When it comes to choosing the right furnace filter for your home, it's important to understand the MERV rating system. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Report Value, and it's a rating system designed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). This system is used to evaluate the efficiency of an air filter based on its effectiveness in trapping particles of different sizes. The MERV rating scale ranges from 1 to 20, with 1 being the lowest level of filtration and 20 being the highest.
Generally, filters with a MERV rating of 16 to 20 are considered to be the most effective at trapping large portions of airborne particulate matter. However, filters with higher MERV ratings are usually thicker, which means that your HVAC system will have to work harder to circulate air throughout your home. MERV 6-8 filters are good for protecting your HVAC system, but they don't do a great job of trapping small particles like dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander. On the other hand, MERV 11-13 filters are something of a middle ground between the cheapest and most expensive options.
They can trap mold spores and some pet dander along with dust and pollen. When it comes to choosing the right furnace filter for your home, it's important to consider both the MERV rating and the resistance of the filter. If the filter is too dirty or too sturdy, it can cause airflow problems that impair efficiency and performance. In short, the higher the MERV rating, the stronger the filter.
The higher the MERV rating on an air filter usually means that it will do a better job of removing particulates from the air. However, it also means that your HVAC system will have to work harder to circulate air throughout your home. So is a MERV 10 furnace filter a good choice? It depends on what you're looking for in terms of filtration and airflow. If you're looking for something that will trap small particles like dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander, then you may want to look for something with a higher MERV rating.
On the other hand, if you're looking for something that will protect your HVAC system without sacrificing too much airflow, then a MERV 10 filter may be just what you need.
