How Often Should You Change Your Filter with a MERV Rating?

The MERV Rating is an essential factor to consider when deciding how often you should replace your air filter. The average efficiency range of MERV 5-10 is likely to require filter changes every two to three months. However, this range can vary depending on other factors and the filter material. Air filters with a MERV rating of 11 or higher usually take three to six months to replace.

Ideally, you should change your MERV 13 filters every 30 to 90 days, depending on usage and other factors. While some larger 4-fold filters can technically last up to six months between changes, the truth is that it depends on a variety of factors. If your home is in an area with high humidity, there are wildfires, smokers, pets, or people with chronic allergies and asthma, then you may need to change your filter more often. As a general rule, experts recommend changing an air filter every two to three months and a water filter every six months. Tenants should clarify with the landlord if they are responsible for replacing filters in appliances, such as the air conditioner or ice maker.

However, experts suggest changing them once every 30 days if the air filter is made of fiberglass, which are of relatively poor quality. On the other hand, more expensive pleated filters can work well if replaced once every three to six months. For those who suffer from allergies, it is important to change the air filter more often. It is important to periodically inspect air filters for any signs of wear and tear, such as dark deposits, pet hair and visible signs of other household irritants. We recommend replacing the filter every 30-45 days.

The general consensus is that you should replace your home air filter every 3 months or 90 days. As with previous MERV filters, it is often recommended to replace MERV 8 filters every 90 days. MERV 17 to MERV 20 filters are commonly used in surgical operating rooms, clean rooms and other settings that require absolute cleaning. When in doubt, check the owner's manual for your HVAC unit or check with a local Carrier representative to determine which MERV rating is right for your home. In addition to filtering particles filtered by MERV 8 and 11 filters, the MERV 13 can trap kitchen smoke, smog and virus carriers. Using an air filter with a MERV rating higher than that recommended by the boiler or air conditioner manufacturer may affect its performance.

Although not as effective as MERV 13 furnace filters, MERV 10 filters are still an excellent choice for those looking to capture pollen, dust mites, mold spores, large dust particles, bacteria, most of the smoke, and most of the pet dander that passes through the filter. Based on the standard created by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the MERV classification system helps consumers select an air filter that fits their needs. For example, the presence of pets and allergy sufferers requires an air filter with a higher MERV rating to capture more particles.