When it comes to air filters, the best MERV rating for a home is between 8 and 10. This range offers a great balance between air filtration, airflow, and affordability. A MERV 11 air filter is suitable for residential use, but anything under a MERV 13 air filter should provide very efficient air purification without affecting airflow. Meanwhile, filters with a MERV 14 rating or higher are designed for commercial HVAC systems that can handle the coarsest filter material. When selecting an air filter, it's important to check if your HVAC system has a limit for the MERV rating.
Generally speaking, a MERV 13 filter can last up to six months before needing to be replaced. Filters with higher MERV ratings trap small particles more effectively than those with lower ratings, but they may be more expensive and restrict airflow due to their thickness. The Microparticle Performance Rating (MPR) system is another way to measure the effectiveness of a filter in trapping only the smallest particles on the MERV scale (0.3-1 microns in size). This system ranges from 300 to 2200 and can help you decide which filter works best for your home.
MERV 17 to MERV 20 filters are used in industrial or scientific applications such as surgical operating rooms and cleanrooms that require absolute cleanliness. Overall, our recommended MERV rating for oven filters ranges from 6 to 8 to strike a great balance between maximum oven efficiency and home comfort. With this information in mind, you can choose air filters with the right MERV ratings for your needs.
