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08
Nov
How to Find The Right MERV Furnace Filter For Your Home HVAC System
MERV furnace filters are at the heart of your HVACs' mechanisms, ensuring the equipment delivers on its intended purpose.
MERV furnace filters aren’t complicated; they are among the easiest for the ordinary Joe to replace and understand.
However, installing them incorrectly or purchasing the wrong product can be costly in the long run. Who wants that?
In this blog, we will discuss everything related to furnace filters, focusing on furnace MERV filter ratings.
What are Furnace Filters?
We need to know how residential HVACs work to understand furnace filters better.
HVAC is an acronym for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. A residential HVAC system can heat and cool your home and improve indoor air quality and humidity control.
In a HVAC system, air is collected from the home by a blower motor, heated or cooled, and recirculated throughout the house.
An HVAC system includes AC units, heat pumps, furnaces, air cleaners, and ductwork.
The furnace component needs a furnace filter. The filter removes impurities from the air before it is conditioned.
The primary purpose of the MERV furnace air filters is to protect your furnace, especially the blower fan, from debris that may damage the components.
Second, it ensures good indoor air quality, keeping out dust and other pollutants, hence preserving respiratory health.
The ability of furnace filters to fulfill their intended purpose depends on several factors, mostly linked to their manufacturing process.
How filters are made determines their classification, hence the MERV filter ratings.
Understanding MERV Filter Ratings
Homeowners often ask, What is a good MERV rating for furnace filters?
The best MERV filter ratings for your house’s HVAC system depend on its expected function, HVAC manufacturer specifications, and desired air quality.
MERV filter ratings indicate a filter's efficiency in trapping particles of various sizes. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values.
The rating system was engineered in 1987 by the American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) to offer a balance between particle filtering and energy efficiency.
Former scales focused on increasing the number of particles passing through an air filter.
The MERV rating for furnace filters is from 1 to 16, with higher numbers indicating finer Merv filtration.
The recommended furnace filter MERV ratings for homes are between 8 and 13 MERV. The range allows less restricted airflow for energy efficiency and can be cleaned/doesn’t need to be changed often.
The MERV furnace filters can handle contaminants such as:
- Legionella
- Lead Dust
- Coal dust
- Nebulizer dust
- Welding fumes
- Milled flour
- Welding fumes
- Auto emissions
As the MERV filter ratings increase from 8 to 13, the filters can handle the listed contaminants better.
Is MERV 14 too high for residential?
The higher the MERV filter ratings, which is 14+, the more contaminants can be trapped, but at the cost of energy efficiency.
Remember, the higher the rating, the denser the filter, which means fewer particles, including air, can pass through.
Most residential HVAC systems are made to handle highly restricted airflow, so MERV filter ratings of 14+ make your systems work harder.
Is there a downside to high MERV filters?
Two limitations of high-efficiency filters are that they make HVAC systems work hard, which increases energy costs and decreases the system’s lifespan.
It's also worth noting that not all Merv furnace filters in Canada are the same. They are made of different materials, such as fiberglass or synthetic media.
The manufacturing materials also affect their durability, lifespan, and the types of particles they capture.
For example, Canadian-made aftermarket filters offer high-quality synthetic materials with electrostatic properties that enhance filtration without adding resistance to airflow.
MERV Furnace Filter Brands and Sizes
Canadian-made aftermarket MERV furnace filters are the best blend of affordability and quality.
MERV furnace filters employ quality materials and are a reliable alternative to OEM furnace filters for US and Canadian residents.
When purchasing discount furnace filters, one thing to note is the nominal and actual sizes.
The nominal size of MERV furnace filters is a rounded measurement for simplicity, while the actual size is the precise measurement of the filter.
For example, a filter listed as 16x25x1 has that as the nominal size, but the actual size is 15-½ x 24-½ x ¾ inches.
The variation can be confusing, especially for homeowners buying replacements based only on nominal sizes.
The dynamics get more complex with 5-inch filters as OEM brands produce them with varying dimensions.
For example, a “16x25x5” filter could have multiple actual sizes, such as 15-3/8 x 25-1/2 x 5-1/4 inches for a Carrier model or 15-7/8 x 24-3/4 x 4-3/8 inches for a Honeywell model.
These minor differences may affect how the filter fits into your system, impacting filtration effectiveness and airflow.
In response, we give special attention to our customers buying 5” MERV furnace filters to get actual sizes and reduce the risk of costly returns.
Let us now look at the different MERV furnace filters for sale for residential HVAC systems.
