HVAC Air Filters: MERV 8 vs MERV 11 vs MERV 13
Summary: The higher the MERV rating, the better the air filter is at capturing small particles. You’ll learn about what a MERV rating is, the pros and cons of each filter, see a MERV rating chart, and learn how to set up filter delivery so you never forget to change the filter.
By Anne Fonda
Your HVAC system needs an HVAC air filter to remove particles from the air and prevent them from clogging the system. But you also need an air filter to remove allergens, pollutants, and irritants from the air you breathe. These small airborne particles are measured in microns.
MERV ratings and why they matter
The MERV rating of an air filter indicates its filtering capability. MERV stands for minimum efficiency reporting value. HVAC air filters can positively affect your indoor air quality (IAQ) and your health.
In this article, we break down the differences between 3 common HVAC air filter ratings: MERV 8, MERV 11, and MERV 13.
These are all available in the standard 1” width as well as thicker widths. The thicker the filter, the longer it will last between needing to change it out. Most of these filters are now pleated filters as well. The pleats provide a larger surface area to capture more particles and help lengthen the time before you need to change the filter.
We don’t generally recommend anything below a MERV 8. Below that, you can actually see through some of the fiberglass filters, which tells you they don’t do a very good job of filtering pollutants out. This is bad for your home’s IAQ and can cause dirt and debris to build up inside your HVAC system and ductwork.
In general, the higher the MERV rating, the better the filter is at capturing allergens and irritants before they get circulated throughout your home. A higher-performing filter will also cost more, but the added cost may be worth it to you. Whichever filters you choose, be sure to keep up with HVAC air filter maintenance to maintain system efficiency.
Refer to the table below for a visual comparison of their filtration capabilities.
MERV 8 filters
A MERV 8 air filter is a basic, budget-friendly filter. It will filter out pollen, larger dust particles, dust mites, mold spores, and lint. If you don’t have pets and no one in your house has allergies, asthma, or a respiratory illness, a MERV 8 filter may be good enough for you.
See the table below to compare MERV 8 vs 11 and MERV 8 vs 13.
MERV 11 filters
A MERV 11 filter is the sweet spot filter for many homeowners. It does a better job of air filtration than a MERV 8 filter and has a better price point than a MERV 13 filter. In addition to filtering out everything the MERV 8 filter does, the MERV 11 filters out more.
MERV 11 vs MERV 8
.In addition to filtering out everything the MERV 8 filter does, the MERV 11 filters out more – MERV 11 air filtration captures bacteria/fungi, pet dander, skin flakes, as well as pet and human hair.
If you have pets, a MERV 11 filter is a better option than a MERV 8.
MERV 13 filters
MERV 13 air filters are a step up. They filter out everything a MERV 11 filter does, and more. They are one of the most effective filters on the market.
MERV 13 vs MERV 11
MERV 13 air filtration is the top-of-the-line filtration for an HVAC filter. In addition to what a MERV 11 filter captures, it significantly helps filter out viruses like COVID-19 and the flu virus, tobacco smoke, cooking smoke, and smog.
If you have a smoker in the house or someone with a respiratory illness or is immune compromised, a MERV 13 air filter may be a good choice for your home.
Con: It’s important to note that not every system can handle a MERV 13 filter, as they can restrict airflow and affect system performance. Consult your HVAC company to see if your system is compatible with a MERV 13 filter.
| PARTICLE TYPE | MERV 8 FILTERS CAN FILTER DOWN TO 3-10 MICRONS IN SIZE | MERV 11 FILTERS CAN FILTER DOWN TO 1-3 MICRONS IN SIZE | MERV 13 FILTERS CAN FILTER DOWN TO .3-1 MICRONS IN SIZE |
| POLLEN | X | X | X |
| DUST | X | X | X |
| DUST MITES | X | X | X |
| MOLD SPORES | X | X | X |
| LINT | X | X | X |
| BACTERIA/FUNGI | X | X | |
| PET DANDER | X | X | |
| SKIN FLAKES | X | X | |
| HAIR | X | X | |
| VIRUSES | X | ||
| TOBACCO SMOKE | X | ||
| COOKING SMOKE | X | ||
| SMOG | X |
Consider the QuikBox™ Air Cleaner
The QuikBox™ Air Cleaner is a 5” filter containing cabinet, available with either MERV 11 or MERV 13. They are up to 20 times better at filtering pollutants than a standard 1” filter. In addition, these filters last up to 6 months, so you don’t need to worry about changing the filter as often.
Unlike some other 13 MERV filters, the QuikBox™ air cleaner filters 100% of the air without reducing airflow.
This whole-house air cleaner has a special cabinet that must be installed by an HVAC professional. Your HVAC technician can change the filter for you at your spring and fall tune-ups.
Enjoy the convenience of air filters delivered to your door
Never worry about having an air filter on hand with the convenience of Trane® Filters powered by FilterTime™. These 1” pleated electrostatic filters provide 1000 Micro Particle Reduction (MPR), the equivalent to a MERV 9 filter. Simply order the size you need and set the delivery schedule.
Depending on your home, the time of year, and if you have pets, you will need to replace these filters every 30-90 days.
Improve your indoor air quality even more with a whole-house system
If you have pets or anyone in your family who suffers from asthma, allergies, or a respiratory illness, you might want to opt for a whole-home air purification system. Our premium CleanEffects® Whole Home Air Cleaner with a 3-part hybrid filtration system is 8 times more effective than HEPA room filters and up to 100 times more effective than a standard 1” filter.
It has earned the Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Mark from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). This means it went through strenuous, independent product testing and meets or exceeds AAFA product standards.
It is also proven to help filter wildfire smoke out of the air inside your home, which can be important if you live in an area prone to wildfires, such as California.
In addition, the filters are cleanable, so you don’t have to worry about changing the filter every 30-90 days, or even every 6 months. Talk to your local Trane dealer about the pros and cons of this system for your home.
Schedule an air quality evaluation
Anne Fonda, Content Writer
A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.
She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.
When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.
Expert review by Sean Goddard, Product Manager, Coils & Indoor Air Quality
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