If you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t give much thought to your HVAC system‘s air filter. But did you know that choosing the right MERV filter can make a big difference in the quality of your indoor air?
MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) is a rating system that measures how effectively an air filter can remove particles from the air. The higher the MERV rating, the more effective the filter.
So, how do you know what MERV filter to use?
The best MERV filter for your home will depend on a number of factors, including:
- The type of HVAC system you have
- The size of your home
- The number of people living in your home
- The presence of pets or smokers
Choosing the Right MERV Filter for Your HVAC System
The first step in choosing the right MERV filter is to determine the type of HVAC system you have. There are two main types of HVAC systems: central systems and split systems.
Central systems have a central air handler that circulates air throughout the home through ducts. **Split systems** have an outdoor unit that houses the compressor and condenser, and an indoor unit that houses the evaporator coil and blower.
The type of HVAC system you have will determine the size and shape of the air filter you need. Central systems typically use 1-inch thick filters, while split systems typically use 5-inch thick filters.
Choosing the Right MERV Filter for the Size of Your Home
The size of your home will also affect the MERV rating of the filter you need. A larger home will require a filter with a higher MERV rating to effectively remove particles from the air.
As a general rule of thumb, you should choose a filter with a MERV rating of:
- 8-11 for homes up to 1,500 square feet
- 12-14 for homes between 1,500 and 2,500 square feet
- 15-16 for homes over 2,500 square feet
Choosing the Right MERV Filter for the Number of People Living in Your Home
The number of people living in your home will also affect the MERV rating of the filter you need. A home with more people will produce more dust and dander, so you’ll need a filter with a higher MERV rating to effectively remove these particles from the air.
As a general rule of thumb, you should choose a filter with a MERV rating of:
- 8-11 for homes with 1-2 people
- 12-14 for homes with 3-4 people
- 15-16 for homes with 5 or more people
Choosing the Right MERV Filter for Pets and Smokers
If you have pets or smokers in your home, you’ll need to choose a filter with a higher MERV rating to effectively remove pet dander and smoke particles from the air.
As a general rule of thumb, you should choose a filter with a MERV rating of:
- 11-13 for homes with pets
- 13-16 for homes with smokers
Other Factors to Consider
In addition to the factors listed above, you may also want to consider the following when choosing a MERV filter:
- The cost of the filter. MERV filters with higher ratings are typically more expensive than those with lower ratings.
- The frequency with which you need to change the filter. Filters with higher ratings need to be changed more frequently than those with lower ratings.
- The availability of the filter. Not all MERV filters are available in all sizes and shapes.
Takeaways: How to Choose the Right MERV Filter for Your Home
Choosing the right MERV filter for your home is important for maintaining good indoor air quality. By following the tips in this guide, you can choose a filter that will effectively remove particles from the air and keep your family healthy.
What You Need to Know
Q: What is the difference between MERV and MPR?
A: MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) and MPR (Microparticle Performance Rating) are both rating systems that measure how effectively an air filter can remove particles from the air. However, MERV is the more widely accepted and used rating system.
Q: What is the highest MERV rating available?
A: The highest MERV rating available is 20. However, filters with MERV ratings of 16-20 are typically only used in commercial and industrial applications.
Q: How often should I change my MERV filter?
A: The frequency with which you need to change your MERV filter will depend on the MERV rating of the filter, the size of your home, the number of people living in your home, and the presence of pets or smokers. As a general rule of thumb, you should change your MERV filter every 1-3 months.
