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.
Does MERV 12 restrict airflow?
Generally, a filter with a higher MERV rating will reduce airflow. However, there are many other factors at play such as the size of the filter and the type of blower motor in your HVAC system. Filters for central HVAC systems are usually the primary form of particle removal for residential and commercial buildings.
Is MERV 12 good enough?
A filter with a MERV rating of around 10 to 12 is sufficient to remove most allergy-causing particles from your home’s air. Most air filters that are able to remove common allergens will have the word “allergy” or “allergen” on their packaging. This is an indication that you’re on the right track.
Will MERV 13 damage my HVAC?
MERV 13 air filters are the highest-rated air filters for home use. Any air filter with a rating higher than 13 will restrict air flow to the point of which could cause damage to your HVAC system, resulting in an added expense to fix it.
Can my furnace use MERV 12?
MERV 9 to 12 filters are the best filters that a residential HVAC system will accommodate without serious system modifications.
Is MERV 11 or 12 better?
Filters in this range can trap more than 85% of the particles sized 3.0-10.0 microns. A MERV 9 will trap less than 50% of particles sized 1.0-3.0 microns, MERV 10 will stop up to 64%, MERV 11 will get up to 79%, and MERV 12 is capable of catching up to 89%.
How often should you change a MERV 12 filter?
Here are a few guidelines for how frequently filters should be changed.
- MERV 1-4 Filters: Once a month.
- MERV 5-8 Filters: Every 3 months.
- MERV 9-11 Filters: Every 6 months.
- MERV 12-16 Filters: Every 9 months to 1 year.
Will MERV 11 hurt my AC?
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.
Is MERV 8 or 12 better?
The higher the MERV, the smaller the particles removed, and the more of them removed. MERV 8 filters are effective at removing most 3+ micron particles like lint, dust, most pollen and mold spores, dust mites and their debris. MERV 10 – MERV 12 filters remove most 1.0 to 3.0 micron particles plus bigger ones.
What MERV rating should I get for home?
Generally, a MERV rating between 6-13 meets the needs of most residences. This range offers a good balance between air filtration, air flow and affordability. If you select an air filter with a MERV 13 rating, it can last up to six months before needing to be replaced.
Is MERV 13 too high for residential?
MERV 13 is the highest MERV value safe for residential furnaces; the higher ratings are used primarily in commercial units. If you are wondering what MERV to try, keep these recommendations in mind; ASHRAE recommends MERV 6 or higher. US Department of Energy recommends MERV 13.
Can I use MERV 12 instead of MERV 11?
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. That’s why you’re just as good going with a MERV 11 as with a MERV 12. You will get decent results from either.
Is MERV 11 or 13 better?
MERV 11 furnace filters have a particle arrestance of a little over 90%. In comparison, MERV 13 HVAC filters have a particle arrestance of around 98%. Naturally, it is significantly more efficient. MERV 11 rated air filters are ideal for those who live in a moderately polluted area, have mild allergies, or own a pet.
Does MERV 12 filter mold?
Typically recommended as the highest rating for residential environments, MERV 12 filters eliminate up to 89% of particles 1.0 – 3.0 microns in size. Captures: Dust, lint, mold spores, pollen, pet dander, bacteria, viruses, and smoke.
What filter should I use for HVAC?
HEPA Filter — HVAC replacement companies typically recommend HEPA filters because they can provide the highest protection level when it comes to airborne particles. This filter is capable of capturing small microns, and has a MERV rating between 17 and 20, meaning it can trap tobacco smoke and bacteria.
Is MERV 11 too high for furnace?
Increased usage can lead to more wear and tear, so make sure to regularly maintain your furnace. MERV 11 filters however, are not considered to be too high for residential use. Anything higher than a MERV 11 is designed for commercial or households with family members suffering from respiratory issues.
How long do MERV 12 filters last?
Your furnace’s owner’s manual will specify the best MERV rating for your furnace, and in general, filters with a MERV rating of 6 through 9 should be changed every 90 days, while those with a MERV rating of 10 through 12 should be changed every 60 days.
What MERV rating does Trane recommend?
Most homes are best served by a filter with a MERV rating of 8 to 13, but refer to your system’s user manual or with a Trane employee for guidance.
What is the most common MERV rating?
MERV 8
In the U.S., the MERV 8 filter has proven to be the most common filter on the market.
What’s a disadvantage of the highest MERV rated filters?
One disadvantage of the highest MERV rated filters is that: The pressure drop across high MERV filters is more.
Does a MERV 11 filter restrict airflow?
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.