{"id":23850,"date":"2024-06-27T11:46:41","date_gmt":"2024-06-27T15:46:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.filtersfast.com\/blog\/?p=23850"},"modified":"2024-06-27T11:55:11","modified_gmt":"2024-06-27T15:55:11","slug":"an-in-depth-merv-ratings-guide-must-read-before-you-buy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.filtersfast.com\/blog\/an-in-depth-merv-ratings-guide-must-read-before-you-buy\/","title":{"rendered":"An In-Depth MERV Ratings Guide: Must-Read Before You Buy!"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Man<\/p>\n

Quality air for your home or business is essential to a healthy environment. In the quest for pristine oxygen, it is easy to get lost in the different terms and ratings. The MERV rating system is the most common, but buying a filter with the highest level may not be the best for your home. Let’s go over how to pick the correct MERV filter.<\/p>\n

What is the MERV rating system?<\/h2>\n

Before we discuss selecting a MERV for your filter, we’ll review the system to better understand it. The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating system is the standard by which filter efficiency is determined. It’s centered around the smallest particle the filter captures, measured in microns. The range is from 1 to 20, with the greater number being more efficient.<\/p>\n

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\"Lady<\/p>\n

Why should you be careful when selecting MERV filters?<\/h2>\n

Now that you understand the MERV rating system better, you’ll need to take heed when selecting a MERV filter for your home. Blindly choosing the highest level of MERV might sound like a good idea, but it can harm your Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system and home.<\/p>\n

The danger of choosing the wrong MERV rating<\/em>
\nAs stated before, the higher the level of MERV, the greater the level of filtration. This is a good thing — if your system is capable of handling it.<\/p>\n

The emphasis is on \u201cif\u201d because residential HVACs are not built to handle high-level MERV filters. MERV filters 17 \u2013 20 are considered HEPA filters, capable of filtering 99.97% of particles up to 0.3 microns. HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air and is bad news for the average system.<\/p>\n

Shop FiltersFast.com Brand MERV Air Filters<\/a><\/p>\n

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What happens if I choose the wrong MERV filter?<\/h2>\n

Choosing the wrong MERV filter can have undesirable results if you\u2019re not careful. If you choose a filter that does not provide adequate filtration, your HVAC system will not be protected. Dirt, pollen, dust mites, bacteria, and more will have free reign in your home. Filters that are below MERV 5 are considered insufficient. Commonly, fiberglass filters are found within this range, and although they may seem more economically friendly \u2013 you get what you pay for.<\/p>\n

Due to their cheaper make, these filters are less efficient at safeguarding your system. They require you to replace them more often, negating any financial benefit.<\/p>\n

On the opposite end of the spectrum, going overboard could also be overkill for your system. Overrestricting your airflow will amplify the deterioration of key HVAC components and increase the amount of energy your system uses. This inefficiency will affect your pockets as you may have to replace your system.<\/p>\n

\"HVAC<\/p>\n

What if I choose the wrong MERV filter by accident?<\/h2>\n

We\u2019re human; we make mistakes, too \u2013 so we get it! Luckily, if you purchase a filter through FiltersFast.com, we have a 365-day return policy. As long as you meet the requirements, you’ll be able to get the correct filter with no problem. And with a whole year to resolve it, too!<\/p>\n

Our 365 Day Return Policy<\/a><\/p>\n

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Which MERV rating is good for my home?<\/h2>\n

To avoid these possibilities, knowing which filters are best for residential use is imperative. MERV ratings between 8 and 13 are recommended for homes as a standard. MERV 14 and above are usually used in hospitals and commercial areas.<\/p>\n

Here’s an informative video detailing the basics of figuring out which MERV rating is right for your home.<\/p>\n