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What is a MERV rating

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What is a MERV rating
Posted On: October 12, 2021

When looking at furnace filters, you probably have come across the word MERV. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, and this rating determines the type of particles the air filter will trap. Furnaces should only use filters that have a maximum rating of 12.


A higher than 12 MERV rating can also restrict airflow and cause damage to your HVAC system. 


Anything higher than 12 is used for hospitals, commercial buildings, and clean rooms. Furnace filters are designed to make no dust, hair, debris, and other particles into the air and the unit. A filter rating of four is the cheapest for your home, but it won't trap things mites and pet dander. 


Furnace ratings of 11 or higher are recommended for households who have people allergies. But for other homes without any pets, you could get away with a rating of seven or eight. 


Before purchasing a higher filter, you should get to see if your furnace has a maximum MERV rating. 


Filters with a lower MERV rating will need to be changed every 30 days. While higher-rated filters can be changed every 60-90 days depending on how often the unit is running. 


You should also never run the furnace without a filter, as all the dirt and debris will end up in the furnace and the air in your home. 


With proper maintenance, the life expectancy of a furnace ranges from 16-20 years. It's around this time when you should start thinking about purchasing a new one. 


There are a few signs that indicate when that it's time to buy a new furnace. They include strange noises, high energy bills, reoccurring breakdowns, and keeping a steady temperature. Furnaces that are reaching their expected lifespan have a greater risk of emitting carbon monoxide. 


Once your furnace starts to reach the end of its expectancy, it's always best to start thinking of purchasing a new furnace before the weather turns cold. You wouldn't want to be stuck on a cold winter day without any heat. 


If you are having trouble with the MERV rating, contact Appliance Helpers, we can help you get in touch with a furnace expert in your area. And when you need repairs, or it's time to replace your furnace, we can help you find a repair person. 


Visit our website for more information on our services and how to get in touch with us. 



[BACK]
What is a MERV rating
Posted On: October 12, 2021

When looking at furnace filters, you probably have come across the word MERV. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, and this rating determines the type of particles the air filter will trap. Furnaces should only use filters that have a maximum rating of 12.


A higher than 12 MERV rating can also restrict airflow and cause damage to your HVAC system. 


Anything higher than 12 is used for hospitals, commercial buildings, and clean rooms. Furnace filters are designed to make no dust, hair, debris, and other particles into the air and the unit. A filter rating of four is the cheapest for your home, but it won't trap things mites and pet dander. 


Furnace ratings of 11 or higher are recommended for households who have people allergies. But for other homes without any pets, you could get away with a rating of seven or eight. 


Before purchasing a higher filter, you should get to see if your furnace has a maximum MERV rating. 


Filters with a lower MERV rating will need to be changed every 30 days. While higher-rated filters can be changed every 60-90 days depending on how often the unit is running. 


You should also never run the furnace without a filter, as all the dirt and debris will end up in the furnace and the air in your home. 


With proper maintenance, the life expectancy of a furnace ranges from 16-20 years. It's around this time when you should start thinking about purchasing a new one. 


There are a few signs that indicate when that it's time to buy a new furnace. They include strange noises, high energy bills, reoccurring breakdowns, and keeping a steady temperature. Furnaces that are reaching their expected lifespan have a greater risk of emitting carbon monoxide. 


Once your furnace starts to reach the end of its expectancy, it's always best to start thinking of purchasing a new furnace before the weather turns cold. You wouldn't want to be stuck on a cold winter day without any heat. 


If you are having trouble with the MERV rating, contact Appliance Helpers, we can help you get in touch with a furnace expert in your area. And when you need repairs, or it's time to replace your furnace, we can help you find a repair person. 


Visit our website for more information on our services and how to get in touch with us. 



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