MERV 8 Vs. MERV 10 Air Filters

Maintaining healthy indoor air quality is essential, especially as we spend more time at home. While it’s easy to assume that indoor air is safer than outdoor air, studies show that indoor air can actually be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. This is where air filters come in—they trap harmful particles and pollutants before they circulate throughout your living space, improving overall air quality.

Air filters are an integral part of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems. They work by capturing dust, allergens, and other airborne particles as air flows through them. This filtration process significantly enhances indoor air quality, creating a cleaner and healthier environment.

To evaluate the effectiveness of air filters, the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating system is used. MERV ratings range from 1 to 20, with higher numbers indicating a filter’s ability to capture smaller particles more effectively. In this blog, we’ll focus on MERV 8 and MERV 10 filters—two of the most commonly used filters in residential areas—and explore their key differences to help you choose the right one for your needs.

MERV 8 Air Filters

MERV 8 filters are often made from artificial materials like polyester, polypropylene, and fiberglass. They offer good filtration for larger particles but are less efficient at capturing smaller airborne contaminants.

To be classified as a MERV 8 filter by the National Air Filtration Association (NAFA), a filter must remove at least 70% of particles in the E3 range (3.0-10.0 µm) and 20% of particles in the E2 range (1.0-3.0 µm). When it comes to the MERV 8 filter, it isn't designed to catch the tiniest particles like pet dander that fall into the E1 range. In dust tests, the MERV 8 air filter was able to capture 81.5% of dust particles, meaning it successfully removed 81.5% of dust from the air.

Advantages:

• Affordable: MERV 8 filters are an economical choice, typically costing between $5 to $20. This makes them ideal for those seeking an affordable solution for improving indoor air quality. Their budget-friendly nature ensures accessibility for most homeowners without sacrificing basic air filtration.
• Decent Filtration: MERV 8 filters effectively capture common airborne particles such as dust, mold spores, and pet dander. These filters are ideal for households where general air cleanliness is needed, offering moderate filtration of particles ranging from 3.0 to 10 microns in size.
• Low Airflow Resistance: MERV 8 filters have low airflow resistance, meaning air passes through them easily. This ensures your HVAC system doesn't have to work harder to circulate air, reducing energy consumption and preventing strain on the system, ultimately improving efficiency and extending its lifespan.
• Widely Available: MERV 8 filters are widely available in most home improvement and hardware stores, both online and in-person. Their general availability makes it easy for homeowners to replace filters regularly without delay, ensuring consistent air quality and efficient HVAC operation.

Disadvantages:

• Limited Filtration Efficiency: MERV 8 filters are not designed to capture very small particles like viruses or fine dust. They primarily target larger particles, which means they may not provide the best air quality for individuals with allergies or respiratory issues who need more thorough filtration of smaller allergens.
• Frequent Replacement: MERV 8 filters require regular replacement every 1 to 3 months, depending on factors like household size, air quality, and usage. Regular replacement is necessary to maintain optimal filtration efficiency and to prevent clogging, which could hinder airflow and reduce overall HVAC performance.
• Not Ideal for Allergy Sufferers: MERV 8 filters may not effectively capture all allergens, such as fine dust, pollen, or pet dander, especially for those with heightened sensitivities. While they can trap larger particles, they are less effective at filtering smaller allergens that can trigger allergic reactions or respiratory problems.

MERV 10 Air Filters

MERV 10 filters offer higher filtration efficiency compared to MERV 8. Made from synthetic fibers with a pleated design, they are capable of capturing smaller particles like fine dust and allergens.

MERV 10 filters are designed to capture specific percentages of different particle sizes from the air, including at least 85% of the largest particles (E3), 65% of medium-sized particles (E2), and 20% of the smallest particles (E1). This means MERV 10 air filters perform better in terms of capturing a wider range of particles. In additional dust tests, the MERV 10 air filter achieved an outstanding overall particle capture rate of 92.5%, further highlighting its exceptional filtration efficiency.

Advantages:

• Higher Filtration Efficiency: MERV 10 filters are designed to capture smaller particles, including fine dust, allergens, and pollutants like car emissions. With a higher filtration efficiency, they can trap particles ranging from 1.0 to 3.0 microns, improving the overall air quality and providing more thorough filtration than lower MERV filters.
• Versatile Use: MERV 10 filters are versatile and can be used in both residential and commercial spaces. Their ability to handle a broader range of particle sizes makes them suitable for homes, offices, schools, and other environments, ensuring cleaner air in a variety of settings.
• Improved Air Quality: By capturing more allergens, such as pollen, pet dander, and dust mites, MERV 10 filters significantly improve air quality. This makes them ideal for people with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory issues, as they help reduce the airborne irritants that trigger symptoms.
• Protects HVAC Systems: MERV 10 filters help protect your HVAC system by trapping small airborne particles that could damage its components over time. By preventing dust and debris buildup in the system, they improve the HVAC unit’s longevity, maintain its efficiency, and reduce the need for costly repairs.

Disadvantages:

• Higher Cost: MERV 10 filters generally cost between $10 to $30, making them more expensive than MERV 8 filters. The higher price is due to their enhanced filtration capabilities, which capture smaller particles, offering better air quality but at an increased cost for the consumer.
• Higher Airflow Resistance: MERV 10 filters have a higher airflow resistance compared to lower-rated filters. This can lead to extra strain on the HVAC system as it works harder to push air through the denser filter, potentially affecting system efficiency and increasing energy consumption.
• Shorter Lifespan: Like MERV 8 filters, MERV 10 filters require replacement every 1 to 3 months, depending on usage and environmental conditions. Frequent replacement is necessary to maintain optimal filtration performance, as they can become clogged with particles over time, reducing their efficiency and airflow.

Differences Between MERV 8 and MERV 10 Air Filters

When To Choose Merv 8 Or Merv 10 Filters?

MERV 8 filters are best for general residential use, offering a budget-friendly option for moderate filtration needs. They are ideal for homes without specific air quality concerns, as they capture larger particles like dust and pet dander effectively.

MERV 10 filters, on the other hand, are better suited for homes or businesses where cleaner air is a priority. These filters are especially beneficial for individuals with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions, as they trap smaller particles like allergens, bacteria, and fine dust.

Conclusion

Choosing the right air filter for your needs is key to maintaining healthy indoor air quality. MERV 8 filters are affordable and provide decent filtration for general use, while MERV 10 filters offer higher efficiency, making them ideal for individuals with specific air quality concerns, such as allergies or respiratory issues.

If you’re ready to improve your indoor air quality, Custom Filters Direct offers a wide selection of MERV-rated filters to fit your needs. Contact us today at (877) 812-7983 for personalized recommendations and expert guidance.

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