5 Proven Ways to Keep Your Merv 11 Filter Clean and Improve Indoor Air Quality

Are you tired of constantly replacing your Merv 11 air filter? Or concerned about the air quality in your home or office? Look no further! We've compiled a list of 5 proven ways to keep your Merv 11 filter clean and improve the air quality in your indoor space.

Not only will these tips save you money and energy, but they will also help to reduce allergens, mold, and other harmful particles in the air you breathe. With proper maintenance and a few simple changes, you can ensure that you and your family are breathing in clean and healthy air.

Don't wait until your air filter is clogged and ineffective. Follow these proven methods and enjoy the benefits of a well-maintained Merv 11 filter and improved indoor air quality today!

1. Regular Maintenance and Replacement

Regular maintenance and replacement of MERV 11 filters are essential in prolonging their lifespan and ensuring optimum performance. A dirty filter restricts airflow, making your HVAC system work harder and reducing its efficiency. Dirty filters may also accumulate bacteria, mold, and other contaminants that can reduce indoor air quality.

Experts recommend changing your MERV 11 air filter every three months or as directed by the manufacturer. However, the replacement frequency may depend on factors such as the size of your household, the number of pets, and the presence of allergies or respiratory conditions. Regular maintenance involves checking your filters periodically, vacuuming or washing them, and replacing them when necessary.

2. Proper Airflow and Ventilation

Improving indoor air quality requires proper airflow and ventilation to prevent the accumulation of air pollutants. Ensure that your HVAC system has enough ventilation to circulate fresh air throughout your home. You can also increase natural ventilation by opening windows and doors regularly and installing exhaust fans in high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

3. Air Purifiers and Humidifiers

Air purifiers and humidifiers can help improve indoor air quality by filtering out airborne particles and maintaining optimum humidity levels. Air purifiers use HEPA filters to remove pollutants such as smoke, dust, pollen, and pet dander, while humidifiers regulate indoor humidity, preventing dryness and reducing the survival rate of airborne viruses and bacteria.

4. Reduction of Indoor Pollutants

Indoor pollutants can significantly affect indoor air quality. Factors such as smoking, using chemical-based cleaning products, and burning candles can release air pollutants, compromising indoor air quality. Consider reducing these pollutants by quitting smoking, using natural cleaning products, and using soy or beeswax candles.

5. Professional Cleaning and Inspection

Professional cleaning and inspection of your HVAC system can also help improve indoor air quality. Experts recommend scheduling annual cleaning and inspection of your HVAC system, including ducts, vents, and filters, to identify and remove contaminants that can affect indoor air quality.

Regular maintenance, proper airflow and ventilation, air purifiers and humidifiers, reduction of indoor pollutants, and professional cleaning and inspection can help you keep your MERV 11 filter clean and improve indoor air quality. Remember, clean indoor air is essential for your health and wellbeing.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Health with a Clean Merv 11 Filter

As we have seen, a clean Merv 11 filter is essential to maintain a healthy and comfortable indoor environment. By following the 5 proven tips outlined in this article, you can ensure that your air filter is always clean and functioning optimally.

Remember that your filter's efficiency will decline over time, so regular maintenance and replacement are crucial to keep your indoor air quality at its best. By investing in a quality air filter and implementing good filter maintenance practices, you can protect your health and that of your loved ones while enjoying a refreshing and breathable indoor environment.

Take control of your indoor air quality today and enjoy a healthier, happier home or workplace!

Frequently Asked Question

A MERV 11 filter is a mid-range air filter, suitable for most residential and commercial buildings. It is ideal for households with pets or mild to moderate allergies or asthma. The MERV 11 filter is capable of trapping 85% of micron-sized airborne particles, which helps to improve indoor air quality and maintain the efficiency of the HVAC system. If you don't have any special needs, then a MERV 8 filter is usually sufficient.


