Is a Higher MERV Rating Worth the Extra Cost for Air Filters?

Are you tired of constantly replacing air filters and wondering if a higher MERV rating is worth the extra cost? Well, look no further because we’ve got the answers you need!

First, let’s explain what a MERV rating is. MERV stands for “Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value” and it rates the effectiveness of air filters on a scale of 1 to 20, with 20 being the most effective. The higher the MERV rating, the more particles the filter can capture.

But, is it really worth the extra cost to purchase a filter with a higher MERV rating? The answer is yes, but it ultimately depends on your specific needs. In this article, we’ll break down the benefits of a higher MERV rating and help you determine if it’s worth the investment for your home or business.

Benefits of a Higher MERV Rating

A higher MERV rating for air filters comes with various benefits that make it worth the extra cost. Here are some of the advantages of using air filters with a higher MERV rating:

Improved Air Quality: Higher MERV-rated air filters can capture more airborne particles, including pollen, mold, dust mites, and pet dander. As a result, it improves indoor air quality significantly, reducing the risk of allergies and respiratory issues.

Increased Comfort: Improved air quality leads to increased comfort as it helps to reduce sneezing, coughing, and other allergy-related symptoms. Additionally, better air quality makes it easier to breathe, which is especially helpful for individuals suffering from respiratory challenges.

Extended Filter Life: Higher MERV-rated air filters can trap more dirt and other contaminants, reducing the frequency of filter replacements. Less frequent filter changes result in fewer expenses and better filtration effectiveness over time, thereby saving you money in the long run.

Better System Performance: Using a higher MERV-rated air filter can help to improve the performance of your heating and cooling system. The improved air quality allows air to flow more efficiently through the air ducts, resulting in improved system performance with better energy efficiency and lower utility bills.

Prevention from Equipment Damage: A high MERV rating indicates that the filter can capture more particles, including those that may damage your HVAC equipment. A higher-rated filter can prevent the buildup of dust that might clog the system and restrict the airflow, leading to costly repairs.

Considering the benefits, using air filters with higher MERV ratings makes a wise investment in the long-term health of your HVAC system and indoor air quality.

Matching MERV Rating to Your Needs

When it comes to choosing air filters, the MERV rating plays a significant role in determining its filtration efficiency. But not all MERV ratings are suitable for all environments, and choosing the wrong rating can affect your indoor air quality and HVAC system's lifespan.

If you live in an area free of pet dander, pollen or smoke, a filter with a MERV rating between 1-4 will suffice. These filters are designed to trap large particles and protect your HVAC system from clogging or breaking down. They are also the most affordable option.

If you or someone in your home suffers from allergies or respiratory problems, a MERV rating between 5-8 may be your best bet. These filters capture allergens, dust and some bacteria, providing a healthy and comfortable living space.

If you live with pets or have young children, a MERV rating between 9-12 is recommended. These filters are designed to capture pet dander, mold spores, and finer particles, improving the air quality and ensuring a safe, healthy home.

If you're in an industrial or hospital setting, a MERV rating of 13 or higher is necessary to maintain a clean environment. These filters capture smoke, bacteria, and viruses, ensuring a healthy and sanitary workspace.

Choosing the right MERV rating is critical for maintaining good indoor air quality and extending the life of your HVAC system. Be sure to consult with a professional to determine which MERV rating is best for you.

Cost-Effectiveness of a Higher MERV Rating

While a higher MERV rating may provide better air filtration, it’s essential to consider the cost-effectiveness of using air filters with a higher MERV rating.

Filters with higher MERV ratings generally cost more than lower-rated filters. However, they can also last longer because they are more effective at capturing pollutants. This means less frequent filter replacements, reducing the long-term cost of owning an air filter.

Moreover, using filters with higher MERV ratings can help prevent costly damage to HVAC systems. Filters that trap more pollutants, such as dust and bacteria, reduce the need for maintenance and repair, which can be expensive. It is vital to weigh the various costs before making a decision on whether to purchase a higher MERV-rated filter or not.

Finally, consider your living situation. If you live in a house with low pollutant levels, you might not need a higher MERV-rated filter. However, for those living in areas with high pollution levels or with breathing issues, a higher MERV-rated filter may be a necessity, aiding in keeping indoor air clean and residents healthy.

Therefore, determining the cost-effectiveness of a higher MERV rating involves assessing both the short-term and long-term costs of owning an air filter. With this information, you can make an informed decision on whether a higher MERV-rated filter is worth the extra cost for your specific situation.

Overall, it's essential to strike a balance between the air quality you want and the amount you’re willing to spend. Though filters with a higher MERV rating offer better filtration, you ought to take the time to evaluate if it's worth the extra cost.

Maintaining and Replacing Higher MERV Filters

Investing in a higher MERV-rated air filter can improve indoor air quality and reduce allergies and asthma symptoms. However, it's crucial to maintain and replace these filters regularly to ensure they continue to work effectively.