Top 3 MERV furnace filters for your Home
1. MERV 8 Furnace Filters
The MERV filter ratings are for home systems without specific indoor air quality concerns. They have an efficiency of 80%, which means they trap 80% of contaminants that enter them.
The Merv rating 8 also means they can trap particles between 3 and 10 microns, such as dust mites, mold, dust, lint, and other large particle impurities.
The Merv filters are available in different sizes to fit the specifications of your HVAC systems. The depth of the filter classifies the sizes.
Ensure you have the correct sizes for your system to prevent them from being redundant:
- 1-Inch Merv Furnace filters
The product has MERV filter ratings of 8, providing good air quality and component protection.
They have a nominal size of 16 x 25 x 1, but their actual size is 15-½ x 24-½ x ¾
The 1-inch Merve Furnace Filters provide standard filtration and may need to be changed regularly because of its small depth.
As such, we provide an affordable solution, which is a 12-pack of 1-inch furnace filters.
- 4 Inch Merv Furnace Filters
The depth of the Merv 8 furnace filter makes it last longer and generally more effective.
It's pleated, offering a larger surface area for trapping more particles and contaminants.
The 4-inch Merv 8 filter has a nominal size of 16 x 25 x 4 and an actual size of 15-½ x 24-½ x 3-¾, sold as a pack of three.
2. MERV 11 Furnace Filters
You’ll often find Merv 8 vs 11 furnace filter product comparisons showing their distinct applications.
Is Merv 11 too high for residential?
No, in fact, MERV 11 furnace filters are the most popular option for residential use. They are suitable for homes with pets and individuals with asthma or respiratory issues.
In addition, they protect against Merv 8 contaminants and can handle pet dander, lint, and smoke.
The size of particles it handles ranges from 1.0 to 3.0 microns, giving it a higher efficiency than Merv 8 furnace filters while sustaining good airflow.
- 4-inch Merv 11 Furnace Filter
The 4-inch Merv 11 filter is a long-lasting product lasting up to a year in low-contamination zones.
Popular nominal sizes include 16x20x4, 16x25x4, 20x20x4, and 20x25x4. Their correspondent actual sizes are 15-½ x 19-½ x 3-¾, 15-½ x 24-½ x 3-⅝, 19-½ x 19-½ x 3-¾, and 19-½ x 24-½ x 3-¾.
Our wide variety of aftermarket filters ensures you get an affordable option for your HVAC system.
- 5-inch Merv 11 Furnace Filters
Our 5-inch Merv 11 furnace filters provide extra protection for your HVAC system.
These thick and pleated furnace filters ensure a good surface area for catching contaminants and are intelligently designed to promote good airflow.
The most popular sizes for residentials are 16x25x5, 20x20x5, and 20x25x5. Remember, these types have very distinct depths in the actual sizes, so ensure you have the right one.
When making a purchase, start with the depth, whether it is a Honeywell (4-⅜), Carrier (5-¼), or Bear (4-⅞), and then proceed to confirm the length and width.
3. Merv 13 Furnace Filters
Merv 13 furnace filters are high-efficiency filters catering to lower-tier contaminants. They can handle bacteria and smoke.
Furthermore, MERV filter ratings of 13 can handle 90% of airborne particles, which can work superbly for individuals with severe allergies or in heavily polluted areas.
They are designed to trap at least 85% of particles sized 1.0 microns and above and at least 50% of particles in the 0.3-1.0 micron range.
Their high efficiency makes them comparable to HEPA filters, which are high-grade filters.
Some products for sale in America with such merv filter ratings include:
- 1-inch Furnace Filters
Experience superior air quality with the MERV 13 1-inch Furnace filters. They effectively protect your equipment while keeping common allergens at bay.
When you purchase Merv furnace filters, you can expect a case of 12 filters with a nominal size of 20x20x1 and an actual size of 19-½ - 19-½ - ¾ at an affordable price.
Buy Merv Furnace Filters in the US and Canada with United Filters
Merv filter ratings are crucial when purchasing a filter for your home's HVAC system.
You need to ensure it provides good air quality without impacting the performance of your air conditioning equipment.
United Filter is a trusted manufacturer and distributor of Merv furnace filters serving the US and Canada.
We are based in Mississauga, Ontario, providing quality and affordable aftermarket furnace filter solutions.
Visit our website or shop today at #6 - 2624 Royal Windsor Dr. Mississauga, ON L5J 1K7 to access our wide roster of quality furnace filters.
