
Which MERV Rating Is Best?
Which MERV rating is best for your home? For most households, the right answer isn’t “the highest number,” but the filter that balances clean air with proper airflow. In real homes, we commonly see MERV 8 or MERV 11 deliver meaningful improvements in dust, allergens, and fine particles—without overworking the HVAC system. This guide explains how MERV ratings actually work, what we see during indoor air quality assessments, and how to choose the right filter for your home with confidence.