In most cases, a Merv 11 air filter is an ideal choice for residential use. It offers efficient air purification without affecting airflow, making it a great option for pet owners and people living with certain health conditions, such as mild allergies and mild asthma. It provides more filtration than the MERV 8, but not as much as the MERV 13 (the highest suggested option for residential use).MERV 11 filters are often found in locations that require better air filtration, such as commercial buildings and facilities for the elderly. They are more expensive than MERV 8 filters, but they are still easy to find and won't break the bank.
The main reason to use them is that some old units can only handle these filters. A couple of decades ago, lower-quality filters were almost the only ones used in homes. Technology for HVAC units has progressed since then, and most modern units in recent years should be capable of at least one MERV 8 filter. However, older units may not have enough air pressure to force air through a higher efficiency filter.
Attempting to do so could cause major problems as well as the need for repairs. MERV 11 filters are more efficient than MERV 8 filters because they can capture smaller particles. They remove an impressive amount of airborne materials, including harmful microscopic particles. This is a good choice for homes with pets or those looking for even better air quality than what the MERV 8 can offer. It is also our most popular type of air filter. MERV 17 to 20 will also capture virus carriers, carbon dust, combustion smoke, radon progeny and microscopic allergens (particles 0.3 microns in size).
If none of these factors are of concern to your home and there is no other reason why you need a higher level of filtration in your home, then a MERV 8 to MERV 10 filter is probably the best option for you. A high merv filter also means that the HVAC system has to work harder because there is more to block airflow. It is essential to remember that the merv rating of an air filter denotes its lowest possible capacity, that is, the minimum percentage of impurities that it could effectively filter. While there is no standard MERV rating recommended for reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic, ASHRAE recommends a MERV rating of 13+, which is designed to capture particles 1 micron in size, would be effective for capturing COVID-19 virus particles indoors. Conversely, a high MERV rating indicates that the filter does a good job of removing particulates from the air. MERV 13 and above could be used as final filter in clean rooms, operating rooms, inpatient care and smoking rooms. Another option is to use a MERV 8 or 11 filter and add an air purifier to your home designed to remove allergy-causing impurities.
This may not seem like a significant difference compared to the MERV 8 filter, but a MERV 11 is also better able to capture 65% to 79% of the smallest particles. MERV 14 and higher can capture particles that are even smaller than previous MERV ratings, ranging from 0.3 to 1.0 microns in size. Experts recommend changing MERV 8 filters every 2 to 3 months to keep them running at full capacity. It should also be noted that filters at the lower end of the MERV scale are not even tested for efficiency in capturing E1 and E2 particulate matter. In conclusion, a Merv 11 air filter is an ideal choice for residential use due to its efficient air purification without affecting airflow. It offers more filtration than the MERV 8 but not as much as the MERV 13 (the highest suggested option for residential use).
It is also our most popular type of air filter and provides additional protection against pet dander, dust mites, automatic emissions, and lung-damaging dust.
