When it comes to air filters, the higher the MERV rating, the better the filter is at capturing particles. However, using an air filter with a MERV rating that is too high can reduce airflow and cause damage to your HVAC system. It is important to understand how MERV ratings work and how they can affect your HVAC system. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and is a scale used to evaluate how well a filter removes fine particles from the incoming air.
The scale ranges 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 particulates the filter will remove. Most modern HVAC systems have no problem working with higher MERV filters, so millions of homeowners rely on them. However, using an air filter with a too high MERV rating can damage the compressor, heat exchanger, and air conditioner coil.
This is because the thickness of the filter material may restrict airflow, decreasing comfort, increasing energy use, and accelerating wear of HVAC components. Research has shown that airflow in high-MERV filters dropped by 7% and 11% in two HVAC systems compared to low-MERV filters. Similarly, medium MERV filters also showed decreased airflow relative to the low MERV filters, this time 3% and 8% lower in both systems. It is recommended that most homes and retail spaces have a filter with a MERV rating of at least 5 to 12 in the high-end.
However, for a person with respiratory problems, a specialist may recommend a different filter. Hospitals use air filters with a MERV rating of 13 to 16. When researching HVAC systems, airflow will increase a lot because it is very important to the performance and longevity of your oven or your air handler. A higher MERV rating means greater resistance, which means less airflow. It is recommended to change filters in this category every two to four weeks. Keep in mind that some retailers also use their own rating system instead of MERV.
Oven filters are one of the most talked about oven components, but many people still don't know how to maintain them properly. Through this site and the trails that led me, I have learned that two MERV 11 filters can have the same filtering capacity, but one could allow more air to be transferred. The main risk of high-efficiency air filters comes from the fact that they are not modified for long periods of time. If you're aware of changing filters, you're unlikely to experience filter-related issues with your HVAC system. However, there are environmental factors throughout the year that affect air quality, such as local wildfires. MERV 8 air filters are almost as affordable as less efficient products, making them good value for money.
Some of the common particles oven filters are tested for include pollen, dust mites, textile and carpet fibers, mold spores, dust, pet dander, bacteria and tobacco smoke. In conclusion, using an air filter with a higher MERV rating can reduce airflow but it's not really a problem except in extreme circumstances. Most modern HVAC systems have no problem working with higher MERV filters so millions of homeowners rely on them. It is important to understand how MERV ratings work and how they can affect your HVAC system.
