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If you’ve gone shopping for air filters, you’ve likely seen the term MERV rating. Most homeowners don’t exactly know what MERV means, but they assume a higher score is better. That may not always be the case, and instead will raise your energy bills and cause damage to your air conditioner. Keep reading for a simple guide to MERV, and why bigger isn’t always better. 

What’s MERV?

MERV is an acronym that stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. It’s a value created by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) to show a filter’s effectiveness at catching particulates in the air. The higher the rating, the smaller the particulates the filter can catch. The MERV range is 1-20, but most residential homes use a filter somewhere between 5-13, with the high ranges being used mostly by hospitals. 

Is a Higher MERV Rating Always Better? 

As a homeowner, you air conditionermight assume that a higher MERV rating is automatically better since it catches and filters out more stuff in the air. But getting too high of a rating will be detrimental to your air conditioner and your pocketbook. MERV filters in the upper range of 10-13 are excellent at cleaning your air of the smallest particles, true. But consequently, they must also be changed out frequently, every 2-3 months at most. The filters themselves get dirtier faster, and if you don’t change them regularly, it will put a significant strain on your air conditioner. When your unit is working harder for the same result, it shows on your monthly energy bill. Too high of a rating will cause not only inefficient airflow, meaning your air conditioner is slower at cooling your house, but the difference in air pressure can even cause your coils to freeze up. That will, in turn, lead to compressor damage. 

How Do I Tell Which MERV Rating is Best for Me?

Most residential HVAC systems will come with a recommended MERV rating range. And you can always try to figure it out on your own through trial and error. But the easiest and most accurate recommendation will come from your HVAC contractor. They will let you know the most efficient rating that will give your great quality air without causing your energy bill to skyrocket or your air conditioner to complain. 
 

Barkley Blevins Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning is a family-owned and operated company that has been serving the Lexington, KY, community for over 125 years. Their certified technicians will handle any HVAC repair and maintenance, as well as furnace, heat pump, or water heater emergencies. They are also qualified, experienced plumbers. Whether it’s a problem with your garbage disposal or your air conditioning, the Barkley Blevins family is here to help. For more information, call 859-252-3519 or visit them online today. 

 

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