The only standardized filter rating system is MERV, which stands for “minimum efficiency reporting value”. Developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers, the rating scale indicates how effectively a filter can stop particles from entering your home. The higher the MERV rating, the better the filtration and the more the HVAC system needs to work to overcome the filter’s back pressure.


For residential and commercial use, MERV ratings 8 to 13 are best. MERV 4 to 6 are only suitable for industrial applications, while MERV 14 to 20 are used primarily in hospitals and laboratories. HEPA filters, which aren’t included in the MERV rating system, are equivalent to a MERV 17 to 20 rating. Lastly, there are other rating systems like MPR (Microparticle Rating) and FPR (Filter Performance Rating) but these are not independent consumer standards.


When it comes to choosing the right furnace filter for your home, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. To ensure that you make the best choice for your specific needs, you must consider various factors such as price, size, brand, and, most importantly, the MERV rating.


MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, which is a rating system from 1 to 16 used to indicate how well the filter can capture airborne impurities. A MERV rating of 1 indicates the lowest efficiency, and 16 indicates the highest. MERV 8 and MERV 11 are two of the most popular ratings for residential use, as they are effective at trapping a majority of airborne particles.


So, which is better — MERV 8 or MERV 11? A MERV 8 filter is more affordable and perfect for filtering out large particles, but won't be as effective at capturing odors or small particles as a MERV 11 filter. MERV 11 filters are more expensive, and need to be replaced more often due to clogging, but can effectively reduce odors and capture small particles.


For the homes located in a polluted area, or those with pets or family members with allergies, a MERV 11 filter is the best choice. But if you don't fit into either of those categories, then a MERV 8 filter should suffice.


It is essential to keep in mind that the MERV rating for a filter is its minimum performance, and choosing the right one for your home will ensure that your HVAC system is functioning optimally.


Are you wondering what the difference is between MERV 11 and 13 furnace filters? Let us break it down for you.


MERV 11 filters are the most popular among residential users, and they can trap the majority of harmful contaminants in the air – this includes pollen, dust, lint, mold, dust mites, smoke, pet dander, and smog.


On the other hand, a MERV 13 filter is capable of capturing all of the particles that the 11 can, plus bacteria and viruses. This is due to its higher efficiency of particle arrestance (98%) compared to the 11 (90%).


When it comes to which one is better, it really depends on your needs. A MERV 11 is good enough for those living in moderately polluted areas, or those with mild allergies. But if you're in a heavily polluted area, or suffer from severe allergies/asthma, or own multiple pets – then the MERV 13 is the way to go.


No matter which rating you pick, it's important to remember to replace your filter periodically. Doing so will help ensure that your furnace remains in top shape for years to come.


MERV 11 air filters are more effective than MERV 8s, trapping smaller particles like pet dander, dust mites, auto-emissions and lung-damaging dust. This makes them a great choice for households with pets or those wanting improved air quality. It's also the most popular air filter option.


If you're looking for a middle-ground between MERV 8 and 13, MERV 11 is the perfect option. It’s more efficient than the 8, but cheaper than the 13, and won’t put extra pressure on your furnace due to its less dense material. Your furnace will last longer and your air will be healthier!


Before settling on a MERV rating, check your furnace's manual or info stickers to see what its max MERV rating is. Selecting an air filter with a higher rating than your system can handle can cause your furnace to work harder, increasing the risk of a breakdown.


MERV ratings are a standard that measure how well air filters work. The higher the rating, the finer the filtration, meaning fewer allergens, dust, and other contaminants can get through. Filters are tested for things such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, bacteria, tobacco smoke, and more.


Merv 8, 11, and 13 filters should be changed at least every three months. This is to ensure that your system doesn't get clogged, reducing its efficiency or damaging it. However, changing your filter every two months will give you even better filtration and healthier air in your home.


In short, the more often you change your MERV 11 filter, the better. A recommended minimum is every three months, but changing it every two months is even better for your home's air quality.