When it comes to selecting the right furnace filter for your home, the MERV rating is an important factor to consider. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and is a system used to evaluate the efficiency of an air filter based on its effectiveness in capturing particles of different sizes. A higher MERV rating indicates that the filter does a better job of removing particles from the air. 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.
Choosing the right MERV rating for your oven filter has a big impact on indoor air quality, your HVAC system, and most importantly, the well-being of your family. MERV 13 air filters are considered to be the overall best for residential HVAC systems. Schools often use MERV 13 air filters to provide clean learning environments for their students and staff. It's also worth noting that no product higher than MERV 13 is recommended for residential use.
MERV 13 air filters are very effective at removing a wider range of particles, such as smoke, bacteria and even some viruses. They are perfect for people who are prone to illness and need the cleanest and most sterile environment possible. The MERV rating you choose between 7 and 13 depends on the level of filtration you need. If your family has allergies or asthma, a higher MERV score will be good for you.
If your family doesn't have any difficulty breathing, a lower filter, such as a 7, will save you some money on your energy bill. While ASHRAE recommends MERV 13 and 14, it's best to select a filter with the highest possible MERV rating for your specific HVAC system. In general, filters with a MERV 16 rating or lower are considered HVAC system grade filters for residential, commercial, and general hospital use. Filters with higher MERV ratings trap small particles more effectively than filters with lower MERV ratings.
Some of the common particles that oven filters are tested for include pollen, dust mites, textile and carpet fibers, mold spores, dust, pet dander, bacteria, and tobacco smoke. A MERV rating of 13 to 16 is considered hospital-level air quality, so it's unlikely that your home will need more than that. With the Filter King filter selection tool, you can mark exactly the size, thickness and MERV rating you're looking for. When selecting an air filter for your home, there are several factors to consider in order to ensure you get the best possible filtration. First and foremost is the size of the filter - make sure it fits properly in your furnace or HVAC system.
Secondly, consider the thickness of the filter - thicker filters tend to last longer than thinner ones. Finally, consider the MERV rating - higher ratings mean better filtration but can also reduce airflow due to improved air filtration. Pleated filters that are MERV 8 to 13 can effectively filter small particles and decrease pressure drop (this is the closest thing to MerVana you can find). Ultimately, when it comes to selecting an oven filter for your home or business, it's important to choose one with a high enough MERV rating that will provide adequate filtration while still allowing enough airflow through your HVAC system.
