When it comes to improving the air quality in your home, the best MERV rating to look for is between 8 and 10. These filters are designed to capture a large portion of the particles suspended in the air, and they come in classifications ranging from MERV 8 to MERV 13. It's important to note that using an air filter with a higher MERV rating than what is recommended by the manufacturer of your boiler or air conditioner may affect its performance. The higher the MERV rating, the more airborne pollutants the filter can remove before they enter your home. A filter with a MERV rating of 10 to 12 is usually enough to remove most allergy-causing particles from your home air. You might think that filters with the highest MERV rating are the best, but this isn't always true.
Every time you use your air conditioner or boiler, the filter will become dirty as dust and particles accumulate in it. The following table shows the minimum threshold that a filter must meet to obtain a specific MERV classification. It offers more filtration than a MERV 8, but not as much as a MERV 13 (the highest option suggested for residential use). A filter with a MERV rating of between 1 and 6 can remove particles between 0.3 and 10 microns with an efficiency of 20%. Just choose the size of your air filter, decide how often you want to change it, and we'll make sure your new filter is there when you need it.
It's important to note that not all HVAC units are compatible with air filters with higher MERV ratings. Although the ratings do not exceed those of MERV 16, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters trap the smallest particles at a speed even higher than that of MERV 16 and are generally used in surgical operating rooms, clean rooms, and other contexts that require absolute cleaning. The MERV rating is higher because it is the international standard and makes it easy to compare filters from different brands. The MERV 11 filter is ideal for pet owners and people living with certain health problems, such as mild allergies and mild asthma. MERV 11 air filters block at least 65% to 79% of airborne particles in a size range of 1.0 to 3.0 microns. 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. When selecting an air filter for your home, it's important to consider what type of filtration you need.
A MERV 11 filter is an excellent choice for those looking for a balance between efficiency and affordability. It provides superior filtration compared to lower-rated filters while still being cost-effective. With a MERV 11 filter, you can rest assured that your home will be free from most airborne allergens and pollutants.
