The MERV 11 air filter is not the ideal choice for people who do not have pets or respiratory issues, as it can limit airflow. Utilizing an air filter with a MERV rating that is too high is just as bad as using one that is too low. Air filters with higher MERV ratings may filter more, but the thickness of the filter material can impede airflow. This can reduce comfort, increase energy use, and accelerate the wear and tear of air conditioning components.
In particular, using an air filter with a MERV rating that is too high can damage the compressor, heat exchanger, and air conditioner coil. Generally, a filter with a higher MERV rating will reduce airflow. However, there are many other factors at play, such as the size of the filter and the type of fan motor in your air conditioning system. A higher MERV rating means greater resistance, which means less airflow.
When researching air conditioning systems, air flow will increase significantly. This is because it is very important for the performance and longevity of your oven or your air controller. Airflow is also essential for a comfortable home. The pressure drop of a filter is measured twice, once when the filter is brand new and again when the filter has been in service and is “loaded with trapped air pollutants”.
Generally speaking, anything under a MERV 13 air filter should allow for very efficient air purification in the home without affecting airflow. MERV 11 air filters are slightly more expensive than a standard filter, but it's usually worth paying a few more dollars per filter to increase efficiency. It may seem that they are almost the same, but the MERV 8 and MERV 11 air filters have some clear differences. You should also remember to replace the filter every month, three months, six months, or every year, depending on the filter.
While the air filter is designed to control the amount of unwanted air particles that enter your home, the MERV filter rating is intended to show you which filter is best suited for your home. Meanwhile, air filters with a MERV 14 rating or higher are designed for commercial HVAC systems that can withstand the coarser filter material. If your home's air conditioning system is not capable of withstanding the MERV 13, opt for a filter with the next highest possible rating. When the air filter gets dirty, the pressure drop in the filter will increase and cause a reduction in air flow into the system.
Although MERV 8 is known to be effective at filtering pollutants such as pollen, dust mites, sawdust, mold spores, and lint from the air, a higher MERV rating will clean the air even more. Filters with a higher MERV rating should be changed more frequently (at least every three months) to avoid airflow restriction, which can cause the system to work inefficiently or even damage it. One thing to keep in mind is that a MERV 11 air filter may need to be changed slightly more often than a MERV 8 air filter. You need to change filters regularly to reduce any potential negative effects that a charged filter can have on your air conditioning equipment.
The accepted pressure drop is different for each air conditioner or air treatment system, and you should always consult the manufacturer's guide before introducing the air filter and replacing the air filter to make sure you're using the right filter. Many pleated HVAC air filters can still have a high MERV rating without drastically restricting airflow.
