When comparing HVAC filters for home use, your goal should be to buy an air conditioner filter replacement that does the best job of trapping particles as they circulate through your home. A product that offers optimal filtration creates a healthier environment for you and your heating-cooling system.
Like all other HVAC products, a rating system measures how well a filter traps particles. It’s called the ‘MERV rating’ and sets the standard for air filter manufacturers. Below, we look at the MERV rating, why it’s important, and which MERV-rated filters are best for home use.
Why You Should Care About the MERV Rating
Before diving into the MERV rating, providing some context is important.
The EPA reports that the air in your home is up to five times dirtier than the outside air. The EPA also suggests that the average person spends 90 percent of their time indoors. Bottom line? You spend most of your time exposed to potentially toxic air.
You’re probably wondering what’s in the air. Dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, and particulate matter from cooking and burning activities pollute indoor air daily. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from household cleaners, paints, and furnishings also contaminate homes.
You’re breathing these toxins day in and day out. The more you learn about the MERV rating, the better your buying power is when choosing an HVAC air filter. Now that you understand the importance of the MERV rating let’s dig deeper into it.
MERV Simplified: Here’s an Explanation of MERV Ratings
The MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating measures an air filter’s ability to capture airborne particles in your home. Higher MERV ratings indicate higher filtration. MERV ratings range from 1 to 13 for residential filters, with Merv 13 filter being the most effective at trapping tiny particles like smoke and bacteria. There are residential filters rated at MERV 16 – but only in larger, 4-5” thicknesses. Currently, no “standard” 1” filters are rated at MERV 16.
Here’s an abridged MERV rating chart to give you an example of how the MERV rating works (click here to see the full chart):
| MERV Rating | Particle Size Range | Typical Applications |
| 1-4 | 3.0 – 10.0 microns | Residential furnaces, window AC units |
| 5-8 | 3.0 – 10.0 microns | Better residential, commercial buildings, industrial workplaces |
| 9-12 | 1.0 – 3.0 microns | Superior residential, hospital labs, and commercial buildings |
| 13-16 | 0.3 – 1.0 microns | Hospital inpatient care, general surgery, smoking lounges |
| 17-20 (HEPA) | < 0.3 microns | Cleanrooms, removing bacteria, viruses, radioactive particles |
Carrier Recommended MERV Rating for Homes
You may think you need to get a filter with the highest MERV rating (i.e., a HEPA filter) to purify the air in your home. However, the filters with the highest ratings are not necessarily the best. There are three reasons why:
- A filter with a higher MERV rating may not be necessary for home use.
- A high-MERV filter can restrict airflow, which affects the overall air circulation.
- Restricted airflow makes your heating and cooling systems work hard to provide comfortable air.
For this reason, you want a carrier-recommended MERV rating for homes similar to yours. What MERV rating is best for home use? On average, the suggested Carrier MERV rating is between 8 and 13.
Benefits of Using the Appropriate MERV Rating
There are several practical reasons you should use an HVAC air filter with the appropriate MERV rating:
- Improve the air quality in your home:The right filter traps more airborne particles, pollutants, and allergens, creating cleaner, healthier air.
- Fewer allergy triggers: Higher-rated filters trap smaller particles like pollen, dust mites, and mold spores. So you’re not burdened by allergy triggers as much.
- Less dust buildup: The best filters catch more dust and dirt without restricting the airflow. You don’t have to dust as often.
- Less wear on the heating and cooling system: Proper filtration protects your heating and cooling equipment from excessive dirt and dust buildup, allowing your HVAC to last longer.
- Lower monthly bills: Sufficient airflow keeps your HVAC from working too hard to provide optimal comfort during the winter and summer.
How Do I Know What MERV Filter to Use?
There are several factors to consider when you choose a MERV filter:
| Indoor Air Quality Needs | Consider the level of air filtration required based on your health issues, allergies, pets, or outdoor air pollution levels. Higher MERV ratings provide better filtration. |
| HVAC System Capabilities | Higher MERV filters restrict airflow. Choose a rating compatible with your HVAC system’s design and capacity to avoid strain. |
| Energy Efficiency | Higher MERV filters improve air quality but also increase energy use. Balance your filtration needs with energy costs. |
| Filter Maintenance | Higher MERV filters may need more frequent replacement or cleaning due to faster particle buildup. |
| Application | Homes may use MERV 8-13. Hospitals or cleanrooms require MERV 14-20 for superior air quality. Therefore, homes may not need filters typically used for commercial or industrial applications. |
Consulting HVAC Professionals or Carrier Recommendations
The best way to decide which MERV filter to buy is to consult an HVAC professional. A certified technician can visit your home and assess indoor clean air. During the assessment, the technicians measure the levels of pollutants in the air. They may also tell you which pollutants or particles are in the air.
You can also consult the carrier-recommended MERV Rating for Homes. Carrier brings years of industry experience and innovation to filter development and manufacturing. You can learn about the best types of filters for your home use and which MERV rating is ideal for your indoor environment.
Is MERV 5 Too Low for Home Use?
MERV 5 filters capture particles ranging from 3.0 to 10.0 microns, including pollen, dust mites, and mold spores. They provide better filtration than basic residential furnace filters. These filters balance moderate particle removal with reasonable airflow and filter efficiency, hence their low MERV rating.
MERV 5 filters have some limitations. For instance, while they trap many larger airborne particles, they cannot effectively remove smaller contaminants like bacteria, smoke, or viruses. Their particle size capture range only extends down to 3.0 microns.
Is MERV 11 Too High for Home Use?
MERV 11 filters capture particles as small as 0.3 microns with at least 20% efficiency. They remove 65% of particles between 1.0-3.0 microns and 85% between 3.0-10.0 microns. These filters are suitable for well-built, insulated homes. They trap fine dust, mold spores, and some bacteria.
MERV 11 filters provide excellent air filtration for homes. However, high MERV ratings impact HVAC systems. They can be restrictive, reducing airflow and increasing energy usage.
Plus, they require more frequent replacement or cleaning due to accelerated dust and dirt buildup. If you can handle the additional cost and maintenance, you should be satisfied with how well MERV 11 filters perform. If MERV 11 filters are changed at the appropriate service interval, problems with airflow restriction are unlikely.
Comparing MERV 5 vs. MERV 11 Air Filters
The table below compares MERV 5 and MERV 11 filters side-by-side to help you decide which is best for you.
| MERV 5 | MERV 11 | |
| Particle Size Range | 3.0 – 10.0 microns | 0.3 – 3.0 microns |
| Typical Applications | Pre-filters, better residential, commercial buildings, and industrial workplaces | Superior residential, hospital labs, better commercial buildings |
| Efficiency at 3.0-10.0 micron particles | ≥20% | 85%+ |
| Efficiency at 1.0-3.0 micron particles | <20% | 65-84% |
| Captures Pollen/Dust Mites | Yes | Yes |
| Captures Mold Spores | Yes | Yes |
| Captures Bacteria | No | Some |
| Captures Smoke/Smog | No | Limited |
| Air Flow Resistance | Low | Moderate |
| Replacement Frequency | Monthly | Every three months |
How Discount Filters Can Help
Discount Filters is the place for you whether you are in the market for a new filter or need expert advice. Visit our website to get in touch, or browse our selection today.