It can be challenging for many existing HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems to adopt a MERV 13 filter due to the increased load on the fan caused by the finer filtering material. This can reduce airflow if the system is not designed to support that type of filter, and can also have an undesired effect on the cooling side. The cold coil of an air conditioner has a specific preferred operating temperature based on a certain amount of hot air flowing through it and the refrigerant running through its copper tubes. With a higher MERV filter that reduces airflow through this crucial part of the air conditioning system, the cold coil can eventually freeze and form an ice ball, completely restricting airflow.
This can lead to more expensive problems in the outer condenser coil. A MERV rating of 13 to 16 is considered hospital-level air quality, so it is unlikely that your home needs more than that. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, filters in the range 7 to 13 are usually little different from those in the higher MERV ratings, but they will allow your system to work much more efficiently. Filters with a MERV rating greater than 13 are closely intertwined to capture potentially harmful contaminants, which can restrict airflow from your home to the unit.
Understanding MERV Ratings
It is essential to understand MERV ratings, the differences between rating values, and the factors to consider when choosing a filter to ensure good indoor air quality for you and your home. The MERV 13 filter provides stronger protection against airborne bacteria and viruses that spread through droplets in the air.It is beneficial for homes in areas with high levels of air pollution. A MERV 8 filter may be sufficient for some households, while others would benefit from a MERV 13 filter.
Choosing Between MERV 8 and MERV 13 Filters
When choosing between MERV 8 and MERV 13 Filters, you must consider what you want to be filtered from the air and why. For these installations, using a MERV 8 to 13 filter depending on your family's needs and environment is recommended. You should also start using an indoor air quality monitor to help you determine if a separate air purification system is needed.MERV 8 filters may be enough to trap a pet's hair and dander, but MERV 13 filters are better for homes with multiple pets. Filters rated lower than MERV 8 aren't efficient at trapping many of the particles that pollute a home's air, while MERV 8 filters can capture pollen and MERV 13 filters can capture other microscopic allergens that can reduce symptoms in allergy sufferers.
MERV 13 Filters and COVID-19
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the new focus on improving indoor air quality, ASHRAE, CDC, and OSHA have established guidelines that strongly recommend the use of MERV 13 filters. Using a MERV filter rated 13 is best to protect against bacteria that spread the virus, but you should also consider adding air quality solutions to your home. When properly applied, MERV 13 filters can provide air quality improvements similar to those of HEPA filtration. The ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers) developed the industry standard rating system used by ventilation and air filtration professionals nationally and internationally.To give you an example, when you walk down the hallway where the filters are in the hardware store, you see a relatively wide selection of filters. In conclusion, understanding MERV ratings, differences between rating values, and factors to consider when choosing a filter are essential for good indoor air quality for you and your home. The MERV 13 filter provides stronger protection against airborne bacteria and viruses that spread through droplets in the air. As a result of COVID-19 pandemic and new focus on improving indoor air quality, ASHRAE, CDC, and OSHA have established guidelines that strongly recommend using MERV 13 filters. When properly applied, these filters can provide air quality improvements similar to those of HEPA filtration.
