What's the Difference Between MERV 11 and MERV 16 Air Filters?

When it comes to air filtration, the higher the MERV rating, the better. Learn more about the differences between MERV 11 and MERV 16 air filters.

What's the Difference Between MERV 11 and MERV 16 Air Filters?

When it comes to air filtration, the higher the MERV rating, the better. MERV 16 is one of the highest ratings for air filtration systems, trapping almost as much as a HEPA filter. It can remove particles from 0.3 to 1 micron in size with ease. Previously, 65%, 85%, 95%, 98% and 99%, with MERV-11, MERV-13 and MERV-14 being the most widely used high-efficiency air filters in the United States.

Filtration Systems offers a free consultation to help you sort through all of these options and, through our relationships with more than a dozen manufacturers and a certified energy savings program, Filtration Systems can determine a truly unique, long-lasting, energy-efficient solution for your installation or campus. All air furnaces and central air conditioning units can handle MERV 16 filters; however, since MERV 16 filters tend to be quite deep compared to traditional filters, the installation of a dedicated aftermarket housing is required, which is not always feasible. In most cases, a MERV 16 furnace and an AC filter would offer twice the efficiency of a MERV 13 filter at the submicron level. Merv 11 air filters may not trap as many tiny particles as a HEPA filter, but they are cost-effective and work with a variety of types of HVAC systems.

MERV 8 is known to be effective at filtering contaminants such as pollen, dust mites, sawdust, mold spores, and lint from the air; however, higher MERV ratings will clean the air even more efficiently.

Raymond Zephyr
Raymond Zephyr

Subtly charming pop culture nerd. Wannabe food guru. Wannabe beer junkie. Hardcore zombie evangelist. Freelance zombie practitioner.

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