What is the Best MERV Rating for a Furnace Filter?

When it comes to furnace filters, the MERV rating is an important factor to consider. The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) is a system used to evaluate the efficiency of an air filter based on its effectiveness in trapping particles of different sizes. Generally, filters with a higher MERV rating are more effective and improve air quality, but they are also more expensive. The MERV rating you choose between 7 and 13 depends on the level of filtration you need.

If your family has allergies or asthma, a higher MERV score will be good for you. If your family doesn't have respiratory problems, a lower filter, such as a 7, will save you some money on your energy bill. Filters with higher MERV values trap small particles more effectively than filters with lower MERV scores. Furnace filters with MERV ratings between 6 and 8 are the cheapest and are considered to be the minimum of efficiency.

A basic MERV 4 filter is probably the cheapest, but it won't catch certain small particles (such as dust mites and pet dander) that might be in your home. MERV 13 air filters are considered to be the best overall for residential HVAC systems. These air filters are incredibly efficient, but are not recommended for residential use. Using an air filter with a MERV rating higher than that recommended by the boiler or air conditioner manufacturer may affect its performance.

The wrong type of air filter can force the boiler to work harder and increase the risk of it breaking. Every time you use the air conditioner or boiler, the air filter will become dirty as dust and particles flow through the system and accumulate in the filter. Overall, our recommended MERV rating for oven filters ranges from 6 to 8 to achieve a great balance between maximum oven efficiency and home comfort. Choosing the right MERV rating for your oven filter has a big impact on indoor air quality, the air conditioning system and, most importantly, the well-being of your family.

When buying oven air filters, don't confuse the MERV with other sorting systems that may appear on packaging (especially in large home improvement stores). In conclusion, selecting an appropriate furnace filter is essential for maintaining good indoor air quality and keeping your HVAC system running efficiently. The higher MERV rating means that an air filter will capture the most dust, while the lower rating means that a filter will capture the least amount of dust. A good balance between maximum oven efficiency and home comfort can be achieved by using an oven filter with a MERV rating between 6 and 8.