What MERV Means
MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. It measures how effectively a filter captures particles on a scale of 1 to 20. MERV 1 to 4 catches large debris but passes allergens and fine particles. MERV 5 to 8 captures some mold spores and dust. MERV 9 to 12 catches most allergens, dust mite debris, and mold spores. MERV 13 to 16 captures fine particles including some bacteria and smoke particles. Above MERV 16 is hospital-grade filtration not typically used in residential systems.
The Right Choice for Most Homes
MERV 11 to 13 provides the best balance of filtration and airflow for most residential HVAC systems. Going higher than your system can handle restricts airflow, reduces efficiency, and can damage the equipment. Check your HVAC manual or ask your technician what your system supports. And change the filter on schedule: a clogged MERV 13 performs worse than a clean MERV 8.
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