When it comes to ensuring your home is properly filtered and comfortable, it is essential to understand the MERV rating scale and how it relates to air filters. The MERV rating scale, developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), is a standard measure of a filter's ability to remove particulate matter from your home air. This scale ranges from 1 to 20, with lower ratings indicating a lower quality filter. For residential use, the ideal MERV rating is one that effectively cleans the air in your home without reducing airflow or overloading the air conditioning equipment. Generally speaking, our recommended MERV rating for oven filters ranges from 6 to 8 to achieve a perfect balance between maximum oven efficiency and home comfort.
A MERV rating between 6 and 13 meets the needs of most homes, providing a good balance between air filtration, airflow and affordability. When selecting an air filter, it is important to consider the size of the filter as well as its MERV rating. The size of the filter should match the size of your HVAC system, while the MERV rating should be appropriate for your needs. If you select an air filter with a MERV 13 rating, it can last up to six months before you have to replace it. However, as the MERV rating increases, airflow decreases, forcing the air conditioning system to work harder to push air through the furnace, increasing the chance of a potential failure. The air filter is usually located in the fan compartment, between the air return and the oven or air controller itself.
Insert the clean filter into the frame, with the arrows printed on the frame pointing in the opposite direction to the air return and toward the main unit. It is also important to note that there are several types of filters available and it can be difficult to select the filter that best suits your needs. At Superior Mechanical, we provide commercial and residential HVAC services for Livermore, Dublin and Pleasanton. Our experts can help you make informed decisions for your home so that you can choose an air filter with a MERV rating that is right for you. When choosing an air filter for your home, it is important to consider both its size and its MERV rating. The size should match your HVAC system while the MERV rating should be appropriate for your needs.
A higher MERV rating will provide better filtration but may reduce airflow and increase strain on your system. It is also important to note that there are several types of filters available so make sure you select one that best suits your needs.
