Overall, the best MERV rating for a home is between 8 and 10. These filters will capture a large part of the particles in the air and improve the interior. In most cases, a MERV 11 air filter isn't 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. Meanwhile, 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 generally 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. MERV stands for Minimum Value of Efficiency Reports.
MERV ratings are a rating system designed by ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers) to inform the effectiveness of air filters. In general, filters with higher MERV ratings are more effective and improve air quality, but they are also more expensive. Plus, taller doesn't always mean better for homeowners. MERV ratings greater than 16 are commonly used in specialized commercial environments where air filtration is essential, such as hospitals. If you're not sure what type of filter and which MERV ratings are best for your home, call Phyxter Home Services.
Simply choose the size of your air filter, choose how often you want to replace it, and we'll make sure your new filter is there when you need it. Some air filters, especially those with higher MERV ratings, may prevent airflow due to improved air filtration. For example, if an air filter can capture at least 20% of E1 particles, 65% of E2 and 85% of E3 particles, it will obtain a MERV 11 rating. If you use a higher MERV rating that traps more particles, you may need to change the filter more often. The air cleaner is literally a barrier between the HVAC system and the ventilation grilles, and that reduces the ability of air to pass through the vents into the actual system.
They may seem to be almost the same, but MERV 8 air filters and MERV 11 air filters have a few different differences. Most air filters that can eliminate common allergens will have the word “allergy” or “allergen” on their packaging. The table also uses percentages based on the chances of an air filter capturing dust particles based on micron size. MERV 5 — MERV 8 filters provide good filtration and remove most pollen, mold spores and dust mites. A filter with a MERV rating of around 10 to 12 is sufficient to remove most allergy-causing particles from the air in your home.
It is a standardized system created by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and used by all manufacturers of air filters. If you are susceptible to allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions, you may want to use a filter with a MERV rating of approximately 10 to 12. Choosing the right MERV rated filter for your home can be tricky but it's important to get it right in order to ensure optimal indoor air quality. To make sure you get the best possible results from your HVAC system while still maintaining good airflow and affordability, consider using an air filter with a MERV rating between 8 and 13. If you're still unsure which type of filter is best for your home or how often you should replace it, contact Phyxter Home Services for help. We'll help you find the perfect balance between efficiency and affordability so that you can enjoy clean indoor air without breaking your budget.<.