As an expert in the field of air filtration, I have seen firsthand the impact that choosing the right air filter can have on the air quality in a home. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which filter is best for your specific needs. One common question that arises is whether a MERV 16 filter is too much for a home. In short, the answer is yes. While MERV 16 filters are necessary in environments like hospitals, they are not recommended for residential use.
At our company, we advise our clients to stick with a MERV 13 filter for their homes. This is because a MERV 13 filter is effective at keeping the air clean and fresh without causing any damage to the HVAC system. However, if you are in a situation where you need to use a filter with a higher MERV rating (12+), there are still options available to you. For those looking to research air purifiers, we recommend starting with a MERV 8 filter. This type of filter is known for its ability to effectively remove pollutants such as pollen, dust mites, sawdust, mold spores, and lint from the air.
However, it's important to note that higher MERV ratings will provide even greater air filtration. The higher the MERV rating, the more particles the filter can trap. For example, a MERV 16 filter can remove up to 81.5% of dust particles from the air. The main goal of using a MERV 12 filter or higher is to improve the overall air quality in your home. This means cleaner and more breathable air for everyone, but especially for those who suffer from allergies, asthma, COPD, and other respiratory issues. While MERV 16 filters are not commonly used in residential settings, there is another type of filter that is even more efficient at trapping particles - high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters.
These filters are often used in surgical operating rooms, clean rooms, and other environments that require absolute cleanliness. However, if your home's air conditioning system is not capable of supporting a MERV 13 filter, you can opt for the next highest rating available. It's also important to consider the thickness of the filter when making your decision. A MERV 12 filter that is only 1 inch thick will likely be more restrictive than a MERV 12 filter that is 4 inches thick. As technology has advanced, so has filter technology.
MERV ratings were created to help consumers determine the most effective and efficient air filter options for their heating and cooling systems. The MERV, or minimum efficiency reporting value, is a system used to evaluate the effectiveness of an air filter in trapping particles of different sizes. Unlike fiberglass filters, pleated filters with MERV ratings of 8 to 13 can effectively remove small particles from the air while also reducing pressure drop (which is the closest thing to MerVana that can be found).
