In many cases, a Merv 8 air filter is more than adequate for the average home. However, if you are concerned about outdoor air pollution, family members with respiratory problems, or pets in the house, then choosing a higher Merv rating might be a good idea. The short answer is that it can be beneficial, but it's not really a problem except in extreme circumstances. Most modern HVAC systems have no problem working with higher MERV filters, so millions of homeowners rely on them.
The main risk of high-efficiency air filters comes from the fact that they remain unchanged for long periods of time. If you're aware of changing your filters regularly, you're unlikely to experience filter-related issues with your HVAC system. If your furnace's MERV rating is too high, it can force it to work too hard and leave it vulnerable to damage. In addition, you may not get the air velocity needed to reach all parts of your house, leaving inconsistencies in temperature. In general, filters with higher Merv ratings capture higher percentages of particulates as well as smaller particles.
And MERV-13* is practically where you want to be. Using an oven filter with a higher MERV rating than your use case requires may have adverse effects. The thickness of the filter material in a Merv 11 filter, for example, is greater than that of a MERV 8 filter. Therefore, in order for enough air to pass through the filter, a greater amount of energy is consumed.
More use can lead to increased wear and tear, so be sure to maintain your oven regularly. However, MERV 11 filters are not considered too high for residential use. Anything higher than a MERV 11 is designed for commercial households or households with family members suffering from respiratory problems. Air filters that are Merv 13 and above are recommended for those who prioritize air quality and may have to handle asthma, severe allergies and other similar circumstances. Another factor driving the popularity of MERV 8 filters is that they are cheap and easy to repair. While ASHRAE recommends MERV 13 and 14, it's best to select a filter with the highest possible MERV rating for your specific HVAC system.
Increasing a filter to increase a filter to a higher MERV can increase the delta P through the filter. I have three MERV-13 filters in my house and the pressure drop in all of them is less than 0.06 i. Yes, I'm looking for the same thing Yes, I'm looking for the same answer about using a merv13 pleated air conditioning filter as part of a mask. MERV ratings allow you to make comparisons between filters to determine which one is most efficient for your specific application to remove annoying contaminants in a residence or workplace. A higher MERV rating often means lower airflow, which can cause the system to work harder and use more energy to do its job. In conclusion, while Merv 8 air filters are usually sufficient for most homes, if you are concerned about outdoor air pollution or have family members with respiratory problems or pets in the house then it may be worth considering upgrading your air filter to one with a higher Merv rating such as Merv 11 or Merv 13. This will ensure that your home has clean air and that your HVAC system is not overworked.
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