Most homes are better served with a filter with a MERV rating of 8 to 13, but it is always best to consult your system's user manual or with a Trane employee for guidance. Trane recommends a MERV rating of 8 to 13 for most residential homes, but if you have a family member who often smokes inside your home, then a MERV 16 is your best option. Clear The Air Trane Perfect Fit Merv 13 filters are the most suitable option for residential HVAC filtration. They can remove up to 96% of allergens, fine particles, dust, pollen, dust mites, bacteria, mold spores, pet dander, smoke, gases and odors.
Based on its own products, Trane suggests Merv ratings of 9 or higher for more serious air purification. For residential furnaces, filters range from 4 to 12 on the MERV scale. A basic MERV 4 filter is the cheapest option but it won't trap certain small particles (such as dust mites and pet dander) that might be in your home. If your family has health problems or allergies, then you should look for a high-efficiency filter with a MERV 11 or higher rating.
But for most homes, a MERV 7 or 8 filter is the ideal balance between performance and cost. A MERV 11 air filter has a higher efficiency rating and can capture finer particles and remove more pollutants from the air. But is MERV 11 too tall for your needs? Before you buy an air filter, it's important to check if your system has a maximum MERV rating. Choosing the right MERV rating is an important decision in terms of total cost, air quality and product durability.
The Filter King filter selection tool can help you find the best HVAC filter for your installation by marking the size, thickness and MERV rating you are looking for. People who don't have health problems and live in an area with minimal air pollution can be comfortable with filters that have lower MERV ratings. On the other hand, if you have allergies or asthma, you may want to use a filter with a MERV rating of approximately 10 to 12. Similarly, if you're not sure what triggers your allergies, filters with MERV ratings of at least 9 (but preferably higher) are your best bet for reducing symptoms. When buying oven air filters, don't confuse MERV with other rating systems that may appear on packaging (especially in large home improvement stores).
In general, filters with higher MERV ratings are more effective and improve air quality but they are also more expensive. Additionally, filters specifically designed for people with allergies may have additional features that specifically target these issues.
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