When it comes to air filters, it's important to make sure you select the right one for your home. The MERV rating system is the international standard for measuring the effectiveness of air filters. 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 ratings 1 to 16 are considered HVAC system grade filters suitable for residential, commercial and general hospital HVAC systems.
Our recommended MERV rating for oven filters ranges from 6 to 8 to strike a great balance between maximum oven efficiency and home comfort. In general, air filters with higher MERV ratings remove a higher percentage of contaminants in the air and, therefore, improve the indoor air quality of your home. You can use the table below to better understand how filters rated with FPR and MPR compare to the more standard MERV rating system. Raising just three levels of MERV rating can be a smart move that makes air cleaner or a detrimental option for your entire HVAC system when considering MERV 8 versus MERV 11 airflow capabilities. As air moves through a building's HVAC system, air filters trap and pick up large and small particles, such as dust, allergens and microorganisms.
If you're worried about the effects of inhaling fine air particles, that's another reason to choose a MERV 11 air filter instead of a MERV 8 air filter. If you're not sure what type of filter and which MERV ratings are best for your home, call Phyxter Home Services. Air filters with higher MERV ratings can filter more, but the thickness of the filter material can restrict airflow. 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 the thicker sizes. As long as you quickly correct the orientation of the filter by installing the air filter in the right direction, you should suffer no problems.
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. Filters that are MERV 16 to 20 are generally only found in hospitals, cleanrooms, and nuclear power plants. Filters with higher MERV ratings should be changed more frequently (at least every three months) to avoid restricted airflow that can cause the system to operate inefficiently or even damage it.
