Choosing the right MERV rating for your residential HVAC system is an important decision. According to ASHRAE, the best rating for residential HVAC systems is Merv 13. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Report Value and is a rating system designed by ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers) to inform the effectiveness of air filters. The MERV 1 rating is the lowest efficiency with minimal filtration, while the 16 rating offers the highest efficiency and filtration.
A MERV rating of between 6 and 13 generally 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. In most cases, a Merv 11 air filter isn't too tall for residential use.
Generally speaking, anything under a Merv 13 air filter should provide very efficient air purification in a home without affecting airflow. Meanwhile, air filters with a MERV 14 rating or higher are designed for commercial HVAC systems that can handle the coarsest filter material. The table below shows the minimum threshold at which a filter must operate to obtain a specific MERV rating. You can also view the Microparticle Performance Rating (MPR) system, which ranges from 300 to 2200 and measures the effectiveness of a filter in trapping only the smallest particles on the MERV scale (0.3-1 microns in size).
In particular, using an air cleaner with a MERV rating that is too high can damage the compressor, heat exchanger, and air conditioner coil. Choosing the right MERV rating is an important decision in terms of total cost, air quality, and product durability. These scales have different ranges than the MERV rating, but they are usually measured based on similar factors. For example, a better MERV rating doesn't always mean a filter is the best option for your oven. The type of MERV rating isn't the only thing you need to consider when maintaining your HVAC system. The main difference between the MPR and MERV classification systems is that the MPR classification system focuses on the effectiveness of the filter in removing E1 microparticles from the air.
Nor will it put additional pressure on your oven, since the mesh of the material is not as dense as a higher MERV rating. Air filters with higher MERV ratings can filter more, but the thickness of the filter material can restrict airflow. A MERV rating is important because it helps you understand the effectiveness of an air filter so you can choose the right one for your particular needs. Well, MERV ratings range from 1 to 20, with 1 being the lowest level of filtration and 20 being the highest. 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. It should also be noted that filters at the lower end of the MERV scale are not even tested for their efficiency in capturing E1 and E2 particles. The best MERV rating for your home will depend on what you want to filter and the amount of airflow your HVAC system needs to operate.
Merv 11 air filters can filter a large percentage of fine particles, but a MERV 8 air filter cannot.
