So you’ve checked out our air filter subscription service and you are excited to get started. You enter the sizes of your filters, and then you are faced with the choice of which type of filter you want: the good, better, or best option? So then the question arises: Is the MERV 13 worth the additional cost? It all depends on your situation and your needs.

What is the MERV 13 filter?

The MERV 13 (A.K.A. the Best filter) is our top model. It is electrostatically charged and constructed of materials that are more efficient than your standard poly-cotton pleated filters or fiberglass filters. In fact, it is so effective it can filter out particles that are smaller than one micron in size. It is not chemically treated, so it promotes a healthy breathing environment, and it will not allow the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew, or fungi as long as it is used how it was meant to be used.

Which situations call for the power of the MERV 13 filter?

In most households, a MERV 11 filter provides enough purification to keep the home healthy. However, if someone in your home suffers from allergies, you probably want to go with a MERV 13. This can be pet allergies, pollen allergies, or even allergies to mold and dust. Another reason you would want to get a MERV 13 filter is if there is a smoker in your home. Finally, if your household includes anyone older than age 65, younger than age 5, or anyone with a compromised immune system, you should get the MERV 13 filter for the extra protection it will provide.

What will it filter out that the MERV 11 or MERV 8 cannot?

In short, our MERV 13 filter is the only one that has been tested to effectively filter out particles smaller than one micron. Since you probably have no clue how large the particles are of different toxins, these are the ones the MERV 13 will filter out that the others cannot: bacteria, viruses, tobacco smoke, and any microscopic allergens.

How much more is it?

Now that you understand when a MERV 13 filter might be necessary, let’s cover how much more it will cost. On average (based off of our 20x30x1 filter), you can expect to pay an extra $3.50 per filter. And remember, this filter will last three months, so it’s really just over $1 per month when you break it down. Even if your home requires the largest filter we carry (20x25x4), you are only looking at an extra five bucks. That’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.