MERV Ratings Made Simple: How to Choose the Right Air Filter
If you’ve ever replaced your HVAC system’s air filter, you’ve probably seen the term “MERV rating.”
So, what does it mean, and how can it have an impact on your HVAC performance and your home’s air quality?
In this article, we’ll explore all there is to know about MERV ratings and help you choose the right air filter for your home!
What is a MERV Rating and Why Should Homeowners Care?
MERV stands for “Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value.” It’s a standard used to measure the effectiveness of an air filter. The higher the MERV rating, the better the filter can capture air particles, including dust, pollen, pet dander, and bacteria.
Why MERV Matters for Air Quality and HVAC Performance
The reason you might want to look for the best MERV rating for your home HVAC system is that it improves indoor air quality. It also helps protect your family from allergens and pollutants.
Beyond trapping allergens, pollutants, and other harmful particles, filters with higher MERV ratings can also help improve your HVAC system’s efficiency. But, this is only if your system is capable of handling the increased airflow resistance.
How Filter Efficiency Impacts Your Health and Energy Bills
An efficient air filter can drastically improve your home’s air quality, which is great if you or anyone in your family struggles with allergies, asthma, or respiratory issues.
Plus, with a quality filter, your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard. The more efficiently it runs, the more money you can save on bills!
👉 Not sure where to start? Check out our Online Filter Shop to easily find and order the right MERV rated filters for your system.
MERV Rating Chart: What Each Rating Means
With our MERV filter guide and a breakdown of HVAC filter ratings, you can make the right decision when choosing a filter. Here’s a simple breakdown of the MERV rating chart (1–20), showing the types of particles each rating can filter out:
MERV 1–4: Basic filters that capture large particles like dust and lint. These are pretty standard in window air conditioners and low-efficiency HVAC systems.
MERV 5–8: These filters capture larger particles, such as pollen, mold spores, and dust mites.
MERV 9–12: Great for homes with pets or allergies! These are made to filter out pet dander, fine dust, and even some bacteria. You’ll often find these in residential systems.
MERV 13–16: These filters capture small particles, including bacteria, smoke, and droplets from respiratory viruses. They’re often used in hospitals or offices, though can be equally beneficial for families that suffer from severe allergies or health concerns.
MERV 17–20: Known as “hospital-grade” filters, these are designed to remove nearly all particles, including viruses and tobacco smoke. They’re not often suitable for most residential systems due to airflow restrictions.
Which MERV Ratings Are Most Common in Residential Use
Most residential homes use filters with MERV ratings between 6 and 12, as they provide a decent balance between air quality and performance.
What’s the Best MERV Rating for Your Home?
MERV 6–8: Basic Protection
These filters provide adequate protection for most homes, as they trap dust, pollen, and some mold spores. However, since they aren’t as effective for fine particles like pet dander or bacteria, we don’t recommend them if you have specific air quality concerns.
MERV 9–12: Better Indoor Air Quality
These filters are best for households with pets or people who suffer from allergies, as they capture finer particles like pet dander and dust mites.
MERV 13+: Hospital-Grade Filtration
While these filters can capture bacteria, smoke, and even some viruses, they can be overkill for most residential HVAC systems. Plus, they may restrict your system’s airflow, which can make them unsuitable depending on the age or design of your HVAC.
How to Balance Efficiency and Airflow
The key to choosing the best MERV rating for home HVAC is finding a balance between filtration efficiency and your system’s ability to handle the increased airflow resistance.
We recommend consulting a professional if you’re unsure.
Pros and Cons of Higher MERV Filters
While higher MERV ratings can offer better air filtration, there are also some trade-offs to opting for high-MERV filters.
As you now know, a higher MERV rating will be better at removing fine particles, which is why we often recommend them for families that struggle with asthma, allergies, or respiratory issues.
However, the main drawback is that they can also restrict airflow, which can strain your HVAC system if it’s not equipped to handle the increased resistance. In essence, you could end up paying more for your energy bills, and it could damage your system.
It’s important to make sure your system can handle a high-MERV filter before you install one, which is why we recommend consulting with your local HVAC professional.
Signs You Need a Better Filter (or a Different Rating)
Is your current filter doing its job?
There are a few common symptoms that could suggest it might be time for a change:
For instance, if you’re noticing more dust than usual, frequent allergy flare-ups, or strange odors in your home, your filter might not be trapping enough particles. In that case, it might be time for an upgrade to a better filter with a higher MERV rating.
If you’re using a low-MERV filter, it may not be catching the particles you’re trying to get rid of, such as pollen or pet dander. On the other hand, if your filter is too restrictive, it could be reducing airflow, making your system work harder than necessary.
How Often Filters Should Be Changed Based on MERV Rating
Higher MERV filters typically need to be replaced more often.
If you have a MERV 9–12 filter, you should change it every 90 days. However, if you have a higher MERV filter (13+), you may need to replace it every 60 days, depending on the conditions in your home.
Ask the Experts: We Can Help You Choose the Right Filter
Choosing the right filter for your HVAC system doesn’t have to be hard. With help from the team of experts at Miller’s Heating & Air, we’ll make sure you get the best MERV rating for your home HVAC system.
We’re here to make sure you avoid the pitfalls of choosing a filter that’s either too weak or too strong for your HVAC system.
How Miller’s Heating & Air Can Help Recommend and Install the Right Filters
While we do sell filters at Miller’s Heating & Air, we don’t just sell filters. We also provide expert advice and installation services to make sure you get the right filter for your needs. Let our efficient technicians install your new filter today so that you can be sure your system is operating at its best.
Schedule a filter replacement or indoor air quality check today!
