Which MERV Rating Filter Should You Use in Your Home?

You may have noticed MERV filter ratings on various air filters, but may be wondering what is a MERV rating is on filters? This rating indicates how effectively a filter captures different particle sizes. Read on to learn more about the MERV rating and how to choose the best one for your home.

What Does MERV Mean on Air Filters?

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. It measures how effectively an air filter captures particles from the air—higher ratings mean the filter traps smaller particles. 

However, higher isn't always better; overly high MERV ratings can restrict airflow and reduce system efficiency. The right MERV rating balances filtration performance with your HVAC system's capabilities.

What Does MERV Rating Measure?

MERV ratings measure a filter’s ability to capture airborne particles based on their size, specifically in microns. One micron is one-millionth of a meter. 

Filters are tested against particles ranging from 0.3 to 10 microns, such as dust, pollen, mold spores, and even some bacteria. A higher MERV rating means the filter can trap smaller particles more effectively.

How Does It Work?

MERV ratings range from 1 to 20, with each level indicating how well the filter captures particles within specific size ranges. 

• Lower ratings (1–4) trap larger particles like lint and dust. 
• Mid-range filters (5–12) can catch mold spores, pet dander, and fine dust. 
• High-efficiency filters (13–16) capture smaller particles like bacteria and smoke, while ratings 17–20 are typically used in hospitals and cleanrooms to filter out ultrafine particles, including viruses.

The Importance of MERV Rating

A MERV rating is important because it helps you understand an air filter’s effectiveness so that you can choose the right one for your particular needs. For example, if you have someone in your home who suffers from allergies, you may want a higher MERV rating.

The MERV scale also helps you balance your air quality and energy efficiency needs. The rating gives you the worst-case possibility for an air filter, so you can get a good idea of how it will perform. You can get by with a lower MERV rating and save money on your energy bill in some cases.

Understanding the MERV Rating Chart

Once you understand how theMERV rating chart works, you can choose air filters with the MERV ratings that are right for you. It's important to note that the MERV scale is an industry standard. As such, you can use it to compare different brands of air filters.

The MERV rating chart is a numerical chart with values from one through 20. The highest MERV ranking means that an air filter will capture the most amount of dust, while the lowest rating means a filter will catch the least amount of dust.

The chart also uses percentages based on the chances of an air filter capturing dust particles based on the size of the microns. As the MERV rating goes up, a filter has higher chances of capturing smaller and smaller particles.

MERV Filter Ratings Explained

While the MERV chart covers 20 levels, these levels can be grouped to give you an idea of what a certain range of levels can capture and how effective each will be. If you're wondering what MERV rating should I use, this section can help you out.

MERV Rating 1-6

A MERV rating of 1-6 is the lowest range of MERV ratings, but that doesn't necessarily mean that you should write off a filter with a rating in this range. These types of filters do have their uses in certain situations. Most aluminum and mesh filters and cheap air filters fall within this range.

What It Can Remove

A filter with a MERV rating of between 1-6 can remove particles anywhere between 0.3 to 10 microns with an effectiveness of 20%. It can remove small particles such as dust mites, spray paint dust, carpet fibers, and pollen.

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Energy-efficient
• Not as taxing on your HVAC system

Cons

• Only filters out the largest of particles
• Not great for people with allergies or asthma
• Recommended Use: Industrial

These filters are best used in industrial settings where there is already a decent amount of airflow, and there isn't as much need to remove smaller particles.

MERV Rating 8-13

Filters with a MERV rating of 8-13 are usually higher-end filters for home use or high-quality commercial filters. These filters are typically the right choice for use in homes and many businesses.

What It Can Remove

A filter that falls within the 8-13 range can remove mold spores, lead dust, cooking dust, flour, hair spray, auto fumes, furniture polish, and welding fumes. They can catch anywhere from 20-85% of all particles.

Pros

• Suitable for people with allergies or asthma
• Blocks out a more extensive range of particles

Cons

• Somewhat costlier
• Not as energy-efficient

Recommended Use: Home

Filters in this range are the recommended MERV rating for furnace filters. They offer a mix of filtration and energy efficiency to keep your home safe while still being cost-effective.

Read more about MERV 8 vs MERV 11 to make the best decision for your home.

MERV Rating 14-20

Filters with the highest MERV rating of 14-20 include commercial, HEPA, and ULPA filters. These filters offer the highest level of filtration and are typically not needed in most homes and businesses.

