Hey there, Virginia Beach homeowners! Are you curious about how to keep your home’s air clean and your family healthy? If so, let’s talk about something important in your HVAC system – MERV ratings!
What is a MERV Rating?
MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. It’s a scale ranging from 1 to 20, with 1 being the lowest and 20 the highest level of filtration. Lower numbers mean fewer particles are caught, while higher numbers catch more.
Think of your filter like a net. The higher the MERV rating, the finer the net and the more particles in the air the net catches.
What is the Range of MERV Ratings?
As we said the range is 1-20 and air filters with different MERV ratings can catch different amounts of particles.
Here’s how air filtration MERV Ratings work:
- MERV 1 to 4: less than 20% of large particles are picked up.
- 5 to 7: 20-69% of large particles are picked up.
- 8 to 10: Approximately 85% of large particles and 50% of small particles . are picked up.
- 11 to 16: Over 90% of large particles and 70-90% of small particles are picked up.
- 17 to 20: Even the smallest of particles are picked up.
To better understand MERV ratings, check out this chart to get an idea of what gets through at each MERV rating level.
What MERV Rating is Best for Home Use?
Choosing the right MERV rating for your home depends on what you need. If you have allergies or pets, you might want a higher MERV rating. But, if your system isn’t strong enough for a high-rated filter, the filter will interrupt air flow. It can be like putting a super thick blanket over a fan. It won’t work well, and it will struggle to breath properly, so it’s a matter of balance!
To say it another way, it really depends on your needs. Generally, MERV 7-12 is the best type of filter for most homes. If you have special health needs, you might want to go higher. But remember, the highest isn’t always the best for every system. System tonnage, efficiency, and proper ductwork sizing are three main factors.
What MERV Rating Do I Need? Contact MSCO Heating & Cooling
To find out the best MERV rating for your furnace filter, check your furnace’s manual or ask a pro like those of us at MSCO. We can help you find a filter that’s just right, so you get clean air without making your furnace work too hard.
MSCO Heating & Cooling is your trusted HVAC service provider with over 60 years of experience. We offer a wide range of services, including HVAC maintenance, repair, and installation. And our focus is always on quality and customer satisfaction. We employ Trane-certified technicians and Trane Comfort Specialists. And this ensures the highest standards of service on all our work.
If you’re ready to breathe easier in your home and you’re in the greater Virginia Beach area, give MSCO Heating & Cooling a call. We’re experts in making homes comfortable and healthy. From choosing the right MERV rating to maintaining your HVAC system, we’ve got your back. Contact us at 757-895-7806 for all your heating and cooling needs.
Your comfort is always our mission at MSCO Heating & Cooling!
