Which MERV Rated Air Filter is Best for Pet Dander?
If you have pets, you need the best air filter for pet dander and there are some different options to limit the pet hair and dander in your home so you have healthier air quality.
As a pet owner, you may be familiar with the challenges of managing pet dander in your home. This tiny skin particle shed by animals can cause allergies and other respiratory problems in both humans and pets. Fortunately, air filters can help remove pet dander from the air, improving air quality and reducing allergy symptoms.
When choosing an air filter for your home, it's important to select one that is rated MERV 8 or higher, preferably MERV 13. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, and it measures how effectively a filter can trap particles of different sizes. The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient the filter is at removing airborne particles, including pet dander.
Air filters with a MERV rating of 8 are capable of removing larger particles, such as pet hair, dust, and pollen. However, for pet owners, it's recommended to choose a filter with a higher MERV rating, such as 13, as it can capture smaller particles like pet dander, bacteria, and virus-carrying particles.
It's also essential to replace your air filter regularly to ensure it's working efficiently. Depending on the type of filter and how often you use your HVAC system, it's recommended to replace the filter every 30-90 days. Neglecting to replace the filter can cause pet dander and other allergens to build up, reducing the filter's effectiveness.
Apart from using a high-quality air filter, there are other measures pet owners can take to minimize pet dander in their homes. Regular grooming of pets to reduce shedding, vacuuming carpets and upholstery frequently, and investing in an air purifier or dehumidifier are some of the effective ways to reduce pet dander in the air.
What MERV Rating Is Recommended For Filtering Pet Dander?
A MERV 8 air filter or higher is recommended for effectively filtering pet dander. The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) scale measures a filter's ability to capture airborne particles, including pet dander.
Why MERV 8 or Higher?
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MERV 8 Filter: MERV 8 filters can help remove pet dander but might not capture smaller dander particles as well as higher-rated filters. The MERV 8 is a good air filter for cat hair.
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MERV 11 Filter: Captures small particles, including pet dander, dust mites, and pollen, so it's good for households with pets.
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MERV 13 Filter: Its filtration captures small particles like fine dust and some bacteria, making it the best MERV rating for people with allergies, asthma, and pets.
MERV 11 to 13 air filters for pet dander keep your HVAC system operating properly while removing pet dander.
How Often Should You Replace A MERV Filter When You Have Pets?
When you have pets, you should replace your MERV filter about every 1 to 3 months, depending on the number of pets in your home. More pets produce more dander, fur, and debris, which quickly clog air filters Shedding breeds release more hair and debris, which need more frequent filter changes. To ensure you’re breathing clean air, inspect your filter monthly and replace it when it looks dirty or airflow is reduced.
Does A Higher MERV Rating Always Mean Better Air Quality For Pet Owners?
A higher MERV rating doesn’t always mean better air quality if it isn’t compatible with your HVAC system. It should balance HVAC function with its filtration capabilities. MERV 13 filters can restrict airflow in HVAC systems that aren’t designed for them. Using an incompatible filter might lead to poor HVAC system performance or damage so make sure to check if your HVAC system can handle a higher MERV filter before you install it. Filters with a moderate MERV rating that captures particles and balances airflow may be better for you if you’re a pet owner, especially when combined with routine cleaning and maintenance.
Can You Use Washable MERV Filters to Control Pet Dander?
If you need a pet filter, washable MERV filters help control pet dander, but they typically have lower MERV ratings of around 1–8. Washable air filters can capture larger particles like pet hair and some dander, but they may not trap smaller particles compared to disposable higher-rated filters. Improper cleaning can reduce their lifespan or release trapped particles back into the air. If you’re concerned about pet dander, pair your washable air filter with an air purifier for better dander control.
What Additional Steps Can Improve Indoor Air Quality for Pet-Friendly Homes?
Consistent cleaning can improve your air quality, along with routinely replacing your air filter.
Vacuuming helps reduce pet dander and hair. Keep the humidity level in your home between 30 to 50% to reduce allergens and prevent mold growth. Regularly bathe and brush your pets to minimize shedding. Wash your pet’s bedding often. When you use a MERV-rated air filter and combine routine HVAC system maintenance, it will ensure the air quality in your home is healthier.
Do Different HVAC Systems Handle High Merv Filters In The Same Way?
Most HVAC systems can use a high MERV filter as long as the air filter is regularly changed. Filters with higher MERV ratings can sometimes restrict air, so it takes more energy for them to push air through. But it will also capture smaller particles than lower MERV-rated filters. MERV 6 air filters are often used in older HVAC systems but aren’t as effective for filtering pet dander as MERV 8-13 filters.
HVAC systems work differently based on their design and capacity. It's best to read your system manual and make sure your filter is compatible so that it works at its peak level of performance.
Filters Enough To Eliminate Pet Odors?
Most MERV filters alone are not enough to get rid of pet odors. They capture cat dander, pet hair, and other airborne particles. A MERV 11 + carbon defense filter can reduce pet odors but may not completely eliminate them. The MERV 11 filter and the carbon defense layer absorb some odor-causing gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Effectiveness depends on the concentration of odors, the size of your space, and how frequently the filter is replaced. For persistent odors, regular cleaning, ventilation, and air purifiers provide better air quality and may be able to minimize pet odors.
What Role Does Humidity Control Play In Managing Pet Dander?
High humidity can make pet dander heavier and more prone to settle on surfaces rather than stay in the air by making it clump together. It also fosters the growth of mold and dust mites, which can aggravate allergies. Low humidity might dry out dander and increase the chance it will spread and become airborne. Consider using a dehumidifier to balance the humidity levels and pet dander in your home which should be between 306 to 50%.
Conclusion
Choosing an air filter with a MERV rating of 8 or higher, preferably MERV 13, is crucial for pet owners to remove pet dander from the air. By using a high-quality filter and maintaining it regularly, you can significantly improve air quality and reduce allergy symptoms, providing a healthier and more comfortable living environment for both you and your furry friends.
Selecting the right MERV-rated air filter for your home can ensure your air quality is healthy for your family, especially if you have pets. Air Filters Delivered offers a wide variety of MERV-rated filters to pick from and we can help you find the best one for your HVAC system.
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