When it comes to air filters, selecting the right MERV rating is a balancing act between air filtration, airflow, affordability, and indoor air quality. A MERV rating between 6 and 13 is generally recommended for most homes, as it offers a good balance between these factors. Air filters with a MERV 13 rating can last up to six months before needing to be replaced. For oven filters, a MERV rating of 6 to 8 is suggested to achieve maximum efficiency and comfort.
If your home has someone with allergies or asthma, it may be best to upgrade your air conditioning system to accept thicker filters with higher MERV ratings. While higher MERV ratings mean more particulate matter will be removed from the air, they also require the system to work harder to get air around the house. ASHRAE standard 52.2 describes methods and procedures for evaluating the performance of air filters based on particle size. The final count compared to the total amount of particles is then converted to a percentage that represents the number of particles that were successfully filtered from the air.
Choosing the Right Air Filter for Your Home
Choosing the right oven filter is about balancing indoor air quality with the capabilities of your air conditioning system.Most systems can accept different filters as long as they are the right size. To further improve indoor air quality, household air purifiers that employ HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters can theoretically remove 99.97 percent of mold, pollen, bacteria and other particles down to 0.3 microns. As long as you have an air filter installed in the air return, there's no way to prevent a pressure drop. Selecting the right MERV rating for your air filter is essential for achieving optimal indoor air quality and protecting your family's well-being.