What It Can Remove

These filters can remove smoke, bacteria, sneezes, carbon dust, and viruses. They are often removed at 90% or better.

Pros

• Superior levels of filtration
• Can protect from viruses and bacteria

Cons

• Expensive
• Not energy efficient

Recommended Use: Hospitals & Laboratories

Filters rated between 14-20 are typically only used in hospitals and laboratories, where air needs to be as clean as possible.

Other Ratings vs. MERV Rating

While MERV is the industry standard, you might also come across two alternative rating systems: MPR (Microparticle Performance Rating) by 3M and FPR (Filter Performance Rating) by Home Depot. These systems aim to measure similar filtration performance but use different scales and criteria.

MPR (Microparticle Performance Rating)

Developed by 3M for its Filtrete brand, MPR focuses specifically on capturing microscopic particles—those smaller than 1 micron, including bacteria, smoke, and fine dust.

Scale Range: 100 to 2800
Coverage:

• MPR 100–300: Captures large particles like pollen and lint
• MPR 600–1200: Adds filtration of pet dander and mold spores
• MPR 1500–2800: Targets fine particles like smoke, smog, and bacteria (down to 0.3 microns)

FPR (Filter Performance Rating)

Home Depot created FPR to rate filters sold under its store brands. It includes both particle capture and weight (how much a filter holds over time). The FPR scale uses color-coded numbers to indicate performance.

Scale Range: 4 to 10 (color-coded: green to red)
Coverage:

• FPR 4 (Green): Captures large particles (dust, pollen)
• FPR 7 (Orange): Adds mold spores and pet dander
• FPR 9–10 (Red): Targets fine particles like bacteria, smoke, and allergens (as small as 1 micron)

MERV Rating FAQs

These MERV rating tips can help you make the best choices about which air filter you need.

Is a Higher MERV Rating Always Better?

A higher MERV rating isn't always better. While higher-rated filters can trap more particles, they can also put additional strain on your HVAC unit and cause your energy bill to go up. In most situations, a filter somewhere in the middle is more than sufficient.

What Is the Best MERV Rating For My Home?

Choosing the right MERV filter depends on where the filter will be used and what airborne particles you need to remove. Use the MERV rating chart above to match the filter's capabilities with your specific needs.

Start by identifying the type of space. For standard residential homes, a MERV 8–10 filter is typically sufficient to trap common pollutants like dust, pollen, and pet dander.

For homes with allergy sufferers or where air quality is a higher concern, consider upgrading to a MERV 11–13 filter. These can capture finer particles like smoke, bacteria, and smaller allergens.

In commercial buildings, hospitals, or laboratories, higher-rated filters—MERV 14–16 or even 17–20—may be necessary to remove extremely small particles, including airborne bacteria and viruses.

Next, think about what you want to filter out. A lower-rated filter will work if you're mainly concerned about large particles like dust and lint. But if you're targeting finer contaminants like auto emissions, smoke, or bacteria, you'll need a higher MERV rating.

Lastly, always consider your HVAC system’s compatibility. Higher-rated filters are more restrictive, and not all systems are built to handle them. Check your system’s specifications or consult a professional before switching to a filter with a rating above MERV 13. 

The goal is to find a filter that meets your air quality needs without straining your system or increasing energy costs.

Which MERV rating is best for removing odors?

While a higher MERV rating filter is better at capturing airborne particles, they are not as reliable when it comes to capturing gases. An additional carbon layer can be added to a MERV rated filter to help remove odors or lingering smells. Because of this, households with smokers might be better off using a MERV 8 carbon filter than choosing a higher MERV rating that does not have he added carbon layer.

Should I Max Out My Filter?

Neglecting to change your air filter can cause all sorts of issues. The biggest problem is that it causes your A/C to work overtime, which results in higher energy bills. Changing your air filter regularly keeps your unit working as it should.

Is It Possible to Buy Filters in Bulk?

Buying filters in bulk can save you time and money. The more filters you buy at once, the more you can save.

Convenient, High-Quality Air Filters Delivered to Your Door

Keeping your home's air clean shouldn't be complicated. At Filter King, we make it simple with high-quality filters, fast shipping, and a subscription service that ensures you never forget a replacement. 

With free, fast shipping on every order, you’ll always have the right filter when needed, without the hassle of last-minute store runs.

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