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MERV is more than a handsome face. It stands for Minimum Efficiency Rating Value. This is an industry standard rating system that allows you to compare air filters made by different manufacturers. A MERV rating is a numerical value ranging from 1 (lowest efficiency) to 16 (highest efficiency) and tells the consumer how well the filter captures and holds dirt and dust of a specified size range. At OTAF, MERV is the go-to guy for all your questions about home air filters. Ask MERV.

 

You have questions about replacing your home air filters. MERV has answers. MERV may not know all the secrets of the universe, but he does know the secrets of cleaner air, lower utility bills, and a longer life for your HVAC equipment. Don’t be shy. Ask MERV.

 

Q: I’ve seen air filters with a MERV rating of 13, or even higher, at my local hardware store. Why doesn’t OTAF sell these filters? Isn’t higher better?

A: The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient the air filter. Efficiency is good—but it is possible to have too much of a good thing. Filters with a very high MERV rating are designed for use with sophisticated equipment for places like hospital operating rooms and extreme allergy environments. These filters are so efficient that it’s even hard for air to get through them! This creates a lot of air resistance, which in turn puts stress on HVAC equipment.

 

The vast majority of systems installed in homes are designed to operate with filters with a MERV rating of no higher than 11. Any higher than that, and you risk damaging your equipment and/or voiding your warranty. For that reason, OTAF offers you a choice of an 8 or an 11 MERV rating—you can also buy a MERV 7 filter if you have an older system that can’t handle a higher rating. If replaced regularly, filters with a MERV rating of 8 or 11 are sufficient to provide all the benefits of clean air and improved efficiency.

 

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