How to Find The Right MERV Furnace Filter For Your Home HVAC System
MERV furnace filters are at the heart of your HVACs' mechanisms, ensuring the equipment delivers on its intended purpose.
MERV furnace filters aren’t complicated; they are among the easiest for the ordinary Joe to replace and understand.
However, installing them incorrectly or purchasing the wrong product can be costly in the long run. Who wants that?
In this blog, we will discuss everything related to furnace filters, focusing on furnace MERV filter ratings.
What are Furnace Filters?
We need to know how residential HVACs work to understand furnace filters better.
HVAC is an acronym for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. A residential HVAC system can heat and cool your home and improve indoor air quality and humidity control.
In a HVAC system, air is collected from the home by a blower motor, heated or cooled, and recirculated throughout the house.
An HVAC system includes AC units, heat pumps, furnaces, air cleaners, and ductwork.
The furnace component needs a furnace filter. The filter removes impurities from the air before it is conditioned.
The primary purpose of the MERV furnace air filters is to protect your furnace, especially the blower fan, from debris that may damage the components.
Second, it ensures good indoor air quality, keeping out dust and other pollutants, hence preserving respiratory health.
The ability of furnace filters to fulfill their intended purpose depends on several factors, mostly linked to their manufacturing process.
How filters are made determines their classification, hence the MERV filter ratings.
Understanding MERV Filter Ratings
Homeowners often ask, What is a good MERV rating for furnace filters?
The best MERV filter ratings for your house’s HVAC system depend on its expected function, HVAC manufacturer specifications, and desired air quality.
MERV filter ratings indicate a filter's efficiency in trapping particles of various sizes. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values.
The rating system was engineered in 1987 by the American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) to offer a balance between particle filtering and energy efficiency.
Former scales focused on increasing the number of particles passing through an air filter.
The MERV rating for furnace filters is from 1 to 16, with higher numbers indicating finer Merv filtration.
The recommended furnace filter MERV ratings for homes are between 8 and 13 MERV. The range allows less restricted airflow for energy efficiency and can be cleaned/doesn’t need to be changed often.
The MERV furnace filters can handle contaminants such as:
- Legionella
- Lead Dust
- Coal dust
- Nebulizer dust
- Welding fumes
- Milled flour
- Welding fumes
- Auto emissions
As the MERV filter ratings increase from 8 to 13, the filters can handle the listed contaminants better.
Is MERV 14 too high for residential?
The higher the MERV filter ratings, which is 14+, the more contaminants can be trapped, but at the cost of energy efficiency.
Remember, the higher the rating, the denser the filter, which means fewer particles, including air, can pass through.
Most residential HVAC systems are made to handle highly restricted airflow, so MERV filter ratings of 14+ make your systems work harder.
Is there a downside to high MERV filters?
Two limitations of high-efficiency filters are that they make HVAC systems work hard, which increases energy costs and decreases the system’s lifespan.
It's also worth noting that not all Merv furnace filters in Canada are the same. They are made of different materials, such as fiberglass or synthetic media.
The manufacturing materials also affect their durability, lifespan, and the types of particles they capture.
For example, Canadian-made aftermarket filters offer high-quality synthetic materials with electrostatic properties that enhance filtration without adding resistance to airflow.
MERV Furnace Filter Brands and Sizes
Canadian-made aftermarket MERV furnace filters are the best blend of affordability and quality.
MERV furnace filters employ quality materials and are a reliable alternative to OEM furnace filters for US and Canadian residents.
When purchasing discount furnace filters, one thing to note is the nominal and actual sizes.
The nominal size of MERV furnace filters is a rounded measurement for simplicity, while the actual size is the precise measurement of the filter.
For example, a filter listed as 16x25x1 has that as the nominal size, but the actual size is 15-½ x 24-½ x ¾ inches.
The variation can be confusing, especially for homeowners buying replacements based only on nominal sizes.
The dynamics get more complex with 5-inch filters as OEM brands produce them with varying dimensions.
For example, a “16x25x5” filter could have multiple actual sizes, such as 15-3/8 x 25-1/2 x 5-1/4 inches for a Carrier model or 15-7/8 x 24-3/4 x 4-3/8 inches for a Honeywell model.
These minor differences may affect how the filter fits into your system, impacting filtration effectiveness and airflow.
In response, we give special attention to our customers buying 5” MERV furnace filters to get actual sizes and reduce the risk of costly returns.
Let us now look at the different MERV furnace filters for sale for residential HVAC systems.
