It's essential to be mindful when selecting an air filter for your HVAC system. Picking a filter with a MERV rating that surpasses the suggested level for your system can have an adverse effect on its performance. It's like replacing the kitchen sink filter with a mesh so fine that it causes water to accumulate. While the highest MERV ratings are the most effective for air quality, they can harm your HVAC system.A MERV 11 air filter has a higher efficiency rating, meaning it can capture finer particles and remove more contaminants from the air.
But is the MERV 11 too tall for your needs? 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 fan motor in your HVAC system. Generally speaking, any device under a MERV 13 air filter should provide very efficient air purification in a home without affecting airflow. If you're trying to decide between a MERV 8 air filter and a MERV 11 air filter, here's what you need to know. MERV 11 air filters can filter a large percentage of fine particles, but a MERV 8 air filter may be more suitable for your needs.The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends using filters with a MERV rating of 13 or 14 for commercial HVAC systems.
For residential use, however, it's best to select a filter with the highest possible MERV rating for your specific HVAC system. Each air filter has its advantages and disadvantages, but both MERV 8 air filters and MERV 11 air filters are suitable.If your boiler's MERV rating is too high, it can force it to work too hard and leave it vulnerable to be harmed. If your home's HVAC system is unable to handle the MERV 13, opt for a filter with the next highest possible rating.Filter technology has advanced significantly over the years, and the MERV ratings are designed to help us find the most effective and efficient air filter options for heating and cooling systems, among others. It's best to comply with the oven manufacturer's recommendations or consult an HVAC professional to determine exactly which MERV rating is best for your specific system.The MERV rating is used to indicate how efficient the air filter is at filtering particles from certain sizes.
While MERV 8 is known to be effective at filtering contaminants such as pollen, dust mites, sawdust, mold spores, and lint from the air, higher MERV ratings will clean the air even more. If someone has an allergy or respiratory problem, use a MERV 11 air filter or even a MERV 13 air filter.MERV 8 air filters are very common because they are a fairly complete option, so you might think that they have an excellent price but bad performance. However, this isn't necessarily true - it all depends on your specific needs. Ultimately, it's best to select an air filter that meets your requirements while also being compatible with your HVAC system.