Choosing the right MERV rating for your HVAC system can feel like a balancing act. Should you prioritize maximum air filtration, or would a lower rating suffice for your home's specific needs? From improving indoor air quality to ensuring your system runs efficiently, the MERV rating you choose plays a crucial role. In this guide, we’ll break down what MERV ratings mean, how they impact performance, and which option might be the perfect fit for your home and lifestyle.
What Merv Rating Should I Use?
An overview of MERV ratings, their importance, and how to choose the right one for your home's air filtration needs.
Introduction to MERV
What is MERV?
MERV stands for minimum
efficiency rating value, a
nationally recognized
measurement system used to
rate air filters.
MERV Rating Scale
The MERV rating range is
from 1 to 16, with 1 being the
lowest and 16 being the
highest level of filtration.
Filtration Efficiency
The MERV rating indicates
how effective the air filter is
at capturing and trapping
various sizes of airborne
particles.
Nationally Recognized
MERV is a widely accepted
standard used by the HVAC
industry to measure and
compare the performance of
air filters.
Understanding the MERV rating system is crucial in selecting the right air filter for
your home or building, ensuring optimal indoor air quality and HVAC system
performance.
MERV 5-8: Improving Filtration
Better Particle Capture
These filters are designed to
capture smaller particles like
dust, pollen, and pet dander,
providing improved indoor air
quality.
Suitable for Many
Homes
MERV 5-8 filters are a good
choice for homes without
significant air quality concerns
or the need for advanced
filtration.
Increased Lifespan
These filters can typically last
3-6 months before needing
replacement, making them a
more cost-effective option
over time.
©2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
3
MERV 9-12:
Allergy and
Pet-Friendly
Pet Dander
Capture
Mold Spore Capture
Fine Dust Capture
Allergen Reduction
©2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
4
MERV 13: Intense Filtration
Percentage of particles captured by different MERV rated filters
90%
MERV 13
50%
MERV 5-8
80%
MERV 9-12
20%
MERV 1-4
©2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
5
Choosing the Right MERV Rating
Consider the air
quality in your local
area, such as
proximity to dust,
pollen, or pollution
sources.
Local
Environment
Consider the
presence of pets
and smokers in your
home, as these can
introduce additional
airborne
contaminants.
Pets and
Smokers
Evaluate how often
you use your HVAC
system, as more
frequent usage may
require a higher
MERV rating.
HVAC System
Usage
Understand that
higher MERV ratings
generally come with
a higher price tag, so
balance your air
quality needs with
your financial
constraints.
Budget
Determine if anyone
in your household
has respiratory
issues, allergies, or
other health
concerns that would
benefit from a higher
MERV rating.
Health
Considerations
©2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
6
https://filterbuy.com/resources/air-filter-basics/which-merv-rating-should-I-use/
https://filterbuy.com/resources/air-filter-basics/which-merv-rating-should-I-use/
Choosing the Right MERV Rating
Consider the air quality in your local area, such as proximity to dust, pollen,
or pollution sources. Evaluate how often you use your HVAC system, as more
frequent usage may require a higher MERV rating. Understand that higher
MERV ratings generally come with a higher price tag, so balance your air
quality needs with your financial constraints.
Discover more at https://filterbuy.com/resources/air-filter-basics/which-
merv-rating-should-I-use/
An overview of MERV ratings, their importance, and how to choose the right one for your home's air filtration needs.
Introduction to MERV
What is MERV?
MERV stands for minimum
efficiency rating value, a
nationally recognized
measurement system used to
rate air filters.
MERV Rating Scale
The MERV rating range is
from 1 to 16, with 1 being the
lowest and 16 being the
highest level of filtration.
Filtration Efficiency
The MERV rating indicates
how effective the air filter is
at capturing and trapping
various sizes of airborne
particles.
Nationally Recognized
MERV is a widely accepted
standard used by the HVAC
industry to measure and
compare the performance of
air filters.
Understanding the MERV rating system is crucial in selecting the right air filter for
your home or building, ensuring optimal indoor air quality and HVAC system
performance.
MERV 5-8: Improving Filtration
Better Particle Capture
These filters are designed to
capture smaller particles like
dust, pollen, and pet dander,
providing improved indoor air
quality.
Suitable for Many
Homes
MERV 5-8 filters are a good
choice for homes without
significant air quality concerns
or the need for advanced
filtration.
Increased Lifespan
These filters can typically last
3-6 months before needing
replacement, making them a
more cost-effective option
over time.
©2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
3
MERV 9-12:
Allergy and
Pet-Friendly
Pet Dander
Capture
Mold Spore Capture
Fine Dust Capture
Allergen Reduction
©2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
4
MERV 13: Intense Filtration
Percentage of particles captured by different MERV rated filters
90%
MERV 13
50%
MERV 5-8
80%
MERV 9-12
20%
MERV 1-4
©2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
5
Choosing the Right MERV Rating
Consider the air
quality in your local
area, such as
proximity to dust,
pollen, or pollution
sources.
Local
Environment
Consider the
presence of pets
and smokers in your
home, as these can
introduce additional
airborne
contaminants.
Pets and
Smokers
Evaluate how often
you use your HVAC
system, as more
frequent usage may
require a higher
MERV rating.
HVAC System
Usage
Understand that
higher MERV ratings
generally come with
a higher price tag, so
balance your air
quality needs with
your financial
constraints.
Budget
Determine if anyone
in your household
has respiratory
issues, allergies, or
other health
concerns that would
benefit from a higher
MERV rating.
Health
Considerations
©2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
6
https://filterbuy.com/resources/air-filter-basics/which-merv-rating-should-I-use/
https://filterbuy.com/resources/air-filter-basics/which-merv-rating-should-I-use/
Choosing the Right MERV Rating
Consider the air quality in your local area, such as proximity to dust, pollen,
or pollution sources. Evaluate how often you use your HVAC system, as more
frequent usage may require a higher MERV rating. Understand that higher
MERV ratings generally come with a higher price tag, so balance your air
quality needs with your financial constraints.
Discover more at https://filterbuy.com/resources/air-filter-basics/which-
merv-rating-should-I-use/