MERV 8 vs MERV 11 Air Filters: Key Differences & Which to Choose in 2025

Published: September 13, 2025 | By Atomic Filters Experts

Air filters are an essential part of maintaining healthy indoor air. They help capture airborne particles like dust, pollen, and pollutants that can cause respiratory problems and reduce air quality. But how do you choose the best air filters for your needs? Use our filter size finder to get started.

In this article, we explain how air filters are rated, the difference between MERV 8 air filters and MERV 11 air filters, two of the most popular filter ratings for domestic use, and help you to choose the best rating for your HVAC air filters. For specific brands, check our Lennox filter guide.

MERV 8 vs MERV 11: The Short Explanation

The main differences between MERV 8 and MERV 11 filters are the size of the airborne particles they can capture and their impact on airflow and pressure within an HVAC system.

Aspect	MERV 8	MERV 11
Particle Capture (1-3 microns)	20%	65%
Particle Capture (3-10 microns)	75%	85%
Best For	Standard homes, no allergies	Allergies, pets, polluted areas
Airflow Impact	Low	Moderate (check HVAC)
Cost	Lower	Higher

A MERV 8 filter captures most household dust, pollen, and pet dander. Filters rated MERV 8 are an excellent choice for homes without air quality concerns like allergies or respiratory health complaints.

A MERV 11 filter, in contrast, provides enhanced filtration by capturing a greater percentage of smaller particles, including vehicle emissions, bacteria, and mold spores. They may be a good choice for homes with residents suffering from allergies or respiratory problems or those who prefer cleaner air than lower-rated filters can provide. 

However, while more effective, MERV 11 filters slow air flow through HVAC systems and make them work harder. You should verify that your system supports higher-rated filters before installing them. For more on ratings, see our MERV vs MPR vs FPR guide.

What Are MERV Air Filter Ratings?

MERV is the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, a rating system designed to rank the effectiveness of air filters on a scale from 1 to 16 (or up to 20 for HEPA-level filters). The MERV rating is based on testing that considers the efficiency with which a filter collects particles of varying sizes, as standardized by ASHRAE. For more, see our MERV vs MPR vs FPR guide.

MERV 8 vs MERV 11 Cost Comparison

Budget matters—here's a quick breakdown of long-term costs (based on average 6-pack pricing at Atomic Filters):

Aspect	MERV 8	MERV 11
Upfront Cost (per filter)	$5-8	$8-12
Replacement Frequency	Every 3 months	Every 2-3 months
Annual Cost (for 20x25x1 size)	$40-64	$64-96
Energy Savings Potential	Higher (better airflow efficiency)	Standard

Health Benefits & Long-Term Medical Cost Savings

While MERV 11 filters cost more upfront, they may provide significant long-term value through improved health outcomes and reduced medical expenses, especially for vulnerable family members. (See medical disclaimer)

Understanding Asthma Costs in America

According to the CDC's Asthma Cost Calculator, asthma places a substantial economic burden on families:

Cost Category	Annual Cost Per Person	Potential Impact of Better Air Quality
Total Medical Costs	$3,266 (CDC data)	Potential reduction through fewer episodes
Prescription Medications	$1,830	Lower rescue medication needs
Emergency Department Visits	$105	Fewer trigger-related visits
Missed Work/School Days	$207-$214 per person	Better symptom control

MERV 8 is cheaper upfront and may have small energy savings but MERV 11 offer better air quality and may save on health costs in polluted homes. 

Is MERV 8 or MERV 11 Right for You?

Deciding on the right filter for your home involves considering a handful of interrelated factors, including the following:

• Individual home needs
• Lifestyle considerations
• Air quality requirements
• Allergies and respiratory conditions
• HVAC system requirements

Generally, MERV 8 filters offer a reasonable balance between filtering efficiency, parts costs, and HVAC system maintenance costs for an average household or office.

However, if your situation demands cleaner air than a MERV 8 filter can provide, a MERV 11 filter may be a suitable alternative. Your choice will ultimately depend on the types of particles present in your surroundings as well as airflow needs, budget constraints, and health concerns of the occupants.

Is MERV 8 Good Enough?

For homes with minimal air quality concerns, allergies, or asthmatic conditions, MERV 8 filters are usually more than adequate, often recommended for households without pets and far from significant pollution or smoke sources.

In terms of cost-effectiveness, MERV 8 filters offer sufficient air filtration for many homes while costing less and lasting longer before they need replacing. Plus, they are more likely to be compatible with standard HVAC systems without significantly reducing air circulation efficiency or putting additional strain on the system.

MERV 8 and MERV 11 at Atomic Filters

Atomic Filters offers a comprehensive range of MERV 8 and MERV 11 Filters. Our MERV 8 Air Filters combine excellent value for money and outstanding filtering efficiency. Consider our MERV 11 and MERV 13 air filters if you need more comprehensive air filtration. For a deeper dive, read our MERV 11 vs MERV 13 comparison.

FAQ: MERV 8 vs MERV 11

Is MERV 8 good enough?

Yes, for standard homes without allergies or pets. It captures 75% of 3-10 micron particles like dust and pollen, per ASHRAE standards.

What does MERV 11 mean?

MERV 11 captures over 65% of 1-3 micron particles (e.g., bacteria, emissions) and 85% of 3-10 microns, ideal for allergy relief.

Can I use MERV 11 in my Lennox furnace?

Check your model with our furnace filter size chart.

MERV 8 vs MERV 11 Cost: Which is Cheaper Long-Term?

MERV 8 is cheaper upfront but MERV 11 saves on health costs in polluted areas.