A Merv 13 filter is one of the best filters on the market, designed to trap all typical pollutants in the air, including dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, smoke, smog, and even virus carriers. It is rated according to the Minimum Efficiency Report Value (MERV) system, which measures how well a filter captures particles between 0.3 and 10 microns (µm). A MERV 13 filter is capable of trapping less than 75% of air particles that are 0.3-1.0 microns in size, and 90% or more of particles that are 3-10 microns in size. However, it's not as effective at capturing small virus-sized particles as a HEPA filter.
It is also difficult for many existing HVAC systems to adopt a MERV 13 because of the greater fan load of finer filter media, which can actually cause more harm than good and reduce airflow if your system is not designed to handle that type of filter. On average, many installations are limited to one type of MERV 8 or MERV 9 filter. All air filters require periodic cleaning and filter replacement to function properly. Follow manufacturer's recommendations for maintenance and replacement. Before making any changes to the air filter of an HVAC system, users should consult their HVAC manual or an HVAC professional. If you have allergies, pets, or live near smoke pollution, choosing a MERV 13 filter is the ideal choice.
It will provide the cleanest air quality in your home and is extremely effective at trapping harmful pollutants. Filters with higher MERV ratings trap small particles more effectively than filters with lower MERV ratings. Air filters of different sizes will have different prices, the same goes for the MERV rating of the filter. Whichever MERV rating you choose, it is imperative that you replace your filter periodically to keep your oven in perfect condition for years to come.
