MERV, or Minimum Efficiency Rating Value, is a scale that ranges from 1 to 16. This scale is based on the effectiveness of a filter to capture particles of different sizes, from 0.3 to 10 micrometers (µm) in diameter. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHARE) recommends a MERV 6 or higher for better indoor air quality. A MERV 11 filter can capture a wider range of particles than a MERV 8 filter, including pet dander, smoke, smog, and airborne particles produced by coughing and sneezing. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters trap the smallest particles at a speed even higher than that of MERV 16 and are generally used in surgical operating rooms, clean rooms, and other contexts that require absolute cleaning.
However, one of the main advantages of a thicker air filter with larger folds is that they don't need to be replaced as often.Air filters also help keep the furnace's coils and heat exchangers clean, which can extend the life of the oven and keep it running efficiently. The Home Depot also offers a full range of air filter accessories, making it easy to operate the system at peak performance.
