Using an air filter with a MERV rating that is too high is just as bad as using one that is too low. Air filters with higher MERV ratings may filter more, but the thickness of the filter material may restrict airflow. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, and it is the main classification system used for air filtration. A MERV 8 filter is known to be effective at filtering contaminants such as pollen, dust mites, sawdust, mold spores, and lint from the air.
However, a higher MERV rating will further clean the air. For instance, if an air filter can capture at least 20% of E1 particles, 65% of E2, and 85% of E3, it will obtain the MERV 11 classification. Filters with a higher MERV rating should be changed more frequently (at least every three months) to avoid airflow restriction, which can cause the system to operate inefficiently or even damage it. If your home's air conditioning system is not compatible with the MERV 13, opt for a filter that has the next highest possible rating.
In common cases, a MERV 8 air filter is considered a more than adequate option, but it may not be enough when it comes to combating the increase in outdoor air pollution, pet fur and dander, or the triggers of asthma and allergies. It should also be noted that filters at the lower end of the MERV scale are not even tested to determine their effectiveness in capturing E1 and E2 particles. Newer units shouldn't have airflow problems with higher MERV ratings, although older models can work harder with a MERV 13 filter installed than when they originally had a MERV 6 filter in the air intake. While MERV 11 filters are slightly more expensive, and cost a few dollars, indoor air quality can be improved to help alleviate people with respiratory problems.
Sometimes, particles like pollen, pet dander, and fine dust can slip through the filter, unless you get one with a higher MERV rating. The following table shows the minimum threshold that a filter must meet to obtain a specific MERV classification. In general, filters with a MERV 16 rating or lower are considered suitable filters for air conditioning systems for residential, commercial, and general hospital use.
MERV 5 — MERV 8
filters provide good filtration and remove most pollen, mold spores, and dust mites.The FPR (Filter Performance Rating) labels filters on a numerical scale from 4 to 10 in addition to a color-coding system.
MERV 13
air filters provide even greater filtering power against fine particles compared to MERV 11 filters. The Minimum Efficiency Value (MERV) rating for an air filter measures how effectively the filter prevents dust and other contaminants from passing through the filter and into the air stream. So can you use a higher merv rated air filter instead of a lower merv rated one with your existing HVAC system and still get the same performance from your system as if you had used the lower merv rated one? The answer is yes - but only if your HVAC system is compatible with the higher merv rated filter.If your system isn't compatible with the higher merv rated filter then you should opt for one with the next highest possible rating. It's important to remember that filters with higher merv ratings should be changed more frequently (at least every three months) to avoid airflow restriction which can cause your system to operate inefficiently or even damage it.
