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.
Any air filter with a rating higher than 13 will restrict air flow to the point of which could cause damage to your HVAC system, resulting in an added expense to fix it.
While higher MERV ratings are effective at capturing smaller particles, they also create more resistance. This can lead to reduced airflow and potential damage to your HVAC system.
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.
ASHRAE has similar guidance, which is to "use combinations of filters and air cleaners that achieve MERV 13 or better levels of performance for air recirculated by HVAC systems." The simplest way to meet this guidance is to use a MERV 13 filter in your appropriately-designed HVAC system, if the system is able to ...
MERV 13 is the highest-rated filter that should be used in a residence. Filters with higher ratings are intended for healthcare and laboratory environments with excellent air quality and HVAC systems that can handle highly efficient filters.
There is still a common misconception that having a high MERV rated filter will be too restrictive and strain your unit. However, most HVAC systems built in the last 20 years should have no issue using a MERV 6 - MERV 13 rated air filter.
For most homes, a rating of MERV 8-13 is a good start to keep your air healthy.
While most newer systems can accommodate filters with higher MERV ratings, if you have an older system, a filter with a high MERV rating may lower the air pressure too much, which can interfere with the system's function or strain the blower.
Generally, for residential use, a MERV rating of 13 or higher is recommended to effectively capture common indoor particulates*.
Additionally, MERV 13 filters put less strain on HVAC systems than HEPA filters. Other differences: MERV 13 filters can be used in a wider variety of HVAC systems than HEPA filters. MERV 13 filters don't require as much air pressure to operate, which means they put less strain on your HVAC system.
The primary drawback of high MERV filters is that the pressure drop across them is too high, which can lead to reduced airflow and increased energy consumption in HVAC systems. This resistance may strain mechanical components over time, potentially causing failure.
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.
Changing MERV 13 filters every 30 days to 90 days is ideal, depending on use and other factors. While some larger 4” pleated filters can technically last up to six months between changings, the truth is that it depends on a variety of factors.
MERV 13 filters trap at least 85% of particles sized 1.0 micron and larger, and at least 50% of particles in the 0.3 – 1.0 micron range. HEPA filters capture 99% or better of particles sized 1.0 micron and larger, and 99.97% of particles in the 0.3 – 1.0 micron range.
The pressure drop of a MERV 8 pleated air filter is around 0.12 inches of water, which is almost exactly the same as the 0.10 of the fiberglass. A MERV 13 pleated air filter, the highest quality offering from Second Nature and most other filter companies, has a pressure drop of around 0.25.
Many home HVAC systems will have a MERV-8 filter installed as the default. Upgrading to a MERV-13 rated filter, or the highest-rated filter that your HVAC system fan and filter slot can accommodate, could improve the system's efficacy in removing viruses from circulated air.
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 11 filters are especially useful if your household has … Allergy sufferers: MERV 11 filters can trap pet dander, pollen, dust and mold. Heavy smokers: If your home is full of smoke, MERV 11 filters can catch the particles to help you breathe easier.
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.
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.
In some cases, using an air filter that is too restrictive for your system may cause low air flow problems as well. MERV 13 is the highest MERV value safe for residential furnaces; the higher ratings are used primarily in commercial units.
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.
A MERV 13 rating has a high level of filtration. It's able to catch small particles. Even microns as small as 0.3 to 1.0. A MERV 13 filter catches dust, pollen, mold, bacteria and viruses.