Quote:
Originally Posted by retiredguy123
I agree that a high MERV rated filter can reduce your furnace airflow. I use a MERV 8. But, if a new house has construction dust from drywall cutting and other construction work, using a MERV 13 filter temporarily may be an inexpensive way to clean it out. I would buy a few of them and replace them frequently and check them for dust. Even when using a MERV 8 filter, I don't agree with the standard recommendation that the filter should last a year. I replace mine at least every 6 months.
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Consumer Reports tests reveal that a top MERV 13 filter is much more effective than a MERV 8, which is what I’ve been using. However, the filters with the highest ratings won’t work in my heating and air-conditioning system because the slot where the filter slides in is too narrow. To use a recommended filter, I’d need to have an HVAC guy come out and rebuild the opening and move the ductwork a bit. This would probably cost several hundred dollars. Of course, a good portable filter unit costs about the same.
Air Filter Ratings & Reliability