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The ideal MERV filters for both air filtering and furnace efficiency are 7-13, experts say. These filters can be used without any modifications to your equipment. Your system may handle MERV 14-16 with no discernable stress.
Will MERV 13 damage my furnace?
Filters within a MERV rating of 17-20 are almost never necessary in a residential home. A MERV rating of 13-16 is considered hospital level air quality, so it is unlikely your home needs any more than that.
What MERV rating can my HVAC handle?
The EPA recommends MERV ratings of 9-12 because it is the most effective at keeping your home’s air clean. A filter with this rating will prevent particulates as small as 1 micron from entering your HVAC system. This rating qualifies as HEPA (high-efficiency particulate absorption) level.
Will MERV 11 hurt my furnace?
A MERV 11 air filter has a higher efficiency rating. In particular, using an air filter with a MERV rating that’s too high can damage the compressor, heat exchanger, and air conditioner coil. In most cases, a MERV 11 air filter isn’t too high for residential use.
Will MERV 8 hurt my furnace?
The short answer is that it can, but it’s not really an issue except under extreme circumstances. Most modern HVAC systems have no problem working with higher MERV filters, which is why millions of homeowners depend on them.
Is MERV 13 too restrictive?
At this point, it’s also important to note: MERV ratings go above 13. However, they’re too restrictive for normal home HVAC systems, and thus using them can cause potentially expensive problems.
Can my system handle MERV 13?
Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, or MERV, reports a filter’s ability to capture particles. 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. Be sure the HVAC filter is correctly in place.
Will MERV 12 hurt my furnace?
The short answer is this: The best MERV rating for your heating and air conditioning equipment is the MERV recommended by the manufacturer. It’s usually in the range of 8-12 MERV. When in doubt, choose a MERV 8 to MERV 10 filter rated for high airflow, so it won’t damage your furnace or air handler.
Is MERV 8 good enough?
A MERV 8 air filter is efficient at trapping a majority of indoor particulates that could debilitate those with asthma and allergies, or even cause long-term respiratory problems.
Is MERV 11 better than 12?
The difference between 11 and 12, therefore, is quite negligible. We do not carry MERV 12; MERV 11 does just as good a job. MERV 12 filters trap 80 to 89 percent of average particles of 1.0 to 3.0 microns, with an average particle size efficiency of 90 percent or better. As you can see, they’re pretty close.
Is MERV 11 or 13 better?
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. On top of this, it can also trap bacteria and viruses.
Is MERV 11 good?
MERV 11 rated air filters have a filtration efficiency of a little over 90%, making them highly efficient. MERV 11 furnace filters effectively trap pollen, dust, lint, dust mites, and mold, along with smoke, pet dander, smog, auto emissions, bacteria, and other such fine particles.
What MERV rating does Bryant recommend?
Generally speaking, our recommended MERV rating for furnace filters runs from 6 to 8 for a fantastic balance between maximum furnace efficiency and home comfort.
Is a MERV 10 filter good?
A filter with a MERV rating of around 10 to 12 is sufficient to remove most allergy-causing particles from your home’s air.
What does MERV 11 mean?
The MERV 11 will increase indoor air quality by removing 85% of micron sized contaminants in the air which maintains the efficiency of the HVAC unit. It is also highly recommended if there are pets in the home which can greatly reduce the air quality indoors.
What does MERV 13 stand for?
MERV stands “minimum efficiency reporting value” and a filter receives a MERV rating as determined by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). A MERV 13 will trap less than 75% of air particles that are 0.3-1.0 micron in size (the coronavirus is 0.1 microns).
What is the difference between MERV 8 and MERV 13?
MERV 8s will collect particles as small as three microns, which is an excellent choice for home owners. This is a good performance level for the average home. The MERV 13 can collect particles as small as . They remove dust and allergens so well that they pack with dust much faster than a standard MERV 8.
Is MERV 14 too high?
MERV 14 is too strong for most home HVAC systems. Explore our MERV 13 Titanium filters to find a size that fits your home. MERV is an industry-standard, or rating. The abbreviation stands for Minimum Effective Reporting Value. In other words, it’s a measurement showing how small the holes are in the filter.
