Do you want clean indoor air quality this summer? Everyone does! That’s why it’s super important to know what MERV rating your air filter is. MERV (Minimum Efficiency Rating Value) is a system used to measure your air filter’s overall efficiency in removing particles from the air. Every air filter has a MERV rating on it that falls into one of three different groups: MERV rating 1-6, MERV rating 8-13, and MERV rating 14-20.
Each group has its specific benefits, no matter how high or low the rating is. So, why should you care? Let’s go through our top reasons on why it’s important to know the MERV rating of your air filter.
Added Knowledge About Your AC
If there’s one takeaway to this blog, it’s that at the very least, you know an industry-specific term and can point to it for HVAC (heating and cooling equipment) professionals if you ever need assistance. Learning more about the terminology used to describe different parts of your HVAC unit will help you gain a better understanding of how it works and make you more confident in asking for assistance.
Protecting Your HVAC Unit
Using the wrong MERV rating can strain your HVAC system. If you have an air filter with a MERV rating that is too high, it restricts the amount of air particles, dust, and pollen that come through. This can reduce your AC’s efficiency by decreasing air flow, potentially causing damage in the long term.
If you use an air filter with a MERV rating that is too low for your system, you risk too much debris coming through and dirtying the system. Dirt, pollen, and dust particles can dirty the coils and ducts, causing damage. At Wyckoff, we understand that HVAC units are costly to repair or replace. That’s why we recommend ensuring that your air filter’s MERV rating works well with your specific unit.
Levels of Energy Efficiency
Similarly to protecting your HVAC unit, every homeowner wants to make sure that it’s running as efficiently as possible. This means more quality air flow, with less energy consumption and bills. When you use a properly rated air filter, air can flow freely as your filter and HVAC work together. However, overly restrictive filters can cause your system to work harder than it has to.
When this occurs, more energy is spent on keeping your home properly air conditioned with quality air flow. And when usage goes up, costs go up with it.
Balancing the Cost of Maintenance
It’s important to note that not only do different MERV ratings determine the type of air flow performance, but they also come with different price tags. An air filter with a higher MERV rating may be more expensive than one with a lower rating. They also need to be changed more frequently. However, depending on your HVAC system and what you’re using it for, a higher MERV rating may work in your favor.
Knowing what your MERV rating is will help you balance the cost of maintenance, repair, and replacement. You can weigh the pros and cons of each rating, as well as how it fits into your budget.
Get the AC Support You Need Based on Your MERV Rating
In order for an HVAC service technician to be effective at their job, it’s important to know every part of the client’s unit. Depending on your MERV rating, there may be a difference in troubleshooting or solving a problem with your AC. If you have more questions about MERV ratings, let the team at Wyckoff know! Give us a call, and we’d be happy to walk you through how to find your AC’s MERV rating and what it means.