The short answer is that yes, you can use higher rated filters with higher MERV ratings, but it's really not a problem except in extreme circumstances. Most modern air conditioning systems have no problem working with higher MERV filters, which is why millions of homeowners depend on them. The main risk of high-efficiency air filters is that they remain unchanged for long periods of time. If you keep track of changing filters, it's unlikely that you'll experience any problems caused by the filters in your HVAC system.
If the filter is too dirty or too strong, it can cause airflow problems that impair efficiency and performance. To determine resistance, filters use the MERV rating system. In short, the higher the MERV rating, the stronger the filter. The MERV rating is essential to finding the right furnace filter for your home. Using an air filter with a MERV rating that is too high is just as bad as using one that is too low.
Air filters with higher MERV ratings may filter more, but the thickness of the filter material may restrict airflow. Restricted airflow can decrease comfort, increase energy use, and accelerate wear and tear on HVAC components. In particular, using an air filter with a MERV rating that is too high can damage the compressor, heat exchanger and air conditioning coil. If chemical disinfectants are used, they should only be applied with the HVAC system turned off. In addition, disinfectants should not be applied to ventilation filters before continuing to use them inside ventilation systems.
The effects of disinfectants on filter performance are unknown. Filters should only be treated with disinfectants if they are to be removed from service and discarded. While UV systems are quite effective at maintaining the cleanliness of HVAC coils, drain trays, and other damp surfaces, properly designed systems can be quite effective at inactivating microorganisms in moving air streams on the fly. These systems generally require more lamps, so they can provide significant UV doses in a short period of time. A typical single-pass inactivation efficiency is 85%, much like that of a good particulate filter, but systems can also be designed for inactivation greater than 99.9%.In addition, a well-designed UV air disinfection system within an HVAC system and located adjacent to the cooling coils can also provide the surface disinfection benefits mentioned above.
Another way to install UV is in a “top air” configuration. Specially designed wall-mounted accessories create an irradiated area above the occupant and disinfect the air in the space as the air circulates naturally, mechanically or through the air conditioning system. The CDC has approved this type of system for use in tuberculosis control for nearly 20 years, and there is guidance from NIOSH on how to design them. Finally, mobile UV systems are frequently used for cleaning terminals and disinfecting surfaces in healthcare and other spaces. Systems like these are commonly used in unoccupied spaces because of concerns about occupant exposure.
All three types of systems can be relevant, depending on the type of building and the individual spaces within the building. The design and size of effective ultraviolet disinfection systems can be a complex process because of the need to determine the dose delivered to a moving air stream or to an irradiated region of a room. Internal duct systems are further complicated by the configuration of the air handling unit and ducts and by reflections from surfaces that can help achieve higher levels of irradiance. Overhead air systems require an adequate air mix to function properly, and at the same time, they pay close attention to reflective surfaces that could cause room occupants to be overexposed to UV energy. Accredited system manufacturers and designers can help by performing the necessary calculations and designing specific systems for individual spaces. Keep in mind that as the MERV rating increases, the filter becomes more restrictive and more pressure and energy will be needed to get air through.
MERV 11 air filters can filter out a large percentage of fine particles, but a MERV 8 air filter cannot. The highest MERV rating means that an air filter will capture the most dust, while the lowest rating means that a filter will capture the least amount of dust. Each air filter has its advantages and disadvantages, but both MERV 8 air filters and MERV 11 air filters are suitable for residential use. This means that homes with increased sensitivity due to allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems should definitely consider purchasing an air filter with a high MERV rating (but generally not higher than a 13 rating). If you're still unsure, consult a professional HVAC technician who can help you determine the most appropriate MERV rating for your specific needs, taking into account factors such as energy efficiency, filter replacement frequency and the impact on the longevity of your HVAC system. If you're trying to choose between a MERV 8 air filter and a MERV 11 air filter, here's what you need to know: while you might automatically think that a higher MERV rating means a better air filter, that's not always the case. Selecting the perfect air filter for your residential or commercial space can be a challenge, especially when you consider your MERV rating.
However, for commercial applications and buildings with higher air quality requirements, filters with MERV ratings between 5 and 12 are more suitable as they remove smaller contaminants such as mold spores, pet dander and even some bacterial particles. The MERV rating is important because it helps you understand the effectiveness of an air filter so you can choose the right one for your particular needs. Established by the American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE),the MERV ratings serve as an indicator of how well an air filter will perform when it comes to capturing airborne particles. In conclusion, using higher rated filters with higher mervs does have maintenance benefits when it comes to improving indoor air quality while also protecting your HVAC system from damage due to restricted airflow or overuse of chemical disinfectants.
