Do you know which air filter MERV ratings are right for your needs? If not, or if you're not quite sure what MERV means, chances are you're using an inefficient air filter for your A/C, heat pump or furnace. Choosing a filter with the right MERV rating can help you stay more comfortable and save money despite the Fort Wayne area's challenging continental climate.
The minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) tells you how efficient an HVAC air filter traps airborne contaminant particles in different size groups. Values for residential filters range from 1 to 16. The higher the number, the more efficient the filter.
MERV 1 to 5 – These filters are the standard thin disposable types. They can trap hair, carpet fibers and larger pollen particles, but little else. As such, they're meant only to protect your HVAC system, not to purify your air. They get dirty quickly. Dirty filters reduce your system's efficiency, so forgetting to change your low-efficiency filter for just one month could mean higher energy bills.
MERV 6 to 8 – These may be flat-panel filters or pleated filters. They improve your indoor air quality by capturing particles such as mold spores and smaller pollen particles. As long as you're not trying to control allergies or other respiratory problems, a filter in this range is fine.
MERV 9 to 12 – Bothered by seasonal allergies or asthma? Looking for a filter that can clean your air well enough to reduce your symptoms? Then these are the MERV ratings to choose from. The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) advises using a filter of MERV 11 or 12 if you have allergies. These filters also last longer than lower-MERV models, protecting your system's energy efficiency.
MERV 13 to 16 – Filters in this range are highly efficient, even trapping many types of bacteria. Due to their density, however, they can interfere with airflow and damage your HVAC system. They can be made to work in a residential system, though this typically requires serious physical modifications to your equipment. Consult a heating and cooling technician before buying one of these filters.
For more pro tips on choosing MERV ratings and improving your indoor air quality, please contact us at Hartman Brothers Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in New Haven, Indiana and surrounding Fort Wayne area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air filters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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