Are you still using those cheap fiberglass air filters in your home? Unfortunately, they do more harm than good and aren't as effective at capturing contaminants from the air. It's time to upgrade to a higher quality filter, but which one should you choose? MERV 11 and MERV 13 filters are two of the most popular options, but which one is best for your home? MERV 11 furnace filters have a particle retention rate of just over 90%, while MERV 13 air conditioning filters have a particle retention rate of around 98%. This makes the latter significantly more efficient. The fundamental difference between the two is that MERV 13 filters better trap fine particles, such as bacteria, viruses, smoke, and microscopic allergens.
In comparison, MERV 11 filters only trap 20% of these particles. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) suggests the MERV 13 rating for most homes and commercial buildings. However, it's important to note that a MERV rating greater than 13 could adversely affect some HVAC systems, so it's a good idea to check that your unit can support a higher MERV rating before making your purchase. For most homes, the highest recommended MERV rating is MERV 13 filters.
MERV 13 filters are suitable for homes in densely populated areas with high levels of air pollution, immunosuppressed people, and people with severe allergies and asthma. They help protect against the spread of bacteria, sneezing particles, smoke, and virus-carrying germs. While the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) suggests the MERV 13 rating for most homes and commercial buildings, it may not be the most efficient option for some residential HVAC systems. The particle size of the COVID-19 virus is 0.1 microns, which is too small for MERV 13 filters to catch.
In addition to filtering the common dust, dust mites, lint and pollen that trap other filters, MERV 13 filters can filter smoke, air pollution, microscopic allergens, viruses, bacteria, mold, exhaust gases and dander from various companion animals. It's best to use a category 13 MERV filter to protect yourself from the bacteria that spread the virus. Choose an 8 to 13 MERV filter depending on your family's needs and environment. Start using an indoor air quality monitor to help you determine if a separate air purification system is needed.
An air filter is just an air filter - wrong! Despite the many qualifications of MERV 13 filters, high-efficiency filters are not needed in most homes. MERV 13 filters can block up to 98% of air contaminants and trap microscopic particles between 0.3 and 1.0 microns in size. When it comes to choosing an air filter for your home or business, it's important to consider all factors before making a decision. Consider your environment and family's needs when selecting an appropriate filter.
If you're looking for maximum protection against airborne contaminants such as bacteria and viruses, then a MERV 13 filter is your best bet.
