The most cost-effective way to eliminate allergens from your home is to use a disposable filter with a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Report Value) rating of 11 to 13. The higher the MERV rating, the better the filter will be at trapping particles such as pollen, pet allergens, and mold, while not hindering airflow. Ideal Energy installs MERV 13 filters on every new heating or air conditioning installation project they complete. These filters can trap more than 90% of pollen allergens and can also remove much smaller particles from the air, creating a healthier indoor environment without compromising airflow or affecting the operation of your HVAC system. MERV filters 7 to 13 are almost as effective as genuine HEPA filters in eliminating allergens, but with much lower operating and system costs.
This means that using high-quality filters can help your HVAC system operate more efficiently and prevent the inside of the equipment from accumulating dust. It's best to use a category 13 MERV filter to protect against bacteria that spread viruses, but you should also consider adding air quality solutions to your home. An air filter alone is no guarantee against airborne viruses such as COVID-19, the flu, or the common cold. Since then, I have used MERV 8 filters without problems, but a MERV 8 filter is unlikely to be suitable for eliminating the allergens that a normal reader tries to eliminate. The MERV 13 filter consists of the latter including greater protection against airborne bacteria and viruses that spread through airborne droplets. Use an 8 to 13 MERV filter, depending on your family's needs and environment, and start using an indoor air quality monitor to help you determine if a separate air purification system is needed. In most homes and commercial buildings, filters with a MERV rating between 8 and 13 will sufficiently filter the air. MERV 13 filters help protect against the spread of bacteria, sneezing particles, smoke, and virus-carrying germs.
The MERV 13 air quality standards are of hospital quality, making them suitable for homes where people who are immunosuppressed or who suffer from severe allergies or asthma live. A MERV 13 filter has been shown to capture most virus-sized particles found in the air, including those between 0.3 and 1 micron, which approximate the size of droplet nuclei and contain many respiratory infections and types of cancer. A high-quality MERV 13 filter can improve your home's air quality by trapping more smaller particles, such as dust, lint, pollen, bacteria, smoke, smog, and allergens such as viruses and mold. A MERV 13 air filter will also remove large viruses, mold spores, and pet dander from the air, helping you avoid inhaling harmful particles and at the same time preventing them from spreading through your facility. While some sites on the Internet talk about MERV 17-20 filters, the EPA and ASHRAE only rank them on the MERV scale from 1 to 16. A MERV 13 filter is the ideal choice to filter out these tiny particles and at the same time help reduce odors produced by these persistent spores. Using a MERV 13 filter can help relieve allergy symptoms by reducing levels of dust, pollen, and pet dander in your home. The MERV 11 or for homes where allergies and asthma are a priority choosing between a MERV 11 or an effective method to reduce bacteria virus-carrying droplets and other contaminants that could spread diseases or ailments in their space is to use Second Nature's 13-inch Health Shield MERV pleated filter. In conclusion, using a high-quality MERV 13 filter is an effective way to reduce allergens in your home while also protecting against airborne bacteria and viruses that spread through airborne droplets.
It's important to use an indoor air quality monitor to determine if a separate air purification system is needed in addition to using a high-quality filter. With proper maintenance and regular replacement of your MERV 13 filter you can ensure that your home's air quality remains healthy.
