When it comes to selecting the right air filter for your home HVAC system, the MERV rating is an important factor to consider. The MERV rating, which stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, is a classification system developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) to measure the effectiveness of air filters. Generally speaking, a MERV 11 air filter is suitable for residential use, while anything higher than a MERV 13 should be used in commercial HVAC systems. The higher the MERV rating, the better the filter is at removing particles from the air.
However, it's important to note that filters with higher ratings may restrict air flow due to their thicker filter material. For residential use, a MERV rating of 8 to 13 is usually sufficient to remove most of the particles that cause allergies from the air in the house. To make it easier to decide which filter is best for your home, you can compare the differences between MERV 8 and MERV 11 filters using this comparison chart. 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're not sure what type of filter and what MERV ratings are best for your home, call Phyxter Home Services for expert advice. They can help you select the right filter for your HVAC system and ensure that it's working efficiently.