MERV 8 air filters are a popular choice for many homes because they are affordable and provide above average air filtration. They are the ideal choice for older units that may not have enough air pressure to force air through a higher efficiency filter. But is a MERV 8 rating enough?The answer is yes. MERV 8 is good enough for air filtration in average residential homes.
It can stop mold spores, pollen and most cleaning agents. However, individual circumstances may require a filter with a higher MERV rating. If you or someone else in your household smokes, you need more filtration than what a MERV 8 provides. A MERV 8 filter can trap dust, pollen, mold and bacteria, but it cannot filter smoke, smog, and even virus carriers. If you want to at least clean your air and handle dust, mold, pollen and bacteria, then a MERV 8 will do the job.
Even though pleated filters have a slightly higher initial pressure drop, it is not so important as to cause any damage to your HVAC system, as long as you change filters regularly. Airborne pollutants in most homes will be captured in a filter with a MERV rating between 8 and 13. We recommend this MERV rating for people with pets, children or people just looking for better indoor air quality. As it is a MERV 8 filter, it is not designed to trap the smallest particles that fall into the E1 category, such as pet dander. In conclusion, if you need a filter to catch pollen, dust mites and hair, a MERV 8 filter should definitely do the job. However, if you have allergies, pets or live near smoke pollution, choosing a MERV 13 filter is the ideal choice.
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