Which MERV Rating Should I Buy? A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to air filtration, it's important to choose the right filter for your home. But how do you know which one is best? The answer lies in the MERV rating. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and is a rating system designed by ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers) to inform the effectiveness of air filters. Not all filters are created equal, and the higher the number, the better the filter. In general, filters with higher Merv ratings are more effective and improve air quality, but they are also more expensive.

Plus, taller doesn't always mean better for homeowners. MERV ratings greater than 16 are commonly used in specialized commercial environments where air filtration is essential, such as hospitals. When selecting an air filter, there are several factors to consider. First, you need to make sure that your HVAC system can handle the MERV rating you choose.

If your system can't handle a higher rating, opt for the next highest possible rating. Second, if you're worried about the effects of inhaling fine air particles, then you may want to choose a MERV 11 air filter instead of a MERV 8 air filter. In many cases, a MERV 8 air filter is more than adequate. However, if you are concerned about outdoor air pollution, family members with respiratory problems, or pets in the house, then a higher MERV rating might be a good idea. If you're not sure what type of filter and which MERV rating is best for your home, call Phyxter Home Services. To help make it easier to decide which MERV rating is best for your home, let's compare the differences between the MERV 8 and MERV 11 filters.

The table below shows the minimum threshold at which a filter must operate to obtain a specific MERV rating.

MERV 8 vs. MERV 11 Comparison Table

MERV Rating	Minimum Efficiency
MERV 8	85%
MERV 11	95%

As you can see from the table above, an air filter with a MERV 11 rating is more effective at trapping particles than one with a MERV 8 rating. This means that if you're looking for superior filtration and improved air quality in your home, then a MERV 11 filter is the way to go. However, it's important to note that using an air cleaner with a MERV rating that is too high can damage the compressor, heat exchanger, and air conditioner coil. So if you're susceptible to allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions, then you may want to use a filter with a MERV rating of approximately 10 to 12. In conclusion, when it comes to choosing an air filter for your home, it's important to consider all of the factors mentioned above.

A higher speed filter allows less air to flow through the oven so make sure that your system has a maximum MERV rating. If you're not sure which type of filter and which MERV rating is best for your home, call Phyxter Home Services for help.