When it comes to choosing the right air filter for your home, it's important to consider the MERV rating. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Report Value and is a measure of how well an air filter captures certain contaminants. If you have pets in your home, you'll want to look for a filter with a MERV rating of 5-8 to stop fibers such as dog and cat hair. However, this won't stop dandruff, so you'll need to look for a filter with a MERV rating of 13-16. If your air conditioner motor can work with a MERV 11 filter, it's a great option for homes with pets or if you have children who are prone to allergies. To better control pet dander, use an air filter with a MERV rating on the top end.
We recommend an air filter with a MERV rating of 12, which will properly capture pet dander, as well as hair and hair particles. At Nordic Pure, we offer a variety of different sizes of air filters, including those suitable for pet dander. According to ASHRAE, air filters with a MERV rating of 10 or higher are best for eliminating the smallest airborne allergens, such as pet dander. MERV ratings make it easier to determine what type of air filter you need, especially if you have allergy sufferers or pets in your home. Measure your current air filter and opt for a high MERV rating to proactively protect air quality and eliminate pet dander and hair.
An air filter that has a low MERV rating may not filter out the amount of dirt, dust, or pet dander you need. Conversely, an air filter with a MERV rating that is too high will not allow sufficient airflow to pass through the unit. Basically, a tall, thicker MERV filter traps more air particles and they will clog less frequently than thinner filters. A MERV 13 filter is best for people with asthma and allergies because it filters pet dander particles, pollen, dust mites, and even airborne viruses. The best option is a MERV 13 oven filter because it provides superior filtration without adversely affecting airflow. Now that you know the differences between MERV 11 and MERV 13 air filters, you can choose the best air filter for pet hair depending on your personal preferences and situation.
An oven filter with a MERV rating of 5-8 will stop fibers such as dog and cat hair but won't stop dandruff. Therefore, if you have pets or children who are prone to allergies, you'll want to look for a 13-16 MERV filter as long as your oven can handle that type of filter.
