It’s time to change your furnace’s air filter, and you think your unit could use a filter upgrade. Now that you think about it, is an air filter with a higher MERV rating always better?
To learn more about the pros and cons of an air filter with a higher MERV rating, continue reading below!
Higher MERV Rating Pros
Your furnace filter should be able to efficiently clean incoming air before circulating it throughout your home. While lower-rated components can solely catch larger particles, they may not have the capability to catch pollen and mold, often triggering allergies and illness.
Conversely, filters with a higher MERV rating reinforce protective barriers responsible for capturing dust, allergens, and contaminants. Often, a higher-rated air filter will be pleated to support your HVAC system’s air filtration further.
Higher MERV Rating Cons
On the other hand, an air filter with a higher MERV rating in your HVAC system can have some unintended consequences. Due to their increased resistance, high-efficiency MERV filters can result in pressure drops, not leaving much air to move throughout an HVAC unit.
Upon increasing the pressure, the blower in the furnace or air handler will use more energy to attempt to promote airflow. Low airflow levels can result in reduced comfort during warmer and cold months.
These issues can build over time and cause cracking in your furnace, turning ducts into clear passageways for carbon monoxide to roam.
Final Thoughts
While air filters with higher MERV ratings can trap more particles and promote cleaner air for you and your family, it doesn’t always mean that they are better. These components can place unnecessary stress on your HVAC system and contribute to higher energy usage and costly utility bills.
In most cases, opting for a filter in the middle of the MERV ranking is the best option, especially when looking to filtrate air in your home.
For more information on custom HVAC filters, consider visiting our Remember The Filter webpage. Our inventory has a variety of products suitable for your furnace and cooling needs.
