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What Are the Benefits of a Merv 13 Rating?

There are various air filters on the market nowadays. However, those with MERV 13 ratings are among the best. Merv 13 air filters have a high level of filtration efficiency that comes with all sorts of benefits. When you choose MERV 13-rated air filters, here is what you should expect:

Better Air Quality

MERV 13 filters are efficient in capturing a wide range of airborne particles, including:

  • Dust mites
  • Pet dander
  • Mold spores
  • Pollen and other allergens
  • Viruses, germs, and bacteria
  • Tobacco smoke
  • Smog

Because of this, every household can improve its indoor air quality with MERV 13 filters. These types of filters can capture particles as small as one micron or even smaller, making your indoor air cleaner and healthier to breathe.

Allergen Reduction

Most allergen particles vary between 1 and 200 microns, and this includes pollen, dust mite waste, mold spores, or pet dander. Filters with a MERV 13 rating are particularly good at capturing these allergens and reducing their presence in the air. For example, they can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns at 50% efficiency. 

Because of this, these types of filters are especially beneficial not only for individuals who have allergies but also for those with asthma since it reduces the presence of particles that can trigger their symptoms.

Dust and Particle Control

If you are tired of dirty surfaces and dust buildup on the furniture, floors, and electronics, then MERV 13-rated filters are the way to go. These filters are more efficient in capturing finer dust and debris particles than lower-rated filters. Dust particles are around 5 microns, which are easy for Merv 13 filters to catch.

Enhanced HVAC System Protection & Reduced Costs

If you want better protection for your HVAC system, MERV 13-rated filters provide more protection than low-rated filters. This is also due to their efficiency at capturing smaller particles that would otherwise accumulate on your HVAC system components, such as the coils, fans, and motors. 

When your filters remove most of these damaging particles, you actively reduce the strain and potential damage to your HVAC system, increasing its longevity and efficiency. Since your HVAC system is better protected, you won’t have to deal with expensive replacements or repairs.

Your energy bills will also stop fluctuating. When an HVAC system is clogged with dust or debris, it will consume more energy to function properly. However, with MERV 13 filters, this won’t happen as often.

Odor and Vapor Reduction

MERV 13 filters are specialized in capturing particles. Yet, they can also serve a second purpose. These filters might also help reduce some odors and volatile organic compounds in your household to some extent. Some specialized filters may be more effective at doing this, yet, when you use MERV 13-rated filters, you get odor and vapor reduction as a secondary benefit, which stands out when compared to lower-rated filters.

To get the full benefits of Merv 13-rated filters, speak with an HVAC technician and understand exactly what type of filters would work for your system and how often you should provide maintenance based on your household and living area circumstances.