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MERV rating
MERV rating is a score for how well an HVAC filter captures particles.
Why it matters
Better filtration can improve indoor air quality, but filters that are too restrictive can reduce airflow.
Where people get this wrong
Higher MERV is not always better for every system. A dirty filter can cause comfort issues that look like equipment problems.
Real-world example
A family member has allergies, so you install a high-MERV filter. Then rooms get less airflow and the system runs louder. Filtration needs to match system capability.
Where this hits your build
This affects comfort, energy costs, and indoor air quality. It gets locked behind drywall, so decisions here need to be right before finishing starts.
Most people do not just struggle with terms. They struggle with the decisions tied to them.
See how HouseChalk helps with the decisions behind terms like this