What is the Difference Between MERV 11 and 12 Air Filters?

Understanding the difference between MERV 11 & 12 air filters is essential for making sure your home or office has clean & healthy air. Learn more about these two types of filters & how they differ.

What is the Difference Between MERV 11 and 12 Air Filters?

MERV 11 air filters are more efficient and capture larger particles than MERV 12 filters. These two models are almost identical in terms of filtration efficiency, but the MERV 11 is often considered a better choice. These air filters will reduce dust and pet hair, but will restrict air flow. The MERV 12 air filter traps about 89% of particles from the size of 1 to 3 microns and more than 90% of those of the size of 3 to 10 microns. The MERV, also known as the Minimum Efficiency Report Value, is a system used to evaluate the efficiency of an air filter based on its effectiveness in trapping particles of different sizes.

If your HVAC has a permanent split condenser fan, an air filter with a higher MERV rating will interfere with it and reduce air flow. If the high MERV filter reduces air flow, as is the case with systems that use PSC motors, it has only a very slight impact on the fan's energy consumption.

MERV 8

air filters are almost as affordable as less efficient products, making them good value for money. Using an air filter with a MERV rating higher than recommended by the boiler or air conditioner manufacturer may affect its performance. In particular, using an air filter with a MERV rating that is too high can damage the compressor, heat exchanger and air conditioner coil.

Filter technology has grown by leaps and bounds over the years, and MERV ratings are designed to help us determine the most effective and efficient air filter options for heating and cooling systems and more. Pleated filters that are MERV 8 to 13, unlike fiberglass, can effectively filter small particles and reduce the pressure drop (this is the closest thing to MerVana you can find).Air filters with higher MERV values may filter more, but the thickness of the filter material may restrict air flow. Generally speaking, anything under a MERV 13 air filter should provide very efficient air purification in a home without affecting air flow. The minimum efficiency report value, commonly abbreviated as MERV, is a standardized classification system that applies to air filters.

Therefore, the MERV 11 air filter traps a high percentage of particles and provides clean air to people who have pets and people suffering from diseases such as mild allergies or asthma. An oven filter's MERV rating represents its ability to filter contaminants from the air; a filter with a lower MERV rating could trap fewer particles and contaminants compared to one with a higher rating. As an expert in SEO optimization, I can tell you that understanding the difference between MERV 11 and MERV 12 air filters is essential for making sure your home or office has clean, healthy air. While both types of filters are effective at trapping dust, pet hair, and other airborne particles, there are some key differences between them that you should be aware of. The main difference between MERV 11 and MERV 12 filters is their filtration efficiency. The MERV 11 filter traps about 89% of particles from 1 to 3 microns in size and more than 90% of those from 3 to 10 microns in size.

On the other hand, MERV 12 filters trap about 95% of particles from 1 to 3 microns in size and more than 98% of those from 3 to 10 microns in size. Another key difference between these two types of filters is their impact on airflow. While both types will reduce airflow slightly due to their thickness, MERV 11 filters will have less of an impact on airflow than MERV 12. This means that if you have an HVAC system with a permanent split condenser fan or one that uses PSC motors, you should opt for a MERV 11 filter over a MERV 12. Finally, it's important to note that using an air filter with a higher MERV rating than recommended by your boiler or AC manufacturer can damage your system's compressor, heat exchanger, or AC coil.

Therefore, it's best to stick with an air filter that has a rating no higher than MERV 13. In conclusion, understanding the differences between MERV 11 and MERV 12 air filters is essential for ensuring your home or office has clean, healthy air. While both types are effective at trapping dust and other airborne particles, there are some key differences between them that you should be aware of before making your purchase.