Because smoke particles are quite small (typically 0.3 to 1.0 microns in size), an air filter with a MERV rating of 11 or higher is required to efficiently remove them. In the most basic sense, the MERV classification gives us an idea of how filters (air purifiers, ovens) can filter particles from 0.3 to 10 microns (10-6 m). That's the size range that includes most air pollutants, smoke, dust, cooking oil odor, mold spores, and bacteria, to name just a few. These Merv 8 filters have a high capacity rating and are perfect for light to medium use.
Maintain better airflow, provide good filtration and retain a lot of dust. They do a great job capturing allergens such as pollen, dust mites, large pet dander, carpet fibers, dog hair, cat hair, and even human hair. Choose this option if you want better filtration than what you'll find in the store for the same price. MERV 11 filters are slightly superior to MERV 8 filters.
They capture additional contaminants in your home, such as mold spores, lung-damaging dust, most bacteria, self-emitting particles, hairspray particles, and some insecticide dust and smoke particles. Choose MERV 11 or higher if there are smokers in the home or people with compromised immune systems. When choosing an air filter for your HVAC system, it may seem like a good idea to buy the filter with the highest MERV rating, since you want to have the cleanest air possible, right? In most cases, you should use a filter in the range of 5-8.The reason is that filters with a high MERV rating will have the smallest pores for air to pass through. This can make it difficult for the HVAC system to push air through the filter, reducing system performance.
To avoid restricting airflow, filters with a higher MERV rating should be changed more frequently (at least every three months) to prevent damage to the HVAC system. MERV 13 air filters are considered the best overall 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 value higher than MERV 13 is recommended for residential use.
MERV 13 air filters are highly 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 getting sick and need the cleanest and most sterile environment possible. MERV Ratings Chart and Filter Type and Particulate Removed. HEPA filters are at the highest MERV level and work best with protection against air pollutants.
We recommend MERV 11 filters as our “best air filter”. These air filters are ideal for people with pets. Eliminates pet dander and most air particles. These include mold, smoke, and pollen.
We do not recommend filters M 12 or higher 13.May adversely affect certain HVAC systems. These filters can cause restricted airflow. HVAC blowers rely on a good supply of air to keep them cool. Considering the threat posed by the spread of COVID-19 and other germs, upgrading a building's air filter to a HEPA is a much more effective step than just a MERV 13 considering the small size of a virus (0.06-0.12 microns); the more efficient the filter, the better.
MERV 11-13 air filters are a kind of midpoint between the cheapest and the most expensive. So you know you need to change your air filters regularly, but you're not sure which MERV rating is the right one to choose. You can see from the MERV scale above that the MERV 10 filter will filter 85% of particles from 3.0-10.0 μm. Oven and air filters above MERV 13 are normally found in a hospital environment, where air sanitation is of the utmost importance.
A MERV 14 or higher air cleaner can create more airflow resistance than a residential HVAC system can withstand. Because they fall outside the MERV table, they are known as HEPA filters or high-efficiency filters. A HEPA filter is essentially the ultimate solution in the air filter world and far exceeds what a MERV 13 can do. Furnace filters with MERV ratings between 6 and 8 are the cheapest and are considered the minimum of efficiency.
If you want to know how effective your air filter is at removing air pollutants, check the filter's MERV rating. Filters with a MERV 6 rating are more affordable and will provide the bare minimum for a home without furry pets. . .
