MERV 6 air filters with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting value of 6, include pleats and are created to capture moderately sized airborne contaminants. They have a larger surface area than basic fiberglass filters. Air passes through the MERV filter in your HVAC system where the contaminants get trapped. Working as a barrier to the particles, the MERV 6 filter prevents them from circulating in your home. A MERV 6 air filter reduces strain on your HVAC system, allowing proper airflow. MERV 6 filters work well for residential applications where moderate filtration doesn't impact the efficiency of the HVAC system.

A MERV 6 furnace filter can improve air quality with basic filtration. It can trap larger airborne particles and purify the air in most homes adequately. It's less effective for capturing small particles like mold spores, pet dander, smoke, and cooking smells than higher MERV-rated air filters. If your priority is to catch fine particles,  you may want to consider using a higher-rated filter like MERV 11 or MERV 13 to trap smaller pollutants. 

You should replace your MERV 6 air filter every 90 days. If you have lower air quality in your location, pets, or allergies, you should probably consider replacing it more often. Check it regularly to see if your filter has dirt or buildup, and this will help you determine how often to change it. 

A MERV 6 filter doesn’t filter out particles that trigger allergies or asthma like pet dander, mold spores, or fine dust. It can trap larger contaminants but isn’t designed to trap finer particles. 

MERV 6 filters don’t reduce odors in the home because they aren’t made of carbon. Carbon filters are better equipped to neutralize odor-causing molecules and larger particles. Carbon filters are more absorbent and porous to allow air to pass through them. Volatile organic compounds from cooking, smoke, and pets are trapped by the carbon and won’t recirculate. 

MERV 6 filters offer basic filtration but don’t significantly restrict airflow. They balance filtration and proper airflow, making them work for most residential HVAC systems. Replace the MERV 6 filter when it's dirty because a dirty filter can strain your system. If you’re going to consider using a higher-rated MERV filter, make sure your system can handle the increased density without lowering performance. 

MERV 6 filters are designed for single use and should be replaced every 60 to 90 days. They aren’t reusable or washable. If you wash them or try to reuse them it could damage your HVAC system because when washed their structure is compromised and they are less effective in capturing airborne particles. 

MERV 6 filters filter larger particles like dust and pollen but provide less filtration for smaller irritants like fine dust, pet dander, or mold spores. MERV filters with higher ratings provide more protection for air quality and your HVAC system. But they also might restrict airflow if your HVAC system isn’t designed to use them. 

Airborne dust is the main cause of dust buildup on furniture and electronics. When a MERV 6 filter captures airborne dust particles from the air, it lowers the amount of dust that settles. It won't reduce any dust that has already settled on your furniture or electronics. But it is a valuable tool for helping you maintain a cleaner airspace. 

A dirty air filter can become a breeding environment for mold and bacteria growth, especially when combined with the moisture created by a humid climate. This is why it's important to change MERV6 air filters more often if you live in a humid environment. The filter can get damp, causing dust and debris to stick to it, and the moisture makes the filter clog and degrade faster. Because of this, your HVAC system needs diligent maintenance to continue to function properly in humid conditions. 

You can find a wide variety of MERV air filters online at Factory Direct Filters. We believe clean air should be available to breathe everywhere and that air filters should be affordable. We’re committed to manufacturing and delivering high-quality filtration products, for your convenience. We offer standard sizes and can also create custom sizes as well in 5 days or less.