When it comes to air filters, it's important to choose the right one for your needs. The MERV rating of an air filter is a key factor in determining its effectiveness. In this blog, we'll help you decide between a MERV 8 and a MERV 11 filter. The MERV rating stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and is a score from 1 to 16 for residential air filters sold in the United States and 17 to 20 for commercial air filters.
The higher the MERV rating, the more particles the filter will remove. On average, it's recommended that most homes and commercial spaces have a filter with a MERV rating of at least 5 to 12 on the higher end. However, using an air filter with a MERV rating that is too high can be just as bad as using one that is too low. The thickness of the filter material can restrict airflow, reducing comfort, increasing energy use, and accelerating wear and tear on HVAC components.
In particular, using an air filter with a MERV rating that is too high can damage the compressor, heat exchanger, and air conditioner coil. It's a popular idea that the MERV 11 is too high for most people. While this is true in some cases, it's not true for people who have multiple pets or who have mild respiratory illnesses. It is also suitable for people who are in areas polluted by smog. The MERV 11 air filter isn't the right choice for people who don't have pets and don't have respiratory problems; this is because it can restrict airflow. Higher rated air filters can also have negative effects on HVAC components.
The MERV 11 air filter is a safe option for residential use and generally does not restrict airflow. To understand which MERV rating is best for your specific needs, it's important to first understand what a MERV rating is and what it means for your air filter. Air filter efficiency has an indirect impact on air flow. In general, filters with higher MERV ratings have less airflow. Keep in mind that as the MERV rating increases, the filter becomes more restrictive and more pressure and energy will be needed to expel air. So, whether you choose the MERV 8 or the MERV 11, what matters is that you choose one that fits all your air quality needs.
Low-efficiency filters are normally found within MERV 1-4, and high-efficiency filters are from MERV 13 and above. The MERV scale is not linear; the difference between a MERV 6 and a MERV 8 is almost double in the percentage of particles captured. The higher the filter rating, the smaller the particles it will capture, and the higher the percentage of particles captured. HVAC unit technology has progressed since then, and most modern units in recent years should be able to have at least one MERV 8 filter. If someone has an allergy or respiratory problem, choose a MERV 11 air filter or even a MERV 13 air filter. Hospitals use air filters with a MERV rating of 13 to 16. Meanwhile, air filters with a MERV 14 rating or higher are designed for commercial HVAC systems that can handle the coarser filter material. The air filter slot in your home's air conditioning system determines the depth of the air filter you can use.
Ironically, the effectiveness of low-efficiency air filters increases as the filter is filled with dirt and dust. MERV 11 air filters aren't too restrictive for most systems, as long as you remember to change the filter regularly. Here's what you need to know to make sure you have the proper MERV rating compared to the airflow filter for your space.