Higher MERV-rated filters trap smaller particles, such as allergens, dust mites, and pet dander, than lower-rated filters. While this is excellent for air quality, it also means that the filter can clog quicker than lower-rated filters, reducing its effectiveness and potentially causing strain on the HVAC system.

To maintain a high MERV filter, homeowners should inspect it every month and replace it at least every three months, according to the filter's recommended timeframe. However, if the filter appears dirty or clogged, it may need to be replaced sooner.

Replacing the filter is a simple task that most homeowners can do themselves. Turn off the HVAC system before removing the old filter and ensure the new filter fits correctly in the filter slot. Once the new filter is in place, turn the system back on and enjoy improved air quality.

It's essential to note that higher MERV-rated filters are more expensive than lower-rated filters, which can deter some homeowners from making the switch. However, investing in a higher-rated filter can improve indoor air quality, reducing the need for allergy and asthma medications, and prevent costly HVAC repairs caused by clogged filters. It's a small investment that can provide significant long-term benefits.

In conclusion, higher MERV-rated filters are worth the extra cost for improved indoor air quality. However, they require regular maintenance and replacement to work effectively, ensuring that homeowners get the best possible results from their investment.

Best Practices for Choosing and Using Air Filters

When it comes to choosing and using air filters, there are some best practices that can ensure you are getting the most out of your investment.

First and foremost, it is important to choose an air filter with a MERV rating that matches your specific needs. Higher MERV ratings do not necessarily mean better filtration, as they can also reduce airflow and strain your HVAC system. Consult with a HVAC professional to determine the best MERV rating for your specific needs.

Another important factor to consider is the size of your air filter. A filter that is too small for your unit can allow debris to bypass the filter and enter your home. Make sure to measure the correct size of your air filter and choose one that fits snugly into your unit.

Regularly replacing your air filter is also crucial for optimal performance. A clogged or dirty filter can reduce airflow and strain your HVAC system, leading to costly repairs.

Finally, consider investing in a filter monitor or air quality monitor to keep track of your indoor air quality and ensure that your air filter is working properly.

By following these best practices, you can ensure that you are choosing and using air filters effectively, promoting better indoor air quality and HVAC system performance.

Conclusion: Invest in a Higher MERV Rating for Better Indoor Air Quality

After examining the differences between lower and higher MERV rated air filters, it’s clear that investing in a higher MERV rated filter is worth the extra cost. Not only do they provide better air quality, but they also protect your HVAC system from damaging particles, ultimately saving you money in the long run.

In addition, with the current pandemic, indoor air quality has become even more important for our health and well-being. By using a high MERV rated filter, you can help reduce the spread of airborne viruses, bacteria and other contaminants that could threaten your health.

So, the next time you need to change your air filter, consider investing in a higher MERV rated filter to improve your indoor air quality and protect your HVAC system.

Frequently Asked Question

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value - a scale created by ASHRAE to measure the effectiveness of filters in removing different sized particles. For example, a MERV-13 filter is designed to catch 90% of particles 3-10 µm in size, 85% of particles 1-3 µm in size (PM2.5), and 50% of particles 0.3-1 µm in size. Generally, filters with higher MERV ratings are better at catching higher percentages of particles, including the smaller ones.


When you install a filter in the airstream, it will create resistance. The amount of resistance depends on the type of filter material and the amount of area it covers. Standard fiberglass filters don’t generate much resistance, though it increases as the filter gets dirtier. To remove more pollutants from the air, you can use a filter with a different material such as a high MERV filter. These filters have smaller pores, which allow them to catch more pollutants, but also create higher resistance.


The problem with this is that the blower and furnace are only designed to handle a certain amount of pressure drop. Too much resistance means the air flow is low, making the heat exchanger get hotter and potentially crack. On the plus side, low air flow can result in better dehumidification in humid climates, as long as the air flow isn’t so low that it turns the condensate to ice.


So, the answer to the question is: yes, higher MERV filters are better, but you need to find the right balance between air flow, resistance, and effectiveness.

Air filters are designed to capture airborne particles, which can be anything from dust and pollen to mold spores and bacteria. The filter works by drawing air through itself and trapping the particles in the web of fibers that make up the filter.


What are the types of air filters


There are many different types of air filters available on the market. The type of filter you need will depend on the specific needs of your facility. Some common types of air filters include MERV, HEPA, activated carbon, and ultraviolet (UV) germicidal irradiation.


MERV: MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. MERV ratings range from MERV-0 to MERV-16. The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient the filter is at capturing particles.


HEPA: HEPA filters are a type of air filter that is designed to capture very small particles. A true HEPA filter has a MERV rating of 17-20.

Activated carbon: Activated carbon filters are designed to remove gases and odors from the air.


UV germicidal irradiation: UV germicidal irradiation is a type of light that is used to kill bacteria and viruses.


