MERV 8 filters aren’t the best choice for residential HVAC systems, according the ASHRAE. Though MERV 8 is known to be effective at filtering out contaminants such as pollen, dust mites, sawdust, mold spores, and lint from the air, higher MERV ratings will clean the air even further.
Will a MERV 8 filter damage 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 8 good for home use?
MERV 8 air filters are very common because it’s a pretty well-rounded option, so you might think that they’re great on price but bad on performance. They are affordable and can provide above average air filtration in homes. We aren’t surprised that MERV 8 air filters are the highest-rated products we sell.
Is a MERV 8 filter good enough?
A MERV 8 rated filter captures at least 84.9% of particles between the sizes of 0.3 and 10 microns. This is typically good enough to get the job done for the average home. However, a MERV 8 filter captures less than 20% of particles smaller than 0.3 microns.
Can high MERV filter damage my furnace?
If the MERV rating on your furnace is too high, it may force your furnace to work too hard and leave it vulnerable to damages. In addition, you may not get the air velocity required to reach all parts of your home leaving inconsistencies in temperature.
What does MERV 8 catch?
MERV rating 5-8
Filters in the 5-8 MERV value range are also able to trap particles with 3.0-10.0 microns in size, but they are more efficient in doing so. A MERV 5 filter will trap up to 34%, MERV 6 will stop 35-49%, MERV 7 will prevent up to 69%, and MERV 8 will catch up to 85% of particles.
Does MERV 8 filter mold?
By using an air filter with a rating of MERV 6, MERV 8, or MERV 11 in your heating and cooling system you can breathe fresh, clean air because the filter will catch the airborne mold particles so there’s less in your homes air.
What MERV is best for home AC?
Using an air filter with a MERV rating of about 5 to 8 is appropriate for most residential homes. MERV 5 – MERV 8 filters provide good filtration and will remove most pollen, mold spores, and dust mites.
How often should you change a MERV 8 air filter?
every 3 months
For Merv 8, 11 and 13 filters, we recommend that you change your filter at least every 3 months, however changing your filter every 2 months provides better filtration which provides healthier and cleaner air in your home.
What MERV is best for home?
In general, the best MERV rating for a home is somewhere between 8-10. These filters will capture a large portion of the airborne particles and improve indoor air quality without making your energy costs rise significantly.
Which filter is better MERV 8 or 11?
MERV 11 filters are more efficient than MERV 8 filters as they can capture smaller particles. They offer additional protection from pet dander, dust mites, auto-emissions, and lung-damaging dust. This is a good option for households with pets or those looking for even better air quality than the MERV 8 can provide.
What MERV rating is too restrictive?
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.
What MERV rating is best for furnace filters?
Generally speaking, our recommended MERV rating for furnace filters runs from 6 to 8 for a great balance between top furnace efficiency and home comfort. Choosingthe right MERV rating for your furnace filter has a major impact on your indoor air quality, your HVAC system and, most important, your family’s well-being.
Can an air filter be too strong?
There’s also a rise in pressure throughout the ventilation system that can create air leaks in the ducts and lead to issues with the AC such as frozen coils. An air filter that’s too strong is all-around bad news for an air conditioner.
Do thicker air filters restrict airflow?
A thicker filter (4-5 inches) has more surface area and therefore allows more room for air to pass through. Thick filters, due to their increased surface area, also have other benefits like: Higher dust-holding ability (meaning it can catch a lot without blocking airflow)
Are pleated filters bad for your furnace?
Pleated filters are bad for your system because they block too much air, forcing the HVAC motor to work harder to pull in the air it needs and burning it out faster.
Is MERV 13 or 8 better?
You’re better off purchasing MERV 8 filters and changing them more often. That’s because not only are the 13s higher in price, they need to be replaced more often. They remove dust and allergens so well that they pack with dust much faster than a standard MERV 8.
Is a MERV 8 a HEPA filter?
A HEPA is the creme de la creme of air filters with an equivalent rating of a MERV 17 or higher. A HEPA filter at a MERV 17 rating will trap 99.97% of air particles that are 0.3 microns in size, but capture an even higher percentage of particles smaller or larger than that size.
Does Merv 8 stop viruses?
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.
Does MERV 8 Get pet dander?
For pet dander and allergies you’ll want furnace filters with a MERV 8 to a MERV 13 rating. Furnace filters with a MERV 8 rating or higher can effectively remove pet dander from the air. On average, MERV 8 filters remove 85% of large air particles and 50% of small particles.
Are better HVAC filters worth it?
Yes, in general, the more expensive air filters are more effective, but a single person with no pets and allergies might not need as much filtration as a family of five with three pets and a child with asthma.