When it comes to air filters, the best MERV rating for a home is between 8 and 10. These filters are designed to capture a large portion of particles in the air, improving indoor air quality without significantly increasing energy costs. MERV ratings 1 to 16 are considered HVAC system grade filters suitable for residential, commercial and general hospital HVAC systems. In most cases, a MERV 11 air filter is not too tall for residential use. Generally speaking, anything under a MERV 13 air filter should provide very efficient air purification in a home without affecting airflow. On the other hand, air filters with a MERV 14 rating or higher are designed for commercial HVAC systems that can handle the coarsest filter material.
A MERV rating of between 6 and 13 usually meets the needs of most residences. This range offers a good balance between air filtration, airflow and affordability. If you select an air filter with a MERV 13 rating, it can last up to six months before you need to replace it. In terms of oven filters, our recommended MERV rating ranges from 6 to 8 to strike a great balance between maximum oven efficiency and home comfort. If you have pets in your home, you'll likely need to change your air filter more often.
If you've noticed a reduction in the efficiency or airflow of your split air conditioning unit, the first thing to check is your air filter. With the Filter King filter selection tool, you can mark exactly the size, thickness and MERV rating you're looking for. If someone has an allergy or respiratory problem, choose a MERV 11 air filter or even a MERV 13 air filter. The air cleaner is literally a barrier between the HVAC system and the ventilation grilles, which reduces the ability of air to pass through the vents into the actual system. If you're not sure what type of filter and which MERV ratings are best for your home, call Phyxter Home Services.
Some air filters, especially those with higher MERV ratings, may prevent airflow due to improved air filtration. The worst percentage of the six tests is selected as the official measure used to determine the MERV rating of a filter. Most air filters have arrows marked to indicate the direction in which air is supposed to flow through them. The MERV rating is there to tell you how efficient the air filter is at filtering particles of certain sizes. MERV, also known as Minimum Efficiency Report Value, is a system used to evaluate the efficiency of an air filter based on its effectiveness in capturing particles of different sizes. A dirty, clogged filter reduces the efficiency of your home's HVAC system by making it more difficult to push air throughout your home.
If your HVAC system doesn't allow this type of air filter and your home has someone who suffers from allergies or asthma, it's probably best to upgrade your system to accept thicker sizes. This type can be used to improve ventilation efficiency and increase airflow by reducing airflow resistance, leading to less stress on your HVAC system. Every time you use your air conditioner or oven, the air filter will become dirty as dust and particles flow through the system and accumulate in the filter.
