Frequently Asked Questions

GRAB 8 is our high capacity MERV 8 air filter for air conditioners and furnaces. It provides good filtration and longer service life than typical air filters. Its sturdy 2 piece frame construction reduces dust and allergen bypass since it rests firmly against the filter holding frame in your air conditioner or furnace.

It does a great job of capturing allergens like pollen, dust mite allergens, plant spores, large pet dander, carpet fibers, dog hair, cat hair, human hair, large pet dander, and more.

High capacity in pleated air filters relates to the number of pleats in a filter. Simply stated, the more pleats in an air conditioning or furnace filter, the better air flow and higher dust holding capacity; it works better and lasts longer than typical store bought pleated air filters.

This air filter averages 16 pleats per foot versus 10 – 14 pleats per foot in most store bought filters. Our air filter media content is more than double the area of the filter itself; a filter that is 4 square feet has more than 9 square feet of media. More media traps more allergens.

You may have noticed when selecting air filters at your favorite store that it is flimsy and can bow in your air conditioner or furnace. Our filters are not like that. Every filter is manufactured with commercial quality.

A bottom beverage board, tray-like frame is laid down, the wire-back pleated media is placed inside, then a the sturdy, moisture-resistant beverage board top frame is laid on top and glued to the bottom frame.

The result is a sturdy, effective air filter which is, by the way, made by hand in the USA.

A MERV 11 rating refers to the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) assigned to an air filter based on its effectiveness in capturing airborne particles of specific sizes. The MERV rating scale ranges from 1 to 16, with higher numbers indicating better filtration efficiency.

A MERV 11 rating indicates that the air filter is capable of capturing a high percentage of airborne particles, including dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and other contaminants. Specifically, filters with a MERV 11 rating are designed to capture particles as small as 1.0 to 3.0 microns with an efficiency of 60% to 65%, and particles as small as 3.0 to 10.0 microns with an efficiency of 85% or higher.

MERV 11 filters are commonly used in residential and commercial HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems to improve indoor air quality by reducing the presence of airborne allergens and pollutants. They are suitable for environments where occupants may have allergies or respiratory sensitivities, as they provide a higher level of filtration compared to lower-rated filters.

It’s important to note that while MERV 11 filters offer effective filtration, they may also impose more resistance to airflow than filters with lower MERV ratings. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that the HVAC system is compatible with MERV 11 filters and that they are replaced regularly to maintain optimal performance without impeding airflow.

A MERV 13 rating refers to the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) assigned to an air filter based on its effectiveness in capturing airborne particles of specific sizes. The MERV rating scale ranges from 1 to 16, with higher numbers indicating better filtration efficiency.

A MERV 13 rating indicates that the air filter is capable of capturing a high percentage of airborne particles, including dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and other contaminants. Specifically, filters with a MERV 13 rating are designed to capture particles as small as 0.3 to 1.0 microns with an efficiency of 50% to 65%, particles as small as 1.0 to 3.0 microns with an efficiency of 85% or higher, and particles as small as 3.0 to 10.0 microns with an efficiency of 90% or higher.

MERV 13 filters are considered to be high-efficiency filters and are commonly used in residential and commercial HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems to improve indoor air quality by reducing the presence of airborne allergens and pollutants. They are suitable for environments where occupants may have allergies, asthma, or other respiratory sensitivities, as they provide superior filtration compared to lower-rated filters.

It’s important to note that while MERV 13 filters offer effective filtration, they may also impose more resistance to airflow than filters with lower MERV ratings. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that the HVAC system is compatible with MERV 13 filters and that they are replaced regularly to maintain optimal performance without impeding airflow.

MERV 8 Grab Odors brand filters provide high-quality air filtration for homes and businesses. With a high capacity rating, these air filters are perfect for light to medium duty use in home and business environments. They maintain excellent airflow, provide good filtration and hold lots of dust making them superior to store bought air filters at similar prices.

GRAB ODORS Features:

Eliminates Odors with Carbon

Carbon removes odors instead of just covering them up. The MERV 8 GRAB ODORS brand filter also removes chemical vapors from the air. Activated carbon is very porous, and it traps the particles that cause household odors. With activated carbon, you are actually decontaminating the air. The activated carbon granules neutralize even the strongest odors and absorb pollutants. It eliminates smells associated with cleaning products, alcohols, sewers, cooking and more. These filters are perfect if you want good filtration plus odor control.

Removes Large Allergens

MERV 8 filters remove large allergens from the circulating air to create a healthier indoor environment. They also remove household dust so you can breathe cleaner air.

The toxins these filters remove include:

• dust mites
• pollen
• plant spores
• pet dander
• insecticide dusts
• mold spores
• hairspray
• auto emissions
• VOC’s
• human hair
• lint
• common household chemicals
• other allergens

Protects HVAC Systems

High-quality air filters play an important role in preventative maintenance for HVAC systems. Removing large particles from circulating air helps protect your lungs—and your investment.  MERV 8 filters remove 70% of large particulates from your indoor environment.

Built to Commercial Specifications

Built to commercial specifications, these high-performance filters come in standard 1-inch sizing for HVAC systems, furnaces and heat pumps. We also carry individual filters in sizes ranging from 3-6 inches for a perfect fit. Choose the filter size recommended for your HVAC system for the best performance to prolong the life of your system.

