MERV 11 air filters are designed to capture a wide range of pollutants, including pollen, dust, lint, dust mites, mold, smoke, pet dander, smog, car emissions, bacteria, and other fine particles. With a higher efficiency rating than MERV 8 filters, MERV 11 filters can trap smaller particles and remove more pollutants from the air. But is a MERV 11 filter the right choice for your needs?When it comes to air filtration, MERV 11 filters are ideal for controlling dust, pollen, mites, and pet dander in commercial buildings, residences, industrial workplaces, paint booths, and areas with poor air quality due to smog or vehicle-related pollution. They can also capture exhaust gases that MERV 8 filters cannot.
This comparison chart helps to illustrate the differences between MERV 8 and MERV 11 filters to make it easier to decide which one is best for you. For more specialized applications such as operating rooms or inpatient care spaces with many sick people seeking treatment, MERV 13-16 filters are recommended. People with serious allergies may also benefit from using a MERV 13 filter in their homes. The MERV classification system makes it easier to compare filters with different ratings. Both MERV 8 and MERV 11 air filters are suitable for residential use. The higher the MERV rating, the higher the percentage of airborne particulate matter that a filter can successfully trap - up to 81.5%.When it comes to performance, there are some clear differences between MERV 8 and MERV 11.
The latter is effective at trapping small particles while still allowing enough air to pass through the filter. Raising only three MERV classification levels can be beneficial for purifying the air or harmful for the entire air conditioning system depending on the air flow capacity of the filter. In terms of affordability, MERV 8 air filters are almost as affordable as the least efficient products, making them good value for money. The higher the MERV rating, the greater the air filtration capabilities of a particular filter. Based on these characteristics, a MERV 8 is considered a superior filter compared to air filters with a lower MERV rating.
