When it comes to choosing the right air filter for your home, two of the most important metrics to consider are the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) and the Filter Performance Rating (FPR). The industry standard is to use the MERV classification system, which uses numerical values to communicate information about a filter's performance. For residential areas, MERV 8 to MERV 13 filters are usually sufficient for removing contaminants. Hospitals, on the other hand, typically use MERV 14 to MERV 20 filters.
Generally speaking, MERV 8 filters can filter 90% of particles suspended in the air, MERV 11 can remove around 95%, and MERV 13 can block approximately 98%. Newer HVAC systems should not experience any airflow problems with higher MERV ratings, although older models may work harder with a MERV 13 filter than when they originally had a MERV 6 filter. It is important to note that if the MERV rating is too high (above MERV 1), it can increase system backpressure and block air flow through the central air system, thus reducing efficiency. Filterbuy offers MERV 8, MERV 11 and MERV 13 air and heating filters which cover the normal range of household needs by providing clean air and protecting air conditioning equipment. When looking for residential filtration systems, you should consider both FPR and MERV ratings. Air filters with a lower MERV rating (MERV 1 to 4) are not very effective at trapping small particles.
In such cases, a MERV 11 air filter can offer additional benefits by capturing a wider range of particles that would pass through a MERV 8 filter.
