MERV 13 Air Filters For Furnace and HVAC

Proudly made in the USA, our high-quality MERV 13 filters provide superior filtration, capturing even particles as small as 0.1 microns. Ideal for homes and workplaces that want to breath cleaner air, they protect against allergens, smoke, some viruses, and more. While they may cause some airflow restriction, compatible heating or ventilation systems have optimal performance when filters are replaced regularly.

Is MERV 13 Too High or Worth It For Your Needs? 

MERV 13 filters are not too high if you need superior air quality for any reason, from sensitive health issues to hating cooking smells. They are particularly worth it if you or your family have allergies, asthma, pets, or live in areas affected by wildfire smoke or heavy pollution. They’re also ideal for public spaces with many people (all that shared coughing, sweating, sneazing, talking) like workplaces that allow pets, fitness centers, stores, clinics, theaters, and so on .

According to the ASHRAE table, they easily trap a wide range of airborne pollutants, from larger particles like dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and dust mites, to much smaller ones such as smoke, smog, bacteria, and virus-carrying droplets. They even capture enough ultrafine particles in the 0.1 to 0.3 micron range to help reduce exposure to certain viruses and other hazardous contaminants.

These filters are compatible with most residential, commercial, and light industrial HVAC and furnace systems used for heating and ventilation. While MERV 13 filters do slightly restrict airflow more than lower-rated filters, as long as you replace them regularly and ensure they fit your system’s specifications, they won’t harm or reduce the efficiency of your HVAC or furnace.

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How Size Affects Performance

Using the right filter size is just as important as choosing the right MERV rating. Too small, it can allow air (and contaminants) to bypass the filter entirely, reducing air quality. Too big, it will restrict airflow can damage the equipment.

As American manufacturers, our MERV 13 Air Filters come in both standard and hard-to-find custom sizes to ensure a proper fit and optimal performance. They help protect your family, employees, or equipment by providing cleaner, safer air.

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MERV 13 Filters Efficiency: How They Improve Air Quality

Superior Filtration

Superior Filtration

MERV 13 filters capture 90%+ of large particles (3.0–10.0 microns) like dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and lint; 85%+ of medium particles (1.0–3.0 microns) such as smoke, smog, bacteria, and some virus-laden droplets; and 50%+ of fine particles (0.3–1.0 microns), including the smallest smoke particles and certain viruses.

Durable & Cost Effective

Durable & Cost Effective

MERV 13 air filters don’t need to be changed as often as some lower-rated filters because they’re built to last longer while still capturing more pollutants. This means you spend less money on replacements over time, making MERV 13 a cost-effective choice.

Improved Health

Improved Health

The MERV 13 is especially beneficial for people with allergies, asthma, pets, or those living in areas with high pollution or wildfire smoke. The slight pressure drop helps trap more pollutants, resulting in cleaner, healthier air.

Environment Friendly

Environment Friendly

Using MERV 13 filters for longer reduces the number of filters produced, shipped, and discarded. This cuts energy consumption and emissions across manufacturing and delivery, and lowers landfill waste. The result is better air quality with a slightly smaller environmental footprint.

Is it too high for your needs or equipment?

If you’re looking for reliable filtration but don’t need the higher performance of MERV 13, take a look at our MERV 8 and MERV 11 filter options. They might be a better fit for your needs.

Do I Need A HEPA or Is MERV 13 Enough?

Unless you're running a hospital or cleanroom or have specific medical recommendation, HEPA filters are usually overkill. They’re expensive, can restrict airflow, and many HVAC systems can't even handle them. For most houses and businesses, a MERV 13 filter is more than enough. It captures the vast majority of harmful particles while keeping your system running efficiently and affordably.

Here is a basic breakdown.

MERV 13 filters are highly effective at capturing common indoor contaminants such as dust, pollen, mold spores, and some bacteria and viruses as small as 0.3 microns. They provide excellent filtration while maintaining good airflow, making them ideal for most homes and businesses.

HEPA filters, on the other hand, offer a higher level of filtration, capturing 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns. They are commonly used in environments requiring extremely clean air, such as hospitals and laboratories. However, their dense construction can significantly restrict airflow.

Therefore, both MERV 13 and HEPA filters improve indoor air quality by capturing airborne pollutants, but they serve slightly different purposes at significantly different costs.

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How Often Should You Change Your MERV 13 Filter?

How Often Should You Change Your MERV 13 Filter?

