MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rates how effectively an air filter captures particles, on a scale of 1-20. Higher = finer filtration.
MERV recommendations for Colorado homes
- MERV 8 — minimum acceptable. Catches dust, pollen, lint. Fine for low-allergy households.
- MERV 11 — recommended for most homes. Catches finer particles including pet dander and smoke.
- MERV 13 — best balance for allergies; EPA recommendation. Captures most viruses and wildfire smoke.
- MERV 16+ — hospital-grade. Too restrictive for most residential blowers without modification.
For Colorado, MERV 11 is the sweet spot. Go to MERV 13 if you have allergies or want serious wildfire smoke filtration. Don’t go higher than your blower can handle without losing airflow — that causes frozen coils in summer and short-cycling in winter.
Related: HEPA, IAQ, Blower Motor.
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Right Way Mechanical is a family-owned HVAC contractor serving Wheat Ridge, Arvada, west Denver, and the Colorado foothills.