High-quality indoor air isn’t something you should take for granted, especially if you or your loved ones are allergic to particles such as pollen and pet dander. Bacteria, viruses, and mold spores are also some common harmful particles that can easily infiltrate your home and cause trouble.
Because of this, it’s only natural to want better filters for your HVAC system to ensure the health and well-being of you and your family. You may have heard of MERV 13 air filters, but are they an effective option? Let’s find out!
MERV13 Filters Capabilities
According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), MERV 13 filters can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns or higher and has an 85% efficiency in capturing particles as small as 1 micron. To get a better perspective, consider the following:
- Most virus particles are between 3 and 5 microns (one micron is 0.000039 inches)
- Bacteria vary between 1 and 10 microns
- Pollen particles are generally 25 microns but can vary between 2.5 and 200 microns
- Mold spores vary between 3 and 40 microns
- Pet dander is between 5 and 10 microns
With these considerations in mind, it’s easy to see that MERV 13 filters can capture a significant amount of the smallest and most harmful particles that can infiltrate or contaminate your indoor air.
These types of filters also work well against tobacco smoke, dust mites, and other pollutants. Yet, another vital aspect to consider regarding the capability of MERV 13 filters is what type of system you use and the specific brand of filters.
It’s essential to note that MERV 13 filters must be installed properly and maintained to work at maximum efficiency, and the airflow rate of your HVAC system might also affect its effectiveness. Because of this, make sure to use a filter that is appropriate for your specific system.
Taking Care of MERV 13 Filters
To make the most out of your new MERV 13 filters and ensure their effectiveness, you should consider replacing them every three to six months. However, depending on the usage patterns of your HVAC system, environment, and manufacturer recommendations, you might need to replace these filters more frequently.
You can find the manufacturer’s recommendations in the guidelines book. However, if you live in an area with high levels of air pollution, allergens, or other contaminants, you might need to replace the filters more often.
Another aspect that can influence the filter replacement rate is the presence of pets. Animals that shed hair or dander can lead to clogged filters more quickly in a household, while homes that undergo construction or renovation projects face more significant volumes of dust, debris, and air particles. In these situations, replacing your MERV 13 filters more frequently will help to ensure their efficiency and keep your indoor air quality at the highest standards even for individuals with respiratory conditions.
