Is MERV 12 too high for HVAC?

When in doubt, choose a MERV 8 to MERV 10 filter rated for high airflow, so it won't damage your furnace or air handler. Or you can ask a certified HVAC technician what filter is best for your furnace or air handler.

Will MERV 12 hurt my furnace?

The short answer is that it can, but it's not really an issue except under extreme circumstances. Most modern HVAC systems have no problem working with higher MERV filters, which is why millions of homeowners depend on them.

Is MERV 12 OK for residential?

In general, most residential systems can adequately remove airborne contaminants with a filter rated MERV 7-12, while MERV 13-20 is typically found in hospital and pharmaceutical manufacturing settings.

Is a MERV 12 rating good?

MERV 12 filters trap 80 to 89 percent of average particles of 1.0 to 3.0 microns, with an average particle size efficiency of 90 percent or better. As you can see, they're pretty close. That's why you're just as good going with a MERV 11 as with a MERV 12.

Can I replace MERV 12 with MERV 11?

MERV rating 9-12

Filters in this range can trap more than 85% of the particles sized 3.0-10.0 microns. A MERV 9 will trap less than 50% of particles sized 1.0-3.0 microns, MERV 10 will stop up to 64%, MERV 11 will get up to 79%, and MERV 12 is capable of catching up to 89%.

What is a MERV Rating?

Does MERV 12 filter Covid?

What kind of filter should I use in my home HVAC system to help protect my family from COVID-19? Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, or MERV, reports a filter's ability to capture particles. Filters with MERV-13 or higher ratings can trap smaller particles, including viruses.

How often should you change a MERV 12 filter?

Your furnace's owner's manual will specify the best MERV rating for your furnace, and in general, filters with a MERV rating of 6 through 9 should be changed every 90 days, while those with a MERV rating of 10 through 12 should be changed every 60 days.

What is the difference between MERV 12 and 13?

MERV 10 – MERV 12 filters remove most 1.0 to 3.0 micron particles plus bigger ones. These include all those listed under MERV 8 filters plus pet dander, bacteria, most smoke/smog particles and most auto emission particles. MERV 13 – MERV 16 filters remove most . 3 – 1.0 micron particles plus bigger ones.

What MERV Can my AC handle?

The EPA recommends MERV ratings of 9-12 because it is the most effective at keeping your home's air clean. A filter with this rating will prevent particulates as small as 1 micron from entering your HVAC system. This rating qualifies as HEPA (high-efficiency particulate absorption) level.

Are MERV 14 filters bad for HVAC?

The abbreviation stands for Minimum Effective Reporting Value. In other words, it's a measurement showing how small the holes are in the filter. The higher the MERV number, the smaller the holes, and the less that can pass through. Ultimately, this is what makes MERV 14 filters not a good choice for home use.

Will MERV 13 damage my furnace?

What Are MERV 13 Air Filters? MERV 13 air filters are the highest-rated air filters for home use. Any air filter with a rating higher than 13 will restrict air flow to the point of which could cause damage to your HVAC system, resulting in an added expense to fix it.

Is MERV 11 OK for my furnace?

Increased usage can lead to more wear and tear, so make sure to regularly maintain your furnace. MERV 11 filters however, are not considered to be too high for residential use. Anything higher than a MERV 11 is designed for commercial or households with family members suffering from respiratory issues.

Does MERV 11 restrict air flow?

Be aware, too, that some retailers also use their own rating system instead of MERV. A decade ago, it used to be that if you had an HVAC system that used panel filters rated 6 through 9 MERV, putting in a MERV 11 or higher filter would restrict airflow (known as filter pressure drop).

Can my furnace handle a MERV 14?

MERV filters 1-4 are only good for blocking large particles from damaging your furnace. The ideal MERV filters for both air filtering and furnace efficiency are 7-13, experts say. These filters can be used without any modifications to your equipment. Your system may handle MERV 14-16 with no discernable stress.

What is a MERV 12?

A filter with a MERV rating of nine to 12 captures particles greater than one micrometer. This includes most dust and common pollutants. Hospital laboratories and superior residential air conditioners fall within this range.

What MERV rating does Trane recommend?

Most homes are best served by a filter with a MERV rating of 8 to 13, but refer to your system's user manual or with a Trane® Comfort Specialist for guidance.

Is MERV 11 or 13 better?

MERV 11 furnace filters have a particle arrestance of a little over 90%. In comparison, MERV 13 HVAC filters have a particle arrestance of around 98%. Naturally, it is significantly more efficient. MERV 11 rated air filters are ideal for those who live in a moderately polluted area, have mild allergies, or own a pet.

Why are the highest rated MERV filters not used in residential applications?

Why are the highest rated MERV filters not used in residential applications? Most residential air conditioning equipment can not operate correctly at pressure drops exceeding .

When should I change my MERV 13 filter?

For Merv 8, 11 and 13 filters, we recommend that you change your filter at least every 3 months, however changing your filter every 2 months provides better filtration which provides healthier and cleaner air in your home.

Why does my air filter get so dirty?

You have many guests and/or pets

More people walking into your home increases the amount of dirt and contaminants in your home. Furry pets also introduce hair, dirt, and pet dander. And the more contaminants floating around in your home, the faster your filter gets dirty.

What MERV rating is best for home use?

In general, the best MERV rating for a home is somewhere between 8-10. These filters will capture a large portion of the airborne particles and improve indoor air quality without making your energy costs rise significantly.

Do HVAC filters help with Covid?

Portable air cleaners and HVAC filters can reduce indoor air pollutants, including viruses, that are airborne. By themselves, portable air cleaners and HVAC filters are not enough to protect people from the virus that causes COVID-19.

What type of HVAC filter should I use?

HEPA Filter — HVAC replacement companies typically recommend HEPA filters because they can provide the highest protection level when it comes to airborne particles. This filter is capable of capturing small microns, and has a MERV rating between 17 and 20, meaning it can trap tobacco smoke and bacteria.