When it comes to choosing the right furnace filter, the Minimum Efficiency Report Value (MERV) rating is an important factor to consider. The MERV rating of a filter tells you, on a scale of 1 to 16, how effectively it traps small particles like dust, pollen, mold, and other irritants. A higher MERV score is better for people with allergies or asthma, while a lower filter can save you money on your energy bill. For residential HVAC systems, our recommended MERV rating ranges from 6 to 8.This strikes a great balance between maximum efficiency and home comfort.
Filters with higher MERV ratings trap small particles more effectively than filters with lower MERV ratings. However, no product higher than MERV 13 is recommended for residential use. MERV 13 air filters are considered to be the overall best for residential HVAC systems. They are very effective at removing a wider range of particles, such as smoke, bacteria and even some viruses.
Schools often use MERV 13 air filters to provide clean learning environments for their students and staff. Pleated filters that are MERV 8 to 13 can effectively filter small particles and decrease pressure drop. With the Filter King filter selection tool, you can mark exactly the size, thickness and MERV rating you're looking for. If your family has allergies or asthma, a higher MERV score will be good for you.
If your family doesn't have any difficulty breathing, a lower filter, such as a 7, will save you some money on your energy bill. It's also worth noting that there are always other options available to improve indoor air quality if your system can't handle the MERV ratings you need. Therefore, if you are looking for a high-quality oven filter that is not too expensive, a MERV 8-10 filter is worth considering.
