When it comes to air quality, the MERV rating of your air filter is an important factor. The Merv 5-8 range can only capture particles of 3.0 microns or greater, such as aerosols, mold, and dust. While this may be sufficient for some homes, it is not enough to capture harmful viruses and bacteria, smoke, and other forms of air pollution. For residential use, the standard recommendation is to choose an oven filter with a MERV rating between 7 and 13. This will capture most airborne pollutants in the home.
However, if you have pets, you should opt for a MERV 10 filter to control their dander, which tends to have smaller particles than other contaminants. If you're still not sure which MERV filter is best for your home, talk to an HVAC expert who can guide you to the right selection. ASHRAE recommends Merv 13 and 14 filters for optimal air quality. However, attempting to use a higher efficiency filter in an older unit could cause significant problems and require repairs. It's best to select a filter with the highest possible Merv rating for your specific HVAC system.
But keep in mind that using a filter with a higher Merv rating than necessary can restrict airflow and cause the system to operate inefficiently or even damage it. MERV 13 air filters are also ideal for new buildings that are looking to achieve LEED certification. Additionally, filters with higher Merv ratings should be changed more frequently (at least every three months) to avoid restricted airflow. In conclusion, selecting the right Merv rating for your home is essential for maintaining clean and healthy air. While Merv 8 filters may be sufficient for some homes, they are not enough to capture all airborne pollutants.
For optimal air quality, it's best to choose an oven filter with a MERV rating between 7 and 13. If you have pets, opt for a MERV 10 filter. And if you're still not sure which MERV filter is best for your home, talk to an HVAC expert who can guide you to the right selection.
