When it comes to air conditioning, the filter is one of the most essential components. It is responsible for keeping the air clean and free of pollutants, as well as ensuring that the system runs efficiently. Standard flat filters are the most common type, but high-efficiency pleated filters offer a number of advantages. Unlike regular flat filters, high-efficiency pleated filters contain a material that folds like an accordion, allowing for greater surface area and lower resistance to airflow.
They come in standard-sized pleats or mini-pleats and offer MERV ratings ranging from 11 to 14. A filter with a MERV of 7 or 8 is a good balance between air conditioning performance and indoor air cleaning. A mid-range filter will remove mold spores, hairspray, dust mites, and animal dander without restricting airflow. An effective air filter provides the main protection to the air conditioning system and home residents from pollutants floating in the air. Filter efficiency describes its ability to purify indoor air by trapping airborne particles, depending on their size.
A MERV 11 air filter has a higher efficiency rating, meaning it can capture finer particles and remove more pollutants from the air. The MPR is different from the MERV, the minimum value of efficiency reports. The MERV system measures the ability of a filter to capture large particles, while the MPR only takes into account tiny microscopic particles between 0.3 and 1 micron. Generally speaking, anything under a MERV 13 air filter should provide very efficient air purification in a home without affecting airflow.
Air filters also help keep the furnace's coils and heat exchangers clean, which can extend the life of the oven and keep it running efficiently. MERV 8 air filters are very common because they are a fairly complete option, so you might think that they have a great price but poor performance. In addition to filter power, the FPR also indicates what type of airborne contaminants are ideal for capturing each filter. Meanwhile, air filters with a MERV 14 rating or higher are designed for commercial HVAC systems that can withstand the coarser filter material.
Raising only three MERV rating levels can be a smart decision that makes the air cleaner, or a harmful option for the entire air conditioning system, considering the air flow capacity of the MERV 8 versus the MERV 11. If you're trying to decide between a MERV 8 air filter and a MERV 11, here's what you need to know. These filters offer the ability to capture more particles from the air and, at the same time, provide better airflow. One thing to keep in mind is that a MERV 11 air filter may need to be changed more frequently than a MERV 8.
The higher the MPR, the better the filter's ability to capture air particles as they pass through it.