Top 3 MERV furnace filters for your Home
1. MERV 8 Furnace Filters
The MERV filter ratings are for home systems without specific indoor air quality concerns. They have an efficiency of 80%, which means they trap 80% of contaminants that enter them.
The Merv rating 8 also means they can trap particles between 3 and 10 microns, such as dust mites, mold, dust, lint, and other large particle impurities.
The Merv filters are available in different sizes to fit the specifications of your HVAC systems. The depth of the filter classifies the sizes.
Ensure you have the correct sizes for your system to prevent them from being redundant:
- 1-Inch Merv Furnace filters
The product has MERV filter ratings of 8, providing good air quality and component protection.
They have a nominal size of 16 x 25 x 1, but their actual size is 15-½ x 24-½ x ¾
The 1-inch Merve Furnace Filters provide standard filtration and may need to be changed regularly because of its small depth.
As such, we provide an affordable solution, which is a 12-pack of 1-inch furnace filters.
- 4 Inch Merv Furnace Filters
The depth of the Merv 8 furnace filter makes it last longer and generally more effective.
It's pleated, offering a larger surface area for trapping more particles and contaminants.
The 4-inch Merv 8 filter has a nominal size of 16 x 25 x 4 and an actual size of 15-½ x 24-½ x 3-¾, sold as a pack of three.
2. MERV 11 Furnace Filters
You’ll often find Merv 8 vs 11 furnace filter product comparisons showing their distinct applications.
Is Merv 11 too high for residential?
No, in fact, MERV 11 furnace filters are the most popular option for residential use. They are suitable for homes with pets and individuals with asthma or respiratory issues.
In addition, they protect against Merv 8 contaminants and can handle pet dander, lint, and smoke.
The size of particles it handles ranges from 1.0 to 3.0 microns, giving it a higher efficiency than Merv 8 furnace filters while sustaining good airflow.
- 4-inch Merv 11 Furnace Filter
The 4-inch Merv 11 filter is a long-lasting product lasting up to a year in low-contamination zones.
Popular nominal sizes include 16x20x4, 16x25x4, 20x20x4, and 20x25x4. Their correspondent actual sizes are 15-½ x 19-½ x 3-¾, 15-½ x 24-½ x 3-⅝, 19-½ x 19-½ x 3-¾, and 19-½ x 24-½ x 3-¾.
Our wide variety of aftermarket filters ensures you get an affordable option for your HVAC system.
- 5-inch Merv 11 Furnace Filters
Our 5-inch Merv 11 furnace filters provide extra protection for your HVAC system.
These thick and pleated furnace filters ensure a good surface area for catching contaminants and are intelligently designed to promote good airflow.
The most popular sizes for residentials are 16x25x5, 20x20x5, and 20x25x5. Remember, these types have very distinct depths in the actual sizes, so ensure you have the right one.
When making a purchase, start with the depth, whether it is a Honeywell (4-⅜), Carrier (5-¼), or Bear (4-⅞), and then proceed to confirm the length and width.
3. Merv 13 Furnace Filters
Merv 13 furnace filters are high-efficiency filters catering to lower-tier contaminants. They can handle bacteria and smoke.
Furthermore, MERV filter ratings of 13 can handle 90% of airborne particles, which can work superbly for individuals with severe allergies or in heavily polluted areas.
They are designed to trap at least 85% of particles sized 1.0 microns and above and at least 50% of particles in the 0.3-1.0 micron range.
Their high efficiency makes them comparable to HEPA filters, which are high-grade filters.
Some products for sale in America with such merv filter ratings include:
- 1-inch Furnace Filters
Experience superior air quality with the MERV 13 1-inch Furnace filters. They effectively protect your equipment while keeping common allergens at bay.
When you purchase Merv furnace filters, you can expect a case of 12 filters with a nominal size of 20x20x1 and an actual size of 19-½ - 19-½ - ¾ at an affordable price.
Buy Merv Furnace Filters in the US and Canada with United Filters
Merv filter ratings are crucial when purchasing a filter for your home's HVAC system.
You need to ensure it provides good air quality without impacting the performance of your air conditioning equipment.
United Filter is a trusted manufacturer and distributor of Merv furnace filters serving the US and Canada.
We are based in Mississauga, Ontario, providing quality and affordable aftermarket furnace filter solutions.
Visit our website or shop today at #6 - 2624 Royal Windsor Dr. Mississauga, ON L5J 1K7 to access our wide roster of quality furnace filters.
Vee Popat
