The number on a furnace filter is its MERV rating. A higher number means the filter traps more of the small particles. The EPA says that if you upgrade, pick at least MERV 13, or as high as your system can take. Here is what the numbers mean and which filters we list. We do not test filters; every figure comes from the EPA or the maker.
Last updated: October 2026 · By the CleanAirHomeLab team
Quick Picks
Not sure which MERV to choose? The EPA says to pick at least MERV 13, or as high as your system fan and filter slot can take. Scroll down for full reviews.
MERV Rating Guide
MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The EPA says it reports how well a filter captures particles between 0.3 and 10 microns, and that it comes from a test method developed by ASHRAE (the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers). The higher the number, the better the filter is at trapping particles.
A furnace filter cleans air for the whole house through the ducts. For in-duct units and big standalone units, see whole-house air purifiers.
Rating
0.3 to 1 micron
1 to 3 microns
3 to 10 microns
MERV 8
Not rated
20% or more
70% or more
MERV 11
20% or more
65% or more
85% or more
MERV 12
35% or more
80% or more
90% or more
MERV 13
50% or more
85% or more
90% or more
MERV 14
75% or more
90% or more
95% or more
MERV 16
95% or more
95% or more
95% or more
Minimum average capture by particle size, from the EPA's MERV table. MERV 13 is highlighted because it is the level the EPA names if you upgrade.
Check What Your System Can Take
A higher MERV is not always the right pick
The EPA says to choose a filter as high as your system fan and filter slot can take. It says most furnaces and HVAC systems can take a MERV 13 filter without equipment problems, as long as the filter is changed often.
Rule of thumb: Check your furnace manual for its highest MERV rating. If you are not sure, ask an HVAC technician before you move up.
Full Reviews
#1 Best Overall
Filterbuy MERV 11 Pet & Allergy Defense
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MERV 11 filter in 1 inch, 2 inch and 4 inch thicknesses. Filterbuy states it captures 95% of airborne particles.
Key Specs
MERV Rating
11
Captures
Filterbuy states 95% of airborne particles: dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores and smoke
Thickness Options
1 in, 2 in, 4 in
Change Frequency
Every 90 days; monthly with pets
Made In
USA (four states)
What We Like
Filterbuy states MERV 11 captures 95% of airborne particles: dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores and smoke
Comes in 1 inch, 2 inch and 4 inch thicknesses
Made in the USA, in four states
What Could Be Better
Filterbuy says to change it every 90 days, or monthly with pets
Our Verdict
The Filterbuy MERV 11 comes in three thicknesses. Filterbuy states it captures 95% of airborne particles. Filterbuy says to change it every 90 days, or monthly with pets.
MERV 13 filter from Filterbuy. Check that your system can take MERV 13 before you buy.
Key Specs
MERV Rating
13
Rating Standard
MERV is defined by ASHRAE 52.2
Change Frequency
Every 90 days; monthly with pets
Min HVAC Required
Check that your system can take MERV 13
What We Like
MERV 13 rating, as defined by ASHRAE 52.2
What Could Be Better
Check that your system can take MERV 13 first
Filterbuy says to change it every 90 days, or monthly with pets
Our Verdict
The Filterbuy MERV 13 is a MERV 13 filter. MERV is defined by ASHRAE 52.2. Filterbuy says to change it every 90 days, or monthly with pets. Check your furnace manual first to see what MERV rating your system can take.
MERV 12 filter with electrostatically charged synthetic media. Made to order in the USA.
Key Specs
MERV Rating
12
Filter Media
Electrostatically charged synthetic, moisture-resistant frame with metal mesh support
Captures
Over 90% of particles from 3.0 to 10.0 microns, and 80-90% from 1.0 to 3.0 microns
Change Frequency
Every 30 to 90 days for 1in and 2in filters; 3 to 6 months for 4in to 6in
Made In
USA (made to order)
Rating Standard
MERV is defined by ASHRAE 52.2
What We Like
Made to order in the USA
Nordic Pure states MERV 12 captures over 90% of particles from 3.0 to 10.0 microns, and 80-90% from 1.0 to 3.0 microns
Electrostatically charged synthetic media
Moisture-resistant frame with metal mesh support
What Could Be Better
1 inch and 2 inch filters need changing every 30 to 90 days
Our Verdict
The Nordic Pure MERV 12 is made to order in the USA. Nordic Pure states it captures over 90% of particles from 3.0 to 10.0 microns. Change 1 inch and 2 inch filters every 30 to 90 days.
3M Filtrete filter rated MPR 1900. 3M states this line is MERV 13.
Key Specs
MPR Rating
MPR 1900. 3M states this line is MERV 13.
Change Frequency
At least every 90 days
Brand
3M
Rating Standard
MERV is defined by ASHRAE 52.2
What We Like
3M states this line is MERV 13
What Could Be Better
3M says to change it at least every 90 days
Check that your system can take MERV 13 first
Our Verdict
The Filtrete MPR 1900 is a 3M filter. 3M states this line is MERV 13. 3M says to change it at least every 90 days. Check that your system can take MERV 13 before you buy.
16 x 25 MERV 11 media filter. Resideo says to replace it every 6 to 12 months, depending on use.
Key Specs
Dimensions
16 x 25
Filter Type
Media filter
MERV Rating
11
Filter Life
6 to 12 months depending on use
Captures
Up to 96% of airborne particles per Resideo
Change Frequency
Every 6 to 12 months
What We Like
MERV 11 rating
Resideo states it captures up to 96% of airborne particles
Replace every 6 to 12 months, depending on use
What Could Be Better
This one is 16 x 25. Check your filter size before you order
Our Verdict
The Honeywell Home FC100A1029 is a 16 x 25 MERV 11 media filter. Resideo states it captures up to 96% of airborne particles. Replace it every 6 to 12 months, depending on use. Check your filter size before you order.
The EPA says that if you decide to upgrade, choose a filter rated at least MERV 13, or as high as your system fan and filter slot can take. Check your furnace manual first.
How often should I change my HVAC filter?+
Follow the maker's schedule. Filterbuy says every 90 days, or every month with pets or allergies. 3M says at least every 90 days for the Filtrete MPR 1900. Resideo (Honeywell Home) says every 6 to 12 months for its FC100A1029 media filter, depending on use. The EPA says all filters need to be replaced from time to time to work properly.
Can my system handle a MERV 13 filter?+
The EPA says most furnaces and HVAC systems can take a MERV 13 filter without equipment problems, as long as the filter is changed often. If you are not sure, check the manual or ask an HVAC technician.
Does my HVAC filter remove gases and odors?+
The EPA says furnace and HVAC filters for homes are usually designed to filter particles. For gases, the EPA says activated carbon filters can work when they hold a large amount of carbon.
What is the difference between MERV and MPR ratings?+
MERV comes from a test method developed by ASHRAE and applies to any brand. MPR is 3M's own scale for Filtrete filters. 3M states that its Filtrete MPR 1900 is MERV 13.
Filter Not Enough? Add an Air Purifier.
The EPA says furnace and HVAC filters clean the air only when the system is running. In most cases, it says, that is only when heating or cooling is needed, usually less than 25% of the time in those seasons. A portable air purifier can run all day in the room you use most.
This page is general information, not medical advice.
Affiliate Disclosure:Some links on this page are Amazon affiliate links and may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Filterbuy, 3M, Nordic Pure and Resideo do not pay us. Our picks are based on the makers' published MERV ratings and change schedules, not commission rates. Full disclosure.
Sources and last review
Specifications on this page are taken from the documents below, on the dates shown. We do not physically test products; read our methodology. Page last reviewed .
