Glossary term
MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value)
A 1–20 rating for how well an air filter captures particles. MERV 8 is a typical 1-inch filter — catches dust and pollen. MERV 11–13 captures finer particles (smoke, mold spores, some bacteria) and is appropriate for most residential systems. MERV 16+ is hospital/HEPA territory and usually requires a media cabinet, not a 1-inch slot.
What this means in Kansas City
Jumping from MERV 8 to MERV 16 in a system designed for MERV 8 can starve the blower and burn out the motor. Match filter MERV to the system or upgrade the cabinet — never just stuff a higher MERV into the same slot.
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