When it comes to air filters, it's important to understand the MERV rating. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and is a measure of how effectively a filter removes particles from the air. A filter with a MERV rating between 1 and 6 can remove particles between 0.3 and 10 microns with an efficiency of 20%. Choosing an air filter with the highest MERV rating may not be the right choice for your air conditioning system.
Using an air filter with a MERV rating higher than recommended by the boiler or air conditioner manufacturer may affect its performance. Here are four reasons why you don't need to switch to an air filter with the highest efficiency rating:1.Higher rated filters can increase energy costs: Hospitals use filters with a rating of 16, but that's not necessary for your home environment, and using a filter with such a high rating will increase your energy costs.2.Electrostatic air filters are washable: An electrostatic air filter is a washable air filter that uses static electricity to capture particles.3.Filters can degrade the performance of the HVAC system: Filters not only remove dust, allergens, mold spores and other pollutants from the air your family breathes, but they also filter out fine dirt particles that can degrade the performance of the air conditioning system itself.4.MERV ratings vary between companies: Both claim to be based on the ASHRAE 52.2 standard from the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers, which is used to establish MERV ratings, but neither company offers an easily accessible explanation of how their own ratings differ or compare to MERV. When selecting the right filter for your application, higher isn't always better. It's important that you only use air filters with the MERV rating recommended by the HVAC system manufacturer. This will ensure that your HVAC system is working efficiently and that you're getting the best air quality in your home.