In particular, using an air filter with a MERV rating that is too high can damage the compressor, heat exchanger, and air conditioner coil. For residential use, the standard recommendation is to choose an oven filter with a MERV rating between 7 and 13. Although the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) suggests MERV 13, it may not be the most suitable option for some residential HVAC systems. In fact, MERV 11 may even be too restrictive. It's best to comply with the furnace manufacturer's recommendations or consult an HVAC professional to determine precisely which MERV rating is best for your specific system.
The use of an oven filter with a MERV rating higher than that required in your use case may have adverse effects. The thickness of the filtering material of a MERV filter 11, for example, is greater than that of a MERV filter 8.Therefore, in order for enough air to pass through the filter, a greater amount of energy is consumed. Increased use can lead to more wear and tear, so be sure to maintain your oven regularly. However, MERV 11 filters are not considered too tall for residential use.
A product superior to MERV 11 is designed for commercial use or in homes with family members who suffer from respiratory problems. If your oven's MERV rating is too high, it can force it to work too hard and leave it vulnerable to damage. In addition, it may not reach the air velocity needed to reach all parts of your home, which will cause temperature inconsistencies. MERV 8 filters are often the best choice for homes as they don't work with too much bacteria or medical waste.
You need something that will get rid of dust mites, lint, and mold (if it starts growing in your home). Generally, people with serious allergies can get some health benefits if they use a MERV 13 filter in their homes. Filter technology has advanced significantly over the years, and MERV ratings are designed to help us determine the most effective and efficient air filter options for heating and cooling systems and more. While the air filter is designed to control the amount of unwanted air particles that enter your home, the MERV filter rating aims to show you which filter is best suited for your home.
It is essential to remember that the MERV rating of an air filter indicates its lowest possible capacity, that is, the minimum percentage of impurities that it could effectively filter. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, filters in the range of 7 to 13 are usually little different from those with a higher MERV rating, but they allow the system to work much more efficiently. MERV 11 air filters aren't too restrictive for most systems, as long as you remember to change them regularly. In fact, even filters with high MERV indices can be used in some systems with a minimal pressure drop.
Many people don't realize how a filter with a high MERV rating will affect other parts of their air conditioning system. If you want to filter a large space through an effective central air conditioning system, MERV 11 filters are what you need. However, once you decide if you need a MERV 8 or a MERV 11 filter, the buying process is simple. It's important to remember that 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 work inefficiently or even damage it.
