Understanding the difference between MERV 8 and MERV 11 helps you select the right air filter for your home's needs. MERV 8 filters capture common household dust, lint, and pollen—ideal for general use with minimal airflow restriction. MERV 11 filters go further by trapping finer particles like pet dander, smoke, and mold spores, making them better for allergy-sensitive homes. While both offer good protection, MERV 11 provides enhanced filtration with slightly more airflow resistance. Choose based on your indoor air quality goals and HVAC system compatibility.
Choose the
Best Filter
At Home |
MERV 8 Vs.
MERV 11
A comparison of MERV 8 and MERV 11 air
filters to help you select the best option for
your home's air quality needs.
MERV 8 vs MERV 11 Comparison
Feature
MERV 8
MERV 11
Particle Size
3.0 – 10.0 microns
1.0 – 3.0 microns
% Particles Captured
90%
95%
Lifespan
3 months
2 – 3 months
Usage Level
Basic – Standard
Standard – Superior
Compared to Fiberglass
20x better
30x better
Price
$8.54/ea
$11.39/ea
2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
2
*My WordPress
Benefits of MERV 11 Filters
Reduces Dust and
Odors
Removes more pollutants
and odor-causing
particles
Improved Air Quality
Captures smaller
particles like pet dander,
smoke, and bacteria
Filters Out Fine
Particles
Traps particles as small
as 1-3 microns that can
enter the bloodstream
Better for Allergies
and Asthma
Efficiently removes
common allergens and
irritants
2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
3
MERV Ratings Explained
Choosing the Right MERV Rating
Advises on factors to consider when deciding
between MERV 8, MERV 11, and MERV 13 air filters, such
as HVAC system compatibility, air quality needs, and
budget constraints.
MERV Ratings Explained
Provides a comprehensive overview of the MERV
rating system, including the meaning of MERV, the
scale from 1 to 20, and how higher MERV ratings
indicate increased filtration efficiency.
MERV 8 vs MERV 11 Comparison
Breaks down the key differences between MERV 8
and MERV 11 air filters, such as particle size capture,
percentage of particles captured, lifespan, usage
level, and price.
MERV 8 Air Filters
Provides an overview of MERV 8 air filters, including
their suitability for basic to standard use cases,
ability to capture pollen, dust mites, mold, and large
dust particles, and their affordability.
MERV 11 Air Filters
Highlights the benefits of MERV 11 air filters, including
their improved ability to capture finer particles like
pet dander, smoke, and bacteria, making them
better suited for homes with allergies, respiratory
issues, or pets.
2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
4
https://filterbuy.com/resources/air-filter-basics/merv-8-vs-merv-11/
https://filterbuy.com/resources/air-filter-basics/merv-8-vs-merv-11/
Choosing the Right
MERV Rating
Choosing the right air filter for your home
can be a daunting task, especially when it
comes to navigating the different MERV
ratings. MERV 8 and MERV 11 filters are two
popular options that offer varying levels of
filtration and benefits. While MERV 8 filters
provide a cost-effective and basic level of
filtration, MERV 11 filters offer enhanced air
quality and finer particle capture, making
them suitable for homes with pets, allergies,
or high pollution levels.
Discover more
at https://filterbuy.com/resources/air-filter-
basics/merv-8-vs-merv-11/
MERV Rating Comparison
MERV 11
Benefits
Improved
filtration of
allergens,
pollutants, and
fine particles for
healthier indoor
air
MERV 8 vs
MERV 11
Comparison
MERV 8 is more
affordable but
MERV 11 provides
enhanced air
quality
MERV 8 Air
Filter
Captures
particles 3.0 - 10.0
microns in size
with 90%
efficiency
MERV Rating
Scale
MERV ratings
range from 1 to
20, with higher
numbers
indicating better
filtration
MERV 11 Air
Filter
Captures
particles 1.0 - 3.0
microns in size
with 95%
efficiency
Choosing the
Right MERV
Consider budget,
indoor air needs,
and HVAC system
compatibility
when selecting
MERV
2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
6
Choose the
Best Filter At
Home | MERV
8 Vs. MERV 11
Choosing the right air filter for your
home can be a crucial decision, as it
can significantly impact indoor air
quality and the performance of your
HVAC system. This slide explores the
differences between MERV 8 and MERV 11
air filters, helping you determine the
best option for your home's specific
needs.
