homes with smoke or a fireplace, you should opt for a MERV rating of 13 to 16.
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.
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).
MERV 12 Pleated Air Filters Plus Carbon
Constructed with electrostatically charged synthetic materials, these filters also feature an activated carbon layer that helps reduce common household odors from pets, cooking, smoke, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
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.
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.
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.
HEPA filters not only remove the pungent odor of smoke, but filter the air significantly to rid it almost entirely of tobacco and other harmful substances to create air that is fresh, high quality, and safer to breathe.
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.
HVAC systems generally use filters labelled with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, often referred to as “MERV.” The higher the MERV, the higher the efficiency of the filter is supposed to be. Some removal of wildfire smoke particles occurs with MERV 11 filters.
Filters and Air Cleaners: If you have an air conditioning system, change your filter regularly, and keep a high-efficiency filter on hand. Filters labeled “MERV13” or higher are most effective for removing smoke particles. Having a portable HEPA air cleaner available will also help to create a room with filtered air.
Bacteria Size: 0.3 to 60 microns. Viruses Size: 0.004 to 0.1 microns. Smoke Particles Size: 0.01 to 1 micron.
MERV 8 filters capture a significant portion of large particles but are not highly effective against finer smoke particles or smaller airborne contaminants.
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.
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.
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.
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 13 is the highest MERV value safe for residential furnaces; the higher ratings are used primarily in commercial units. If you are wondering what MERV to try, keep these recommendations in mind; ASHRAE recommends MERV 6 or higher.
The best filters have MERV figures of 13 or higher. But these can be expensive. There's another option for getting rid of the smoke smell. The answer is carbon.
"Since smoke particles are typically within this size range, HEPA filters are excellent for removing smoke from the air, preventing it from entering the respiratory system and causing harm."
One of the most effective ways to clean smoke from indoor environments is to attach a MERV 13 furnace filter to a box fan. The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency tested this method with air monitors and found that a box fan filter reduced airborne particulate matter dramatically.