Choosing the right MERV rating for your furnace filter is essential for maintaining good indoor air quality, the efficiency of your air conditioning system, and the health of your family. The experts at Air Engineers can help you make an informed decision. Some filter brands and retailers use alternative scales, such as Home Depot's Air Filter Performance Rating System (FPR) or the MPR (on 3M Filtrete air filters). Most home improvement stores offer air conditioning filters with MERV ratings ranging from 1 to 13, although some models can reach up to MERV 16. The primary purpose of a furnace filter is to protect the fan from dust, hair, and other debris that accumulates in the return duct. Furnace filters come in many standard sizes, but they are usually thinner and have lower MERV ratings than pleated filters.
Operating your furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump will likely make up a large portion of your energy bill. All forced air heating and cooling systems require at least one filter, so homeowners (and some tenants) with these systems need to understand how and when to replace them. Many filters have a MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating that indicates their effectiveness. No filter manufacturer can predict the lifespan of their products since they are unaware of the dust levels in your home, so you must check them regularly.
Around MERV 8, filter designs usually incorporate pleated materials (nonwoven materials made from materials such as fiberglass paper, polyester, and plastic) and can effectively capture pollen, mold spores, and various types of household dust. An easy way to select a replacement filter is to simply buy the same one that you are already using in your system. The downside of these filters is that they require the air conditioning system to work harder to push air through them, which can cause it to lose efficiency sooner than expected. Inspecting your furnace filter on a regular basis is key for ensuring good indoor air quality and efficient operation of your HVAC system.
It is important to understand how often you should replace or clean your filter in order to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently. Generally speaking, it is recommended that you check the filter once a month and clean or replace the disposable filter every 90 days. However, proper home air filtration necessitates that you change your home's air filters regularly before you start to notice signs that it has been too long since you last changed them. The most affordable disposable fiberglass filters only meet the minimum (or slightly better) requirements around MERV 2 or 3 and are designed to protect the internal components of the HVAC system rather than improve indoor air quality.
The MERV standard is mainly used to measure the performance of filters designed for forced air conditioning systems. While certain types of air filters come with both reusable and disposable options, washable filters are an eco-friendly way to save money. Investing in a high-quality furnace filter with a higher MERV rating can help improve indoor air quality while also reducing energy costs by allowing your HVAC system to run more efficiently.
