MERV ratings range from 1–20. The higher the MERV rating on a filter, the fewer dust particles and other contaminants can ...

Most homes are equipped with an HVAC — heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning — system to maintain a certain temperature ...

Most home improvement stores sell HVAC filters ranging from MERV 1 to MERV 13, though CR has tested models as high as MERV 16. But some filters with midrange and higher MERV ratings might cause ...

MERV ratings, or the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, reflect an air filter's ability to capture particles between 0.3 and 10 microns. The standards go from 0 to 16, ...

Many newer model HVAC systems can easily handle MERV 11 or higher, such as our best overall pick, the Aerostar 20x25x1 MERV 13 Pleated Air Filter. More deals, reviews, and buying guides ...

We've tested and reviewed products since 1936. Read CR's review of the Aprilaire Healthy Home 313 MERV 13 air filter to find out if it's worth it.

A MERV 1 rating isn't doing much, but MERV 13 is the top recommendation for most residential HVAC systems, according to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers.

While MERV is the industry standard, ... Keep in mind these ratings don’t compare one to one, so read the labels of your filter closely to learn what they should block out.

The MERV scale ranges from low-efficiency fiberglass filters with MERV ratings between 1 and 3 to high-efficiency HEPA filters with MERV ratings ranging from 16 to 20.