When it comes to air quality, the Minimum Efficiency Report Value (MERV) of a filter is an important factor to consider. MERV ratings range from 1 to 20, with 1 being the lowest level of filtration and 20 being the highest. Lower MERV values filter out fewer particles, while higher values are more restrictive. For residential homes, MERV 8-10 filters are the most common and still relatively affordable.
These filters capture more large particles and at least half of the smallest particles, such as pollen, mold and mold spores. Therefore, if you're looking for a high-quality filter that won't break the bank, a MERV 8-10 filter is worth considering. 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. However, if you're in a situation where you shouldn't use a high MERV filter (12+) for use in ovens or air conditioners, you may want to research air purifiers instead.
When removing the old and dirty filter, it may be necessary to have a plastic bag handy to place the dirty filter inside. A dirty, clogged filter reduces the efficiency of your home's HVAC system by making it more difficult to push air throughout your home. 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. If you decide to go with a higher MERV rating, make sure it's not too high for your HVAC system.
If the MERV rating is too high for the oven or air controller blower motor to handle, the result will be low airflow. AC Troubleshooting: If this problem occurs after installing a high MERV filter, the problem is likely to be the filter. You should also remember to replace the filter every month, three months, six months, or a year, depending on the filter. Since a high MERV rating means more particles will be removed from the air, it's important to select a filter with an appropriate rating for your HVAC system.
