When it comes to air filters, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends filters in the 7-13 range for optimal efficiency. But is a MERV 10 air filter too much for your home? The answer is yes, but only in extreme cases.
Most modern HVAC systems can handle higher MERV filters, which is why millions of homeowners rely on them. The main risk of high-efficiency air filters is that they remain unchanged for long periods of time. If you don't mind changing your filters regularly, you won't have any issues with the filters in your air conditioning system. In particular, using an air filter with a MERV rating that is too high can damage the compressor, heat exchanger, and air conditioner coil.
Air filters with higher MERV ratings can filter more, but the thickness of the filter material can restrict airflow. For example, if someone in your house has allergies, you might want to get a higher MERV rating. It may seem like they are almost the same thing, but there are some key differences between MERV 8 and MERV 11 air filters. The MERV classification is superior because it is the international standard and makes it easy to compare filters from different brands. Keep in mind that as the MERV rating increases, the filter becomes more restrictive and more pressure and energy will be needed to get air through. If you're concerned about the effects of breathing fine air particles, that's another reason to choose a MERV 11 air filter instead of a MERV 8 air filter.
In 1987, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers designed the MERV rating scale to provide a more accurate picture of an air filter's capabilities. Each air filter has its advantages and disadvantages, but both MERV 8 air filters and MERV 11 air filters are suitable for residential use.
Understanding Low-Efficiency vs High-Efficiency Filters
Low-efficiency filters are usually included in MERV 1-4 and high-efficiency filters are MERV 13 and later. A filter with a MERV rating of between 1 and 6 can remove particles between 0.3 and 10 microns with an efficiency of 20%. If you're trying to decide between a MERV 8 air filter and a MERV 11 air filter, here's what you need to know. The MERV rating is important because it helps you understand the effectiveness of an air filter so you can choose the one that best suits your particular needs.Meanwhile, air filters with a MERV rating of 14 or higher are designed for commercial HVAC systems that can withstand the coarsest filter material.
