What Is a MERV Rating and What Filter Do I Need?

Every home has its quirks. Yours might have hardwood floors that collect pet hair like a magnet, or maybe your kids kick up clouds of dust running in and out. You could have a home office near the kitchen where cooking odors tend to linger or a tight, energy-efficient setup that traps every smell and particle inside.

Whatever the situation, your home is not just like anyone else’s — and neither are its air filtration needs. That’s where understanding what a MERV rating is and picking the right filter comes in.

What Is a MERV Rating?

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. It’s a scale that measures how well an air filter captures particles from the air as it passes through your HVAC system. When we talk about what a MERV rating is, we’re talking about its ability to trap particles like dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, bacteria, and even viruses.

The rating runs from 1 to 20. The higher the number, the finer the filter — and the more it can remove from the air. But that doesn’t mean you should automatically pick the highest number available. Not all systems are built to handle the pressure that comes with dense filters, and using one that’s too strong for your HVAC setup can lead to reduced airflow and higher energy consumption.

Matching MERV Ratings With Real-Life Needs

Different homes need different levels of air filtration. For instance, a home with two golden retrievers and a couple of kids will likely need a different filter than a quiet home with no pets or allergies.

MERV 6–8: Basic Protection

Filters in this range are effective at trapping larger particles, such as dust, carpet fibers, and pollen. If your household is relatively low in allergens and you just want to keep your HVAC system clean, a MERV 8 filter is a safe choice.

MERV 9–11: Moderate Filtration

These filters offer a stronger level of protection and are ideal for homes with pets, moderate dust, or occasional allergies. They can capture smaller particles like pet dander, mold spores, and even some bacteria.

MERV 12–13: High-Level Filtration

If someone in your home has asthma, allergies, or other respiratory concerns, a MERV 13 filter can provide better relief. These filters catch a wider range of smaller particulates, including fine dust, smoke particles, and some viruses.

This is usually the highest MERV rating that most residential HVAC systems can handle without reducing airflow too much.

What Does MERV 8 Mean, and Is It Enough?

MERV 8 refers to a filter that can trap 70 to 85% of particles sized 3 to 10 microns. This includes air pollutants like dust, lint, pet dander, and pollen. It’s one of the most commonly used filters in homes because it strikes a good balance between cost, airflow, and performance.

For many households, especially those without major allergy issues, a MERV 8 filter offers enough protection to keep the air clean and the HVAC system in good shape.

Which MERV Rating Filter Should You Use in Your Home?

So, what MERV rating do you need? Figuring out which MERV rating filter you should use in your home starts with understanding your HVAC system’s capabilities and your household’s air quality needs. You want a filter that improves air quality without straining your system.

A quick check of your system’s specs will show what range of filters it can support. From there, think about your family’s lifestyle, sensitivities, and environmental concerns. If you’re unsure where to start, speaking with a local HVAC expert like the team at Gagne Heating & Air Conditioning can help you make the right choice.

The Impact of MERV on Airflow and System Performance

Higher MERV filters remove more pollutants, but they also tend to be denser, which means your system has to work harder to pull air through them. This can result in reduced airflow and even increased energy consumption.

This pressure drop can be problematic if your HVAC system isn’t designed to support high-MERV filters. It’s a good idea to consult with a technician before making a big jump in filtration level. The goal is always to find the right balance between clean air and efficient performance.

Maintaining Healthy Air With Smart Habits

Good indoor air quality depends on more than just a single filter. You can take several steps to keep your air cleaner and your HVAC system running efficiently:

• Replace filters regularly. High-MERV filters may need monthly changes.
• Schedule AC tune-ups to keep everything in working order.
• Keep your vents and ductwork clean and sealed.

For help with regular maintenance, Gagne Heating & Air Conditioning offers AC tune-ups in Alpharetta, GA, and the surrounding areas.

Taking Air Filtration a Step Further

If you’re finding that filters alone aren’t cutting it, a whole-house filtration system might be the upgrade your home needs. These systems install directly into your HVAC setup and offer high-level filtration without sacrificing airflow.

Gagne Heating & Air Conditioning provides a variety of solutions that are great for improving indoor air quality in Alpharetta, GA, including whole-house air filtration systems. Our products can help clean up the air you breathe every day.

Ready to Breathe Easier in Alpharetta, GA?

Your home’s air filter might not seem like a big deal, but it plays a considerable role in your comfort and health. Now that you know what a MERV rating is and how it affects your system, you can make smarter choices for your home.

If you’re in the Greater Metro Atlanta area and want help picking the right air filter for your HVAC system, or if you think your system could use a little maintenance, reach out to Gagne Heating & Air Conditioning. Our team will help you sort through your options, keep your system running efficiently, and make sure your home stays comfortable year-round.

Give us a call today to schedule a service! Let’s get your home’s air as clean and healthy as possible without overcomplicating it.