The MERV 16 filter is the most restrictive and will likely need to be replaced every 3 to 6 months. Although more expensive than the average filter, it is worth the cost. However, experts suggest changing it every 30 days if the air filter is made of fiberglass filters, which are of relatively low quality. On the other hand, high-end pleated filters can work well if replaced every three to six months. In general, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing the air filter every 90 days or 3 months.
This may vary depending on the location of your home (e.g., dusty and dry weather), if you have pets, and the age of your system and equipment. If you have pets at home, you should consider changing the filter every 60 days or 2 months, and in households with multiple pets or people with allergies or respiratory conditions, it is recommended to change the filter every 20 to 45 days. Usually, vacation homes or empty houses that aren't used much can wait to change filters every 9 to 12 months. The more you use your home, the more often you should replace your air filter. A general rule for pleated air filters (such as those manufactured by FilterBuy) is to change them every 90 days.
As the filter accumulates more dirt, dust and allergens from the air, its efficiency decreases. Find out below if you should replace the filter more often. MERV 17 to MERV 20 filters are commonly used in surgical operating rooms, clean rooms and other settings that require absolute cleaning. Filters with higher MERV values trap small particles more effectively than filters with lower MERV scores. All air ovens and central air conditioning units can handle MERV 16 filters; however, since MERV 16 filters tend to be quite deep compared to traditional filters, a specific housing is required for aftermarket installation, which is not always feasible. A higher MERV score is associated with a lower particle count; thus, the higher the MERV score, the better.
In addition to filtering particles filtered by MERVs 8 and 11, MERV 13 can filter kitchen smoke, smog and virus carriers. In most cases, a MERV 16 oven and an AC filter would offer twice as much efficiency as a MERV 13 filter at the submicrometer level.
