Does MERV 13 filter out coronavirus?

Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, or MERV, reports a filter’s ability to capture particles. Filters with MERV-13 or higher ratings can trap smaller particles, including viruses. By itself, using an upgraded HVAC filter is not enough to protect people from COVID-19.

What MERV is bad for HVAC?

Filters within a MERV rating of 17-20 are almost never necessary in a residential home. A MERV rating of 13-16 is considered hospital level air quality, so it is unlikely your home needs any more than that.

What MERV rating is best for home use?

According to the ASHRAE, the best rating for residential HVAC systems is MERV 13. But before you upgrade your filter, make sure your specific system can accommodate that rating. A higher MERV rating often means lower airflow, which can cause the system to work harder—use more energy—to do its job.

Is MERV 14 too high?

MERV 14 is too strong for most home HVAC systems. And these are some of the best on the market. MERV is an industry-standard, or rating. The abbreviation stands for Minimum Effective Reporting Value. In other words, it’s a measurement showing how small the holes are in the filter.

Will MERV 11 hurt my AC?

A MERV 11 air filter has a higher efficiency rating. In particular, using an air filter with a MERV rating that’s too high can damage the compressor, heat exchanger, and air conditioner coil. In most cases, a MERV 11 air filter isn’t too high for residential use.

Can my HVAC handle MERV 14?

The ideal MERV filters for both air filtering and furnace efficiency are 7-13, experts say. These filters can be used without any modifications to your equipment. Your system may handle MERV 14-16 with no discernable stress. However, many residential systems require modifications to pull air through these filters.

Will a MERV 13 filter hurt my AC?

MERV 13 air filters are the highest-rated air filters for home use. Any air filter with a rating higher than 13 will restrict air flow to the point of which could cause damage to your HVAC system, resulting in an added expense to fix it.