Table of Contents
Which MERV rating should I use?
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.
What MERV rating should I use for furnace?
Generally speaking, our recommended MERV rating for furnace filters runs from 6 to 8 for a great balance between top furnace efficiency and home comfort.
Is higher MERV rating better?
The higher the MERV rating, the fewer particles and other contaminants will be allowed into your home. While the highest MERV ratings are the most effective for air quality, they can harm your HVAC system. A higher MERV rating means a higher resistance, which means less airflow.
Will a MERV 13 filter damage my furnace?
MERV 13 air filters are the highest-rated air filters for home use. 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.
Will MERV 11 hurt my furnace?
A MERV 11 air filter has a higher efficiency rating. In particular, using an air filter with a MERV rating that’s too high can damage the compressor, heat exchanger, and air conditioner coil. In most cases, a MERV 11 air filter isn’t too high for residential use.
Is MERV 8 good enough?
A MERV 8 air filter is efficient at trapping a majority of indoor particulates that could debilitate those with asthma and allergies, or even cause long-term respiratory problems.
Is MERV 8 good enough for Covid?
Filters with MERV-13 or higher ratings can trap smaller particles, including viruses. Many home HVAC systems will have a MERV-8 filter installed as the default. By itself, using an upgraded HVAC filter is not enough to protect people from COVID-19.
How often should MERV 8 filters be changed?
The basic recommendation for furnace filters replacement is every 3-4 months for MERV 8, every 6 months MERV 10 and 11 and every year for MERV 16. There are other several factors to consider when determining when to change your home air filter.
Is a MERV 12 filter too restrictive?
The higher the MERV rating, the more restrictive the filter might be. Plus, a MERV 12 filter that is just 1” (one inch) thick will likely be more restrictive than a MERV 12 filter that is 4” (four inches) thick. A clogged air filter of the “right” MERV rating will do this too. Low airflow.
Is MERV 13 too restrictive?
At this point, it’s also important to note: MERV ratings go above 13. However, they’re too restrictive for normal home HVAC systems, and thus using them can cause potentially expensive problems.
Are MERV 13 filters worth it?
A MERV 13 filter is a step in the right direction and captures more particles than a typical MERV 8 filter. However, it is not as good at capturing small virus sized particles like a HEPA can. A MERV 13 will trap less than 75% of air particles that are 0.3-1.0 micron in size (the coronavirus is 0.1 microns).
Can a furnace filter be too restrictive?
All furnace filters have a MERV rating which indicates filter efficiency. The makeup of these high-efficiency filters can be too restrictive for the unit, creating a barrier to good airflow. The HVAC system may struggle to pass air through the air filter and expend more energy in its attempts.
Is MERV 11 or 13 better?
A MERV 11 rated furnace filter can trap the majority of harmful contaminants that are present in the air. A MERV 13 filter is capable of filtering out all particle impurities like dust, lint, pollen, mold, dust mites, pet dander, smog, and smoke. On top of this, it can also trap bacteria and viruses.
What MERV rating does Rheem recommend?
What MERV rating does Rheem recommend? Rheem recommends filters of MERV 8 and above. This MERV level is strong enough to remove substances like pollen, dust mites, dust and pet dander from the air.
What MERV rating does Goodman recommend?
The EPA suggests that filters with a MERV rating between 7 and 13 can be nearly as effective as true HEPA filters. However, some residential HVAC systems may not have enough fan or motor capacity to accommodate higher efficiency filters.
Can I use MERV 12 instead of MERV 11?
MERV 12 filters trap 80 to 89 percent of average particles of 1.0 to 3.0 microns, with an average particle size efficiency of 90 percent or better. As you can see, they’re pretty close. That’s why you’re just as good going with a MERV 11 as with a MERV 12. You will get decent results from either.
What is a MERV 11 furnace filter?
MERV 11 is effective at controlling dust, pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. The MERV 11 will increase indoor air quality by removing 85% of micron sized contaminants in the air which maintains the efficiency of the HVAC unit.
Is MERV 10 good?
A filter with a MERV rating of around 10 to 12 is sufficient to remove most allergy-causing particles from your home’s air.
What does MERV 12 mean?
A filter with a MERV rating of nine to 12 captures particles greater than one micrometer. This includes most dust and common pollutants. A filter with a MERV rating of 13 to 16 captures particles greater than 0.3 micrometers. This includes bacteria, droplets from sneezing, smoke, and most other sources of pollution.
Can I use MERV 13 in my furnace?
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.
Does air filtration help with Covid?
When used properly, air cleaners and HVAC filters can help reduce airborne contaminants including viruses in a building or small space. By itself, air cleaning or filtration is not enough to protect people from COVID-19.
What is the best air filter for COVID-19?
What Are the Best Purifiers for Covid? EnviroKlenz Mobile UV Model. EnviroKlenz. Coway Airmega IconS. Coway. Winix 5500-2. Amazon. Dyson Purifier Cool TP09. Dyson. Blueair Blue Pure 311 Auto. Amazon. 2022 MUAHS Awards Surprise Makeup, Hairstyling Winners: ‘Cruella’ and ‘Being the Ricardos’ Indiewire.