For max performance, replace your MERV 13 air filter every 2 to 3 months or as soon as you begin to notice some of the following signs:

  • Reduced Airflow: When your air filter is blocked, it restricts airflow and reduces the efficiency of your HVAC system.
  • Worsening Allergy Symptoms: If household members are experiencing more sneezing, coughing, or asthma flare-ups, a dirty filter could be the cause.
  • Unpleasant Odors: An old, dirty filter can harbor mold, bacteria, and trapped particles that cause bad smells.
  • Increased Energy Bills: An over-dirty air filter makes your HVAC system work harder, leading to higher energy consumption and increased utility bills.

In short, regularly replacing the filter helps restore proper air circulation and system performance, which in turn helps lower energy costs, keep your home smelling fresh, and reduce allergy symptoms.

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Why You Can Trust Our American-Made Merv 13 Air FIlters 

At Custom Filters Direct, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality air filtration solutions meticulously made in the USA. Whether you need a standard MERV 13 filter or a custom size, we offer a wide selection designed to meet your exact needs. Each filter is carefully crafted out of premium materials to ensure top performance, helping improve the air quality in your home or office. Plus, our online shopping is easy as a breeze (so you can get rid of the hassle): find your air filter size (we can make unusual sizes because we are a factory), pick your MERV, receive it at your door. Order today and breathe easier with cleaner, fresher air!

Air Filter Reviews From Real Customers

Here is what our happy customers have to say about buying air filters online at Custom Filters Direct. 

I use this website every time I need to order filters for my house. Service is great, & the product is great. We had a very hard time finding our odd sized filter in stores or online.

Jenny Wilson

I own and operate a residential rental property business. Changing air filters has been a huge challenge for us in the past. Custom Filters Direct made the entire process for us a breeze

Emma Charlotte

I never knew the importance of an air filter subscription until I actually had my filters delivered on a quarterly basis. Every time I forgot about the filters they show up in the mail!

Amos Mateo

We needed a custom size for our new rooftop units, contacted Custom Filters Direct and they got me exactly what I needed, delivered to my property managers office a few days later. Highly recommended

Isabella Luna

They arrived quickly and I noticed the difference in air quality the night I put them in! Perfect filters – especially for anyone with allergies!

Sophia Amelia
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  • (46) Verified Reviews

  • (46) Verified Reviews

  • (46) Verified Reviews

  • (46) Verified Reviews

(46)Verified Reviews

(46)Verified Reviews

(46)Verified Reviews

(46)Verified Reviews

(46)Verified Reviews

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Frequently Asked Questions About MERV 13 Filters

Yes, the denser material of MERV 13 air filters can sometimes restrict the airflow. However, MERV 13 air filters are designed to function with most of the HVAC systems. If you are planning to upgrade your air filter it is always advised that you first check the specifications of your system or take help from an expert.

MERV 13 air filters are capable of capturing airborne particles that range in size from many viruses. They can still catch some virus particles, even if they are less effective than HEPA filters, giving both homes and businesses a certain level of protection.

Due to its versatility, MERV 13 air filters can be used in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, commercial buildings, and residential homes, where maintaining air quality is the primary concern. In areas with high dust, allergy, or pollution levels, they are extremely beneficial.

Yes. MERV 13 air filters trap mold spores. The different airborne particles captured by MERV 13 air filters are various airborne dirt, pollen, dust, mold spores, pet dander, smoke, and even certain virus and bacteria particles. These filters are perfect for improving indoor air quality in homes, offices, and any spaces that require superior filtration.

Even though these filters are usually suitable for residential systems, older HVAC systems may not be able to handle the pressure drop of the MERV 13  air filter. If you need the excellent filtration offered by the MERV 13, verify if your equipment is compatible by getting in touch with the manufacturer customer center or a certified HVAC technician.

MERV 13 filters offer stronger overall filtration than MERV 11, capturing at least 50% of fine particles as small as 0.3 microns, such as smoke, bacteria, and even virus-carrying droplets, while MERV 11 is less effective at filtering these smaller pollutants, focusing instead on larger ones like dust, pollen, and mold spores. This makes MERV 13 a better option for environments needing higher air quality, including homes with asthma or severe allergy sufferers, pets, or exposure to wildfire smoke, as well as commercial spaces like clinics or gyms. While MERV 13 filters do create slightly more airflow resistance than MERV 11, compatible HVAC systems can usually handle this without issue, especially when filters are replaced regularly. MERV 13 filters also tend to cost more, but the added protection from airborne contaminants often justifies the higher price.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your air quality needs, health sensitivities, and system compatibility—if clean air is a top priority, MERV 13 is likely worth the upgrade.

If you want more details, see our blog about MERV 11 vs MERV 13 air filters.