Best Filter
At Home |
MERV 8 Vs.
MERV 11
A comparison of MERV 8 and MERV 11 air
filters to help you select the best option for
your home's air quality needs.
MERV 8 vs MERV 11 Comparison
Feature
MERV 8
MERV 11
Particle Size
3.0 – 10.0 microns
1.0 – 3.0 microns
% Particles Captured
90%
95%
Lifespan
3 months
2 – 3 months
Usage Level
Basic – Standard
Standard – Superior
Compared to Fiberglass
20x better
30x better
Price
$8.54/ea
$11.39/ea
2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
2
*My WordPress
Benefits of MERV 11 Filters
Reduces Dust and
Odors
Removes more pollutants
and odor-causing
particles
Improved Air Quality
Captures smaller
particles like pet dander,
smoke, and bacteria
Filters Out Fine
Particles
Traps particles as small
as 1-3 microns that can
enter the bloodstream
Better for Allergies
and Asthma
Efficiently removes
common allergens and
irritants
2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
3
MERV Ratings Explained
Choosing the Right MERV Rating
Advises on factors to consider when deciding
between MERV 8, MERV 11, and MERV 13 air filters, such
as HVAC system compatibility, air quality needs, and
budget constraints.
MERV Ratings Explained
Provides a comprehensive overview of the MERV
rating system, including the meaning of MERV, the
scale from 1 to 20, and how higher MERV ratings
indicate increased filtration efficiency.
MERV 8 vs MERV 11 Comparison
Breaks down the key differences between MERV 8
and MERV 11 air filters, such as particle size capture,
percentage of particles captured, lifespan, usage
level, and price.
MERV 8 Air Filters
Provides an overview of MERV 8 air filters, including
their suitability for basic to standard use cases,
ability to capture pollen, dust mites, mold, and large
dust particles, and their affordability.
MERV 11 Air Filters
Highlights the benefits of MERV 11 air filters, including
their improved ability to capture finer particles like
pet dander, smoke, and bacteria, making them
better suited for homes with allergies, respiratory
issues, or pets.
2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
4
https://filterbuy.com/resources/air-filter-basics/merv-8-vs-merv-11/
https://filterbuy.com/resources/air-filter-basics/merv-8-vs-merv-11/
Choosing the Right
MERV Rating
Choosing the right air filter for your home
can be a daunting task, especially when it
comes to navigating the different MERV
ratings. MERV 8 and MERV 11 filters are two
popular options that offer varying levels of
filtration and benefits. While MERV 8 filters
provide a cost-effective and basic level of
filtration, MERV 11 filters offer enhanced air
quality and finer particle capture, making
them suitable for homes with pets, allergies,
or high pollution levels.
Discover more
at https://filterbuy.com/resources/air-filter-
basics/merv-8-vs-merv-11/
MERV Rating Comparison
MERV 11
Benefits
Improved
filtration of
allergens,
pollutants, and
fine particles for
healthier indoor
air
MERV 8 vs
MERV 11
Comparison
MERV 8 is more
affordable but
MERV 11 provides
enhanced air
quality
MERV 8 Air
Filter
Captures
particles 3.0 - 10.0
microns in size
with 90%
efficiency
MERV Rating
Scale
MERV ratings
range from 1 to
20, with higher
numbers
indicating better
filtration
MERV 11 Air
Filter
Captures
particles 1.0 - 3.0
microns in size
with 95%
efficiency
Choosing the
Right MERV
Consider budget,
indoor air needs,
and HVAC system
compatibility
when selecting
MERV
2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
6
Choose the
Best Filter At
Home | MERV
8 Vs. MERV 11
Choosing the right air filter for your
home can be a crucial decision, as it
can significantly impact indoor air
quality and the performance of your
HVAC system. This slide explores the
differences between MERV 8 and MERV 11
air filters, helping you determine the
best option for your home's specific
needs.