Is MERV 8 or 11 better?

MERV 11 filters are more efficient than MERV 8 filters as they can capture smaller particles. They offer additional protection from pet dander, dust mites, auto-emissions, and lung-damaging dust. This is a good option for households with pets or those looking for even better air quality than the MERV 8 can provide.

Is MERV 11 too high?

In most cases, a MERV 11 air filter isn't too high for residential use. Generally speaking, anything under a MERV 13 air filter should provide very efficient air purification in a home without impacting airflow.

What is the best MERV rating 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.

Is a higher MERV rating worth it?

What MERV rating you choose between 7 and 13 depends on what level of filtration you require. If your family has allergies or asthma, a higher MERV rating will be good for you. If your family doesn't suffer from any breathing difficulties, a lower filter like a 7 will save you some money on your energy bill.

Is MERV rating/8 good?

A MERV 8 rated filter captures at least 84.9% of particles between the sizes of 0.3 and 10 microns. This is typically good enough to get the job done for the average home. However, a MERV 8 filter captures less than 20% of particles smaller than 0.3 microns.

MERV Ratings- Which MERV Rating Is Right For Me?

Will MERV 11 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.

Does Merv 8 capture mold?

MERV 5 to 8 – effective at controlling mold spores, hair spray, dust. Applicable in most commercial buildings, residences, industrial workplaces and paint booths. MERV 8 filters have 90 percent efficiency on particles that are 3 to 10 micrometers in size.

How often should I change my MERV 11 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.

Does higher MERV make AC work harder?

A higher MERV rating often means lower airflow, which can cause the system to work harder—use more energy—to do its job. If your home HVAC system is not capable of handling MERV 13, opt for a filter with the next highest rating possible.

What MERV is best for furnace?

Remember, there are always other options out there to improve your indoor air quality if your system can't handle the MERV ratings you require. Generally speaking, our recommended MERV rating for furnace filters runs from 6 to 8 for a great balance between top furnace efficiency and home comfort.

What does MERV 11 filter out?

MERV 11 is effective at controlling dust, pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. Applicable in most commercial buildings, residences, industrial workplaces, and paint booths.

What MERV rating is good for mold?

MERV Rating

A rating between 1 and 4 will protect your HVAC system, but will not improve air quality. A rating between 5 and 13 is useful in fighting mold, pet dander, bacteria, and some viruses. Anything rated at a 14 or higher has the highest efficiency. This includes True HEPA Filters.

Is MERV 11 good for residential?

We recommend a MERV 11 rated air filter for your home.

For most households, this will be the perfect option to use year-round. It's cheaper than MERV 13 but more efficient than a MERV 8 air filter. You also won't be putting extra pressure on your furnace since the material mesh isn't as dense as a higher MERV rating.

Does MERV 11 filter mold?

MERV 11 furnace filters effectively trap pollen, dust, lint, dust mites, and mold, along with smoke, pet dander, smog, auto emissions, bacteria, and other such fine particles.

How long does MERV 11 last?

Ideal for standard or superior residential and commercial use, this filter is designed to last 90 days. We recommend replacing your filter regularly to ensure your air stays clean, energy costs are lowered, and your furnace works properly. MERV 11 filters are comparable to MPR 1000/1200 and FPR 7.

Can an air filter be too strong?

When it comes to high-efficiency filters, such as the HEPA filter, you can have too much of a good thing. Too strong a filter can damage your HVAC system.

What happens if AC filter is too big?

When the filter doesn't fit in its hole properly, those small particles can move around the filter and lower your air quality. If your filter doesn't fit properly, it can interfere with the flow of air from the system to your home. Your air filter may also get sucked into the system, causing damage.

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 employee for guidance.

Is MERV 11 good for allergies?

Our MERV 11 furnace filters are great for anyone with allergies. Not only do they filter out more contaminants than the MERV 8 filter, but they are an affordable option.

Does MERV rating affect airflow?

A MERV Rating is a good indication of the effectiveness of an air filter on your central HVAC split system. The higher the rating the better the filter. As the MERV rating increases less and less contaminants and dust pass through the filter making the incoming airflow a better quality.

Does MERV 11 remove smoke?

A MERV 11 rated furnace filter can trap the majority of harmful contaminants that are present in the air. This includes pollen, dust, lint, mold, dust mites, smoke, pet dander, and smog.

How long does a MERV 8 filter last?

Our top ranked MERV 8 filters trap 90% of airborne particles as small as 3 microns. Ideal for basic and standard residential and commercial use, this filter is designed to last 90 days. We recommend replacing your filter egularly to ensure your air stays clean, energy costs are lowered, and your furnace works properly.

What will MERV 8 filter out?

MERV 8 Filter

MERV 8 filters are inexpensive, pleated filters. According to the EPA, MERV 8 filters can capture up to 70% of particles between 3 and 10 microns and up to 20% between 1 and 3 microns. These filters capture dust, mites, pollen, bacteria, hairspray, and pet dander.

Does Merv 8 stop viruses?

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. Many home HVAC systems will have a MERV-8 filter installed as the default.