There are pleated filters and panel filters. MERV 13 filters are pleated, while MERV 16 filters can be either pleated or panel. Pleated filters have more surface area because they are made up of multiple layers of filter media. The pleats create more space for the air to flow through, and the more layers of filter media there are, the more particles can be captured.


HEPA filters are usually pleated, but they can also be panel.


What are the differences between MERV 13 vs HEPA filters


While MERV 13 and HEPA filters both remove particles from the air, they work in different ways.


MERV 13 filters are designed to remove particles that are larger than 0.30 microns, while HEPA filters are designed to remove particles that are smaller than 0.30 microns. MERV 13 filters are often used in commercial and industrial settings, while HEPA filters are often used in hospitals and other medical settings.


MERV 13 filters are more efficient at removing large particles from the air, while HEPA filters are more efficient at removing small particles from the air. MERV 13 filters can remove up to 99.97% of particles from the air, while HEPA filters can remove up to 99.99% of particles from the air.


MERV 13 filters are less expensive than HEPA filters, and they can be used in a wider variety of settings. However, HEPA filters are more effective at removing small particles from the air, and they can be used in settings where MERV 13 filters cannot.


MERV and HEPA filters both work to capture airborne particles, but they do so in different ways. MERV 13 filters are designed to capture particles larger than 0.30 microns, while HEPA filters are designed to capture particles smaller than 0.30 microns. MERV 13 filters are more efficient at removing large particles from the air, while HEPA filters are better at capturing small particles. 


MERV 13 filters are less expensive and can be used in a wider variety of settings, but they can only remove up to 99.97% of particles from the air. On the other hand, HEPA filters are more expensive but can remove up to 99.99% of particles, making them ideal for medical settings. In short, MERV 13 filters are great for everyday use, while HEPA filters are better for specialized environments.

Your HVAC system includes a furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump. It's essential to keep these systems clean and efficient by regularly replacing the air filters. To do this, you'll need to know about MERV ratings.


The air filter in your HVAC system serves two key functions: it protects your system from dust, and it helps clean the air in your home. When the filter is clogged, dust can build up in the system, and the equipment may overheat and fail.


How often the air filter needs to be changed depends on your home's size, where you live, and if you have pets. Inspect it every month, and replace it when you can't see the filter material through the dust.


When choosing an air filter, refer to the specifications of your HVAC system to determine the size. The MERV scale is used to measure the filter's ability to remove particles from the air, and ratings range from 1 to 20, with lower ratings meaning lower-quality filters.


Remember to balance air cleaning with air flow when upgrading your filter to a higher MERV rating. Too dense of a filter can cause air flow restriction and harm your system. Ask your HVAC technician for advice when in doubt.


Replacing the air filter is easy. Open the blower compartment located between the air return and the furnace or air handler. Put the used filter in a plastic bag, then insert the new filter with the arrows pointing in the direction of the airflow.

MERV 11 filters used to be thought of as air flow restrictors, but this is no longer necessarily the case. Home Energy's 2009 experimental test concluded that the pressure drop of high-MERV filters isn't as severe as it used to be. If you're renting and don't have any special needs, then a standard, cheap fiberglass filter with a cardboard frame is fine to use every three months. But if you own your home, then it's worth investing in a more durable filter.


Pleated filters with more pleats per foot are the better option and should be more effective at improving indoor air quality. However, the price can be an issue. A standard 16x25x1 11 MERV filter will cost around $5, but you can save a bit if you buy them in packs of 12. Filtrete, Purolator, and Nordic Pure are all trusted brands.


If you plan to buy washable filters, be aware that cheaper models may have loose filter media after washing and won't perform as well. Disposable filters are also more hygienic since they remove all the dirt from the air. Keep in mind that the more pleats per foot, the better the filter will be.


So, when it comes to MERV 11, the issue of air flow restriction isn't as big as it used to be. With the right filter, you can improve your indoor air quality without having to worry about a pressure drop. Make sure to replace your filter every three months for the best performance.

MERV ratings are used to compare filters to determine which is most effective for eliminating pollutants in a home or office. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) developed the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) system to measure how well an air filter captures common airborne particles. There are 16 MERV values, ranging from 1 to 16, and the efficiency increases with the MERV number.


Filters are tested against 12 size ranges of particles, with the smallest being around 0.3 microns and the largest around 10 microns. To give a sense of the size, a micron is one millionth of a meter and a strand of human hair is approximately 75 to 100 microns.


The MERV rating is determined by measuring the particle count upstream and downstream of the filter being tested over six intervals, beginning with a clean filter. Afterward, a special ASHRAE test dust is added for five additional measurement cycles. The filter’s performance is determined by calculating the particle density before and after passing through the filter, and then assigning a MERV rating.


The MERV 8 filter is the most common filter in the U.S. Understanding how MERV ratings work can help you understand why it's so popular and how to choose the most beneficial filter for your needs.