When it comes to air filters, the MERV rating is used to indicate the efficiency of the filter in trapping particles of certain sizes. MERV 8 air filters are suitable for residential use, while MERV 11 air filters are better at eliminating odors. But when it comes to choosing between a MERV 11 and a MERV 12 filter, it's important to consider the quality you want to achieve with your air filter. The MERV 9-12 classification filters can capture more than 85% of particles with a size of 3.0-10.0 microns.
A MERV 9 filter can trap less than 50% of particles with a size of 1, 0-3 or 0 microns; the MERV 10, up to 64%; the MERV 11, up to 79%; and the MERV 12, capable of trapping up to 89%. However, it's important to note that a MERV 11 filter is just as effective as one with a Merv 12 rating. The fan draws air through the air filter and carries it to the oven or air handler, where it is heated or cooled before being fed through the ducts to the rooms of the house. Insert the clean filter into the frame, with the arrows printed on the frame pointing away from the air intake and toward the main unit. The goal of using a MERV 12 or higher filter is to improve indoor air quality: cleaner, more breathable air for everyone, especially for people with allergies, asthma, COPD, etc. Meanwhile, air filters with a MERV 14 or higher rating are designed for commercial air conditioning systems that can withstand the thickest filter material. The MERV 12 air filter can filter approximately 89% of particles from 1 to 3 microns and more than 90% of particles from 3 to 10 microns.
While MERV 8 is known to be effective at filtering airborne contaminants such as pollen, dust mites, sawdust, mold spores and lint, higher MERV rates will further clean the air. When deciding between using a Merv 11 or Merv 12 filter for your home, consider the quality you want to achieve with your air filter. If your home's air conditioning system isn't capable of supporting the MERV 13, opt for a filter with the next highest possible rating. A Merv 13 filter removes all the larger particles that a Merv 11 filter removes AND all the even larger particles that a Merv 8 removes, as well as even smaller particles that only a Merv 13 filter can remove. Filters with higher Merv ratings must be changed more frequently (at least every three months) to avoid airflow restriction, which can cause the system to operate inefficiently or even damage it. In conclusion, when choosing between a Merv 11 and Merv 12 filter for your home, consider both their advantages and disadvantages in order to achieve optimal indoor air quality. A higher Merv rating will provide better filtration but must be changed more often in order to avoid airflow restriction.
