When it comes to selecting the right air filter for your home, it's important to understand the MERV rating system. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, and it's a measure used to evaluate how effective an air filter is at trapping particles of different sizes. A higher MERV rating means that the filter is more effective at trapping particles, but it also means that the filter will need to be replaced more often. Overall, a MERV rating between 6 and 13 meets the needs of most residences.
This range offers a good balance between air filtration, airflow and affordability. If you select an air filter with a MERV 13 rating, it can last up to six months before it needs to be replaced. Our recommended MERV rating for furnace filters ranges from 6 to 8, providing an excellent balance between maximum furnace efficiency and home comfort. You can use the following table to better understand how filters rated by FPR and MPR compare to the more standard MERV classification system. In this MERV classification table below, we'll look at how several MERV filters for furnaces and air filters work to trap particles of certain sizes and how these capabilities correlate with filter efficiency.
If your system is not capable of handling filters with higher MERV ratings, you can talk to your HVAC dealer about selecting a mid-range MERV rating, between 8 and 10. Once you understand how the MERV classification chart works, you can choose air filters with the MERV ratings that are right for you. Since a high MERV rating means more particles will be removed from the air, you may think that air filters with the highest MERV rating are the best. However, this isn't always the case. A MERV rating of 1 to 6 is the lowest of the MERV ratings, but that doesn't necessarily mean that a filter with a rating within this range should be ruled out. MERV 5 — MERV 8 filters provide good filtration and remove most pollen, mold spores and dust mites.
MERV 10 — MERV 12 air filters can trap particles as small as 1 micron, such as car exhaust, pollen and mold spores. When selecting an air filter for your home, it's important to consider all of these factors in order to make an informed decision. You should also consider your budget when selecting an air filter with a specific MERV rating. Higher rated filters may cost more upfront but may last longer than lower rated filters. If you're still unsure about which MERV rating is best for your home, contact your local HVAC dealer or technician for advice. They can help you select an air filter that meets your needs while also staying within your budget.
