Which Merv Filter Rating is Right for You?

If you have allergies, pets, or live near smoke pollution, it's important to choose the right filter for your HVAC system. A Merv 13 filter is the ideal choice for those with allergies or pets, as it offers the highest level of protection against airborne bacteria and viruses. However, if you simply need a filter to trap pollen, dust mites, and hair, a Merv 8 filter should do the job. MERV 8 filters are ideal for an average household.

They are much better than fiberglass filters and are still quite reasonably priced. This type of oven filter will be able to trap anything larger than 3 micrometers, which is enough to trap common pollen, dust, and debris. The difference between MERV 8 and MERV 13 rated filters is reduced to two microns. While this may not seem like much of a difference, it's important to understand how things work at the molecular level.

It is recommended to change a Merv 13 filter every 1-2 months, especially when your oven or air controller works a lot. MERV 8 filters can be a good choice for a typical home or business that only cares about keeping their HVAC system working properly. They trap dust, lint, debris, pet hair, small insects such as dust mites, particles from sanding or spray paint, and textile fibers from clothing or carpet. If you live in an area with heavy construction, factories, or smog, using a MERV 13 filter will ensure that the air inside your home is not polluted.

Homeowners who have installed a MERV 13 filter have reported an immediate difference just a couple of hours after installation. Merv ratings range from 1 to 20, with 1 being the lowest level of filtration and 20 being the highest. 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. This article has compared MERV ratings 8, 11, and 13 and explained how to choose the right MERV rating for your home.

We recommend choosing a filter with a merv rating between 8 and 13 for your HVAC system. A MERV rating higher than 13 will likely wear out or damage your equipment, and a MERV rating lower than 8 may not effectively remove particles from the air in your home.