Understanding MERV Ratings
Comfort Zone • March 13, 2018

March 13, 2018

As the allergy season approaches, your air filter can make a big difference in your indoor air quality . Homeowners should change their air filters every four to six weeks. If air filters aren’t changed regularly, contaminants may be circulated directly into your home’s living spaces , significantly decreasing air quality. Additionally, homeowners should make sure they install filters with the MERV rating recommended for their HVAC systems.

The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, commonly known as the MERV rating, is a standard that rates the overall effectiveness of air filters. The scale for MERV ranges from 1 to 20. A higher MERV rating means better filtering performance.

Effective home filters have MERV ratings in the range of 6 to 13. Any of these filters will capture a range of particulates such as lint, dust, mold spores, bacteria, dust mites, tobacco smoke, pet dander, and pollen, but a filter with a higher MERV has a higher capturing capacity.

For those who suffer from allergies, filters in the 9 to 13 MERV range are highly effective . These filters capture particles as small as 0.3 microns, and allergens are typically 0.3 to 0.7 microns, you can be sure that these impurities will be removed from your home’s indoor air.

Spring is just around the corner. Don’t let allergies ruin the warm days of spring. Instead, call our experts, and let us equip your home with an air filter that can help.

A chart comparing air filter MERV ratings 6, 8, 11, and 13 against their ability to capture various airborne particles.
plumbing repairs
August 19, 2026
Do you schedule plumbing repairs when your system needs them? Keep reading to discover the most common plumbing issues that could be affecting your system.
HVAC repair
August 6, 2026
Timely HVAC repair restores comfort, improves indoor air quality, prevents costly breakdowns, and extends the lifespan of your heating and cooling system.
By 7016305091 August 5, 2026
What to Do During a Plumbing Emergency Plumbing emergencies can happen without warning. Whether it's a burst pipe, an overflowing toilet, or a leaking water heater, knowing what to do can help minimize damage to your home while you wait for a plumber to arrive. Here are a few steps to take during a plumbing emergency.
Show More →