MERV 13 air filters are the highest-rated air filters for home use. Any air filter with a rating higher than 13 will restrict air flow to the point of which could cause damage to your HVAC system, resulting in an added expense to fix it.
Is MERV 13 a good filter?
A MERV 13 filter is a step in the right direction and captures more particles than a typical MERV 8 filter. However, it is not as good at capturing small virus sized particles like a HEPA can. A MERV 13 will trap less than 75% of air particles that are 0.3-1.0 micron in size (the coronavirus is 0.1 microns).
Can my furnace handle a MERV 13 filter?
MERV 13 is the highest MERV value safe for residential furnaces; the higher ratings are used primarily in commercial units. If you are wondering what MERV to try, keep these recommendations in mind; ASHRAE recommends MERV 6 or higher. US Department of Energy recommends MERV 13.
What is better than a MERV 13 filter?
If you are looking for a filter that can capture small particles, then HEPA is a better option. MERV 13 filters are the most popular type of air filter, and they are designed to remove particles from the air that are larger than 0.30 microns.
Is MERV 13 too high for HVAC? – Related Questions
Is MERV 13 too restrictive for residential?
Filters within a MERV rating of 17-20 are almost never necessary in a residential home. A MERV rating of 13-16 is considered hospital level air quality, so it is unlikely your home needs any more than that.
Is there a downside to high MERV filters?
The higher MERV filters have higher resistance. When you add more resistance, you can get a bigger pressure drop across the filter. And that’s where the problems begin. The blower in the furnace or air handler is rated for a certain amount of pressure drop.
What is the highest rated MERV filter?
Well, MERV ratings range from 1 to 20, with 1 being the lowest level of filtration, and 20 being the highest. Filters that are MERV 16 through 20 are usually only found in hospitals, cleanrooms, and nuclear power plants.
What is MERV 13 equivalent to?
FPR 10 is the same as MERV Ratings 13.
Which MERV is the best air filter?
In general, the best MERV rating for a home is somewhere between 8-10. These filters will capture a large portion of the airborne particles and improve indoor air quality without making your energy costs rise significantly.
Is MERV 11 better than MERV 13?
MERV 11 furnace filters have a particle arrestance of a little over 90%. In comparison, MERV 13 HVAC filters have a particle arrestance of around 98%. Naturally, it is significantly more efficient. MERV 11 rated air filters are ideal for those who live in a moderately polluted area, have mild allergies, or own a pet.
Is MERV 11 too high for HVAC?
In most cases, a MERV 11 air filter isn’t too high for residential use. Generally speaking, anything under a MERV 13 air filter should provide very efficient air purification in a home without impacting airflow.
How often should MERV 13 filters be changed?
For Merv 8, 11 and 13 filters, we recommend that you change your filter at least every 3 months, however changing your filter every 2 months provides better filtration which provides healthier and cleaner air in your home.
Is MERV 11 OK for my furnace?
Increased usage can lead to more wear and tear, so make sure to regularly maintain your furnace. MERV 11 filters however, are not considered to be too high for residential use. Anything higher than a MERV 11 is designed for commercial or households with family members suffering from respiratory issues.
Is MERV 8 or 13 better?
You’re better off purchasing MERV 8 filters and changing them more often. That’s because not only are the 13s higher in price, they need to be replaced more often. They remove dust and allergens so well that they pack with dust much faster than a standard MERV 8.
Which filter is better MERV 8 or 11?
MERV 11 filters are more efficient than MERV 8 filters as they can capture smaller particles. They offer additional protection from pet dander, dust mites, auto-emissions, and lung-damaging dust. This is a good option for households with pets or those looking for even better air quality than the MERV 8 can provide.
What is the difference between MERV 8 11 and 13?
The higher-rated filter also captures up to 90 percent or better of smaller particles floating through the air. The primary benefit when comparing a MERV 11 vs. MERV 13 filter is that the latter includes stronger protection against airborne bacteria and viruses that spread through droplets in the air.
How long does MERV 13 last?
Our MERV 13 air filters are designed to last 3 months. We recommend replacing your filter regularly to ensure your air stays clean, energy costs are lowered, and your air conditioner works properly. MERV 13 filters are comparable to MPR 1500/1900 and FPR 10.
Does MERV 13 filter mold?
MERV 13 Air Filter
While a MERV 13 filter can catch dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria, it can also filter out smoke, smog, and even virus carriers. In fact, there aren’t many airborne particles that a MERV 13 air filter can’t catch.
Is MERV 10 or 13 better?
According to the ASHRAE, the best rating for residential HVAC systems is MERV 13. But before you upgrade your filter, make sure your specific system can accommodate that rating. A higher MERV rating often means lower airflow, which can cause the system to work harder—use more energy—to do its job.
Are higher MERV filters restrict airflow?
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 blower motor in your HVAC system. Filters for central HVAC systems are usually the primary form of particle removal for residential and commercial buildings.