At this point, it's also important to note: MERV ratings go above 13. However, they're too restrictive for normal home HVAC systems, and thus using them can cause potentially expensive problems.
Is MERV 13 too much?
Filters within a MERV rating of 17-20 are almost never necessary in a residential home. A MERV rating of 13-16 is considered hospital level air quality, so it is unlikely your home needs any more than that.20 sept 2019
Can air filters be too restrictive?
Burnt out motors and controls can result from too-restrictive filters. Coils, motors, and blowers can also easily become clogged by weak filters creating higher fan usage resulting in higher energy costs.28 nov 2017
Can a furnace filter be too restrictive?
All furnace filters have a MERV rating which indicates filter efficiency. ... The makeup of these high-efficiency filters can be too restrictive for the unit, creating a barrier to good airflow. The HVAC system may struggle to pass air through the air filter and expend more energy in its attempts.12 oct 2020
How do I know what size air filter I need?
Actual Size: The actual size of an air filter is typically written in the fine print on the frame of the filter and is usually 0.25"-0.5" smaller than the advertised, nominal size. The actual size is what you'd find if you used a ruler to measure the exact dimensions of the filter.13 jul 2020
What is the most common furnace filter size?
10x20
Do air filters have to be exact size?
Since air filters are most often sold by their nominal dimensions, it is crucial to learn how to properly measure your air filter. When making your purchase, you should order your filter by its nominal size, rather than its actual size.
How do I know what size filter to buy for my furnace?
The size of your filter will be located on the side of the door on your filter cabinet. The filter must fit snuggly in your furnace.It is important to note that you must have an exact fit for your cabinet -“close enough is not good enough” in these circumstances.7 ago 2017
What MERV rating is best for home use?
As a general rule, residences do not use higher than MERV 8 filters. We do recommend that everyone uses filters that have at least an 8 MERV rating. These filters will remove the majority of pollutants from your indoor air.
Do you really need a MERV 13 filter?
In most households, a MERV 11 filter provides enough purification to keep the home healthy. However, if someone in your home suffers from allergies, you probably want to go with a MERV 13. This can be pet allergies, pollen allergies, or even allergies to mold and dust.