What MERV Rating Should I Use?
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Air filtration is the process of removing harmful particles from the air to create cleaner, less harmful air. Filters quite literally are able to capture harmful particles and keep them from recirculating throughout your space. The best MERV rating for residential use is one that properly cleans the air in your home without diminishing airflow or straining your HVAC equipment.
Since higher-rate filters allow less air to flow through your furnace, it’s a good idea to check if your system has a maximum MERV rating. The wrong type of air filter can force your furnace to work harder and increase the risk of it breaking down. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, which is a rating system designed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers . The rating indicates the size of particles the air filter is designed to capture. Ranging from 1 to 20, the larger the number, the better the filter is at catching small particles.
How often to change merv 11 filter?
When it comes time to replace your home’s air filter, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the different options available. The merv rating system is a popular ratings system that has been around for quite some time. It is based on the idea that people would like to be rated as high as possible. The problem with this approach is that it assumes that there are no negative factors in the world and thus, only positive ones. This assumption is not true for all people, but it is true for most of them.
You might think that an air filter with higher MERV ratings would be more beneficial, but in some cases, it's not. For most residential systems, experts suggest using an air filter with a MERV value between 7 and 12. These filters offer adequate filtration and remove common contaminants such as pollen, mold spores, dust, pet dander, and tobacco smoke. 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.
How Do True HEPA Filters Compare to HEPA?
For air filters with higher MERV ratings, you should do replacements every three months at least. Original air filters are sold by the HVAC system manufacturer, while third-party manufacturers make aftermarket air filters for use in existing models. There usually is no difference in performance, but aftermarket filters tend to be the more cost-effective option. Sick building syndrome, or SBS, refers to cases linked to time spent in a specific building. Ratings between 17 and 20 can filter particles that are as small as 0.3 microns in size. It can filter all of the small and large particles listed in the above MERV ratings and smaller particles like carbon dust, radon progeny, odors, and microscopic allergens.
This rating shows the overall efficiency of an air filter. The higher the rating, the more effective the filter is at catching particles of various sizes. The regularity of changing your air filter depends on the filter’s MERV rating.
Is merv 13 too restrictive for residential?
If you want to use a MERV 13 filter, ask an HVAC specialist whether your system can handle it. However, don’t add a MERV 16 filter to your shopping list just yet. Just because it has the highest efficiency doesn’t mean it fits your home’s system.
E1 particles range in the size from 0.3 to 1.0 microns in diameter. Typical particles in this size range are smoke particles and bacteria. Only filters with a rating of MERV 11 or higher are tested with particles in this size range. Some of thebest air filters for allergieshave extra features such as a carbon layer to remove odors.
Electrostatic – If you wish to use a reusable air filter, this type is what you need. It is very cost-effective and healthy for the environment. You simply need to clean it with water and mild detergent monthly to keep it efficient.
While higher Merv ratings are the most effective for air quality, they can damage your HVAC system. Check your filter monthly and replace it when you notice it’s too dirty for the best results. This will provide optimal filtration, which allows for cleaner air circulating in your home. As we mentioned before, there are several different air filter types. Each filter material serves a different purpose, and there are also subsets within these categories to further accommodate specific needs.
Ensure that the air filter is compatible with your HVAC system prior to purchase. You must choose a filter that your HVAC system can handle to avoid damaging the unit. Determining what MERV rating your furnace or air conditioner can handle can be challenging.
As mentioned earlier, furnace filters can catch small particles like animal dander and fur. If you live with one or more pets at home, you will need to change your filters more often. MERVs 10 through 12 can last up to six months, but changing them every three or four months improves air quality. Perform a monthly visual check if you aren’t sure whether your filter needs a change. If it appears caked with particles and has a brown tint, go ahead and change it regardless. Starting with E1, these are the smallest particles that are tested.
Generally, a merv rating between 6 and 13 meets the needs of most residences. This range offers a good balance between air filtration, air flow and affordability. If you select an air filter with a merv 13 rating, it can last up to six months before it needs to be replaced.
MERV stands forMinimum Efficiency Reporting Value.TheMERV rating systemis intended to be used to determine the filter’s ability to remove particulates from the air. While the MERV chart covers 20 levels, these levels can be grouped to give you an idea of what a certain range of levels can capture and how effective each will be. If you're wondering what MERV rating should I use, this section can help you out. FilterBuy even had filter sizes for my furnace unit that I couldn’t find anywhere else.
The Difference Between MERV and HEPA Air Filters
It will filter out a lot of the most common air pollutants and irritants. 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.
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