MERV 13 air filters are designed for healthcare and laboratory environments with excellent air quality and HVAC systems that can manage high-efficiency filters. Using a filter higher than MERV 13 in a home is unnecessary and can restrict airflow and damage the HVAC system. Another undesired effect of this decrease in airflow is on the cooling side. The air conditioner has a hot coil outside, the condenser, and a cold coil inside the air controller.
This cold coil has a specific preferred operating temperature that is based on a certain amount of hot air flowing through that coil and on the coolant that passes through that coil's copper tubing. With a higher MERV filter that reduces airflow through this crucial part of the air conditioning system, the cold coil can eventually freeze and become an ice ball, completely restricting airflow. So, can a MERV 13 air filter damage your HVAC system? The short answer is yes, but it's not really a problem, except in extreme circumstances. Most modern air conditioning systems have no problem operating with higher MERV filters, which is why millions of homeowners rely on them.
The main risk of high-efficiency air filters comes from the fact that they are not modified for long periods of time. If you insist on changing the filters, it is unlikely that you will experience any problems related to the filters in your system of air conditioning. A MERV rating of 13 to 16 is considered hospital-level air quality, so your home is unlikely to need more than that. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, filters in the 7 to 13 range usually have little difference from those in the higher MERV ratings, but they will allow the system to operate much more efficiently.
MERV 13
air filters are powerful; they can trap more particles and improve quality better than lower values. Filters larger than 13 can trap bacteria, viruses, and carbon dust, among other harmful contaminants.They are more effective than some lower values, but only if your oven can handle them. If an air filter with a MERV rating of 13 can be easily adapted to the dimensions of the air filter compartment, then it is compatible. Now that you know why air filters are essential, let's learn how to check which MERV air filter your HVAC system can handle. With the lower MERV rating (1-), the filter will continue to capture pollen, dust mites, cockroach debris, sanding dust, spray paint dust, textile fibers and carpet fibers. MERV 13 air filters should be replaced more often than lower-quality ones, which could result in significant maintenance costs. The MERV scale is not linear; the difference between a MERV 6 and a MERV 8 is almost double in terms of the percentage of particles captured.
Some technicians expect that people will forget to change their filters, so using low-efficiency filters regularly could help minimize damage in a neglected HVAC system. Air filters with MERV 13 or higher are recommended for those who prioritize air quality and may need to control asthma, severe allergies, and other similar circumstances. A residential system will not accept filters with a MERV rating greater than 12 unless it has been previously modernized with a higher-efficiency filter. Consider these tips when changing your air filter to a lower value than the Filter King Merv 13 air filters: keep in mind that as the MERV rating increases, the filter becomes more restrictive and more pressure and energy will be needed to pass the air. While the air filter is designed to control the amount of unwanted air particles that enter your home, your filter's MERV rating aims to show you which filter is best suited for your home. MERV 9-12 filters are the best filters a residential HVAC system can install without requiring major system modifications.
Keep in mind that just because an air filter with a MERV rating of 13 is better than lower values doesn't mean that they don't have their own problems; air conditioning unit technology has progressed since then and most modern units in recent years should have at least the capacity to install a MERV 8 filter. In conclusion, using MERV 13 or higher rated air filters can be beneficial for those who prioritize indoor air quality but may cause damage if used in an incompatible HVAC system or if not changed regularly. It's important to check what type of filter your HVAC system can handle before making any changes.
