Will a MERV 13 filter hurt my AC?

Will a MERV 13 filter hurt my AC?

What Are MERV 13 Air Filters? 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.

How do I know what size filter my AC takes?

The easiest way to identify your AC filter size is to remove the existing filter from its slot and examine the frame of the filter. Usually, the filter size is printed along the edge of the filter’s frame.

How do I know what AC filter to buy?

Simply, you need the filter size that fits in your air return. You can typically find that size on the side of the air filter that you already have in use. This size will be the nominal size, which means it is rounded from its actual size. This is the size you click on at secondnature.com.

Can I use the wrong size air filter?

The biggest concern when you use the wrong size air filter is that it may not effectively prevent dust from building up on your HVAC system’s motors and blowers. This dirties up your furnace which could affect its performance or possibly harm the system’s internal components, leading to costly repairs or replacements.

Is MERV 13 too high for residential?

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.

Does it matter what air filter you use?

The short answer is, no, they’re not all the same. In fact, there are many different types of air filters available and choosing the right one can make a real difference in the lifespan of your HVAC system.

What MERV Can my AC handle?

The EPA recommends MERV ratings of 9-12 because it is the most effective at keeping your home’s air clean. A filter with this rating will prevent particulates as small as 1 micron from entering your HVAC system. This rating qualifies as HEPA (high-efficiency particulate absorption) level.