Grabfilters.com provides the very best in disposable air filters for homes, offices and businesses. Order your MERV 8 Grab Odors filters online today to make it simple and hassle-free to keep your air clean. Choosing the right air filter makes a huge difference in your indoor air quality. If there are no problems with mold and no one smokes indoors, the GRAB 8 filter provides better filtration than most big-box store brands and is conducive to good air flow.

Ever met someone who says anything and everything that pops into their head? We sometimes say those people “lack a filter.” Using an air filter with a low MERV rating is kind of like hanging out with that person. It can get a little embarrassing at times. The higher the MERV rating the more protection you and your HVAC system will get from micro-particles that carry allergens, viruses and bacteria throughout your home.

Think of it as putting a dust mask on your Furnace. Would you want a cheap dust mask that you can literally see through? Or something with tighter knit fibers that looks like it could catch more of the fine particles? The higher the MERV rating the tighter knit the fibers are and the more efficient they will be at removing the particles that get us sick. Keep reading to find the real answers so you never have to ask “what MERV rating should I use”, again.

Flimsy fiberglass air filters allow all sorts of inappropriate things to fly. But when you go higher quality, you’re faced with more sophisticated options and ratings. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place to learn more about air filter MERV ratings, so you’ll always have just the right amount of filter. And you won’t have to worry about your HVAC system going commando ever again.

Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV)

The MERV Rating system is used internationally as a standard means of evaluating the efficiency of an air filter. Developed by ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers), this system measures an air filter’s ability to do two things: capture particles and pollutants and trap them within the filter so they don’t end up in your lungs. The MERV scale for pleated filters begins at 6 and goes up to 16 (13 is the highest recommended for residential applications).

Why MERV 13 Air Filters?

MERV 13 rated filters can capture and trap the finest micro-particles like lint, pollen, dust mite debris, pet dander, smoke, smog, bacteria, and virus carriers. They are perfect for new homes, families with babies or elderly relatives or anyone demanding cleaner air in their home. Our MERV 13 air filters are over 30 times more effective at capturing micro allergens than a fiberglass filter. Click here to read more!

Are MERV 11 Air Filters any different?

MERV 11 rated air filters are the next best thing to MERV 13 filters. They capture and trap all but the finer particles that MERV 13 can trap like smoke, bacteria, viruses and other smaller allergens. They are still up to 30 times more effective at trapping lung damaging particles than fiberglass filters and they have the same air flow through the filters as MERV 13 does. A great choice for pet owners and health conscious homes.

Is MERV 8 Good Enough?

MERV 8 air filters have the best air flow among pleated air filters. They capture and trap most dust, lint, pollen, dust mite debris and pet dander. MERV 8 filters are up to 20 times more effective at catching these particles than fiberglass filters and are a great choice for the home with the least amount of traffic. We recommend checking all air filters every 30-60 days and replacing them only when signs of dirt and dust are building up.

Fiberglass Air Filters 

Fiberglass air filters are almost all rated MERV 4 and lower. These filters are pretty good at catching big dust bunnies and small family pets but they are not designed to trap the fine dust that is plaguing your house currently. Don’t believe me? Hold one up to the light, you will probably see dust right now floating in your air actually going right through the filter. This article explains the pros and the cons for using fiberglass air filters.

We recommend MERV 8 as the bare minimum protection in your home and workplace. Not only does this keep harmful pollutants out of your lungs it also keeps them out of your HVAC system. Keeping your HVAC system clean will help your equipment stay at peak efficiency and last longer. 

MPR (Micro-Particle Performance Rating)

This system was developed by 3M and rates filters according to their ability to capture particles smaller than one micron. MPR rating 300 is the lowest MPR rating and is the equivalent of a MERV 6. It denotes a filter that can trap lint, pollen and household dust. MPR 600 is equal to MERV 8 filters and MPR 1000-1200 are equal to MERV 11 filters. The highest MPR rating is 1900, meaning the filter can trap micro-particles as small as bacteria and viruses and is equivalent to our MERV 13 filters.

FPR (Filter Performance Rating)

Filter Performance Rating is Home Depot’s rating system. It uses colors and numbers but is similar to the MERV rating scale in other regards. This rating begins at the higher rated second-tier MERV and MPR scales. Anything below that will say FPR N/A if it mentions the filter performance rating at all. This means it is not applicable. From lowest rated to highest, the FPR color scale goes green, red, purple and then blue. FPR 5 (green) is equivalent to MERV 8. An FPR rating of 7 (red) is equivalent to MERV 11 and FPR 9 is equivalent to MERV 12. Lastly, FPR 10 (blue) is equivalent to MERV 13.

When you see these various air filter ratings, you can compare filters’ performances according to different criteria. What MERV filter do you need for your environment? If you are still unsure click here for an in depth breakdown of all of our filter types. Get the right amount of filter by knowing what the different ratings mean. Having the right filters means you can breathe easier and sleep better knowing your lungs and HVAC system will someday thank you.

What is a MERV 8 Rating?

I know you’ve heard of MERV ratings before. Maybe your last HVAC technician told you that you should start using MERV 8 filters? Maybe you’ve heard that MERV 13 air filters were best for people with severe allergies? Or maybe you were actually shopping for your size air filter at your local hardware store and got confused when you saw different MERV ratings on the filters?

Whatever the case is, I am here to help clear up any confusion when it comes to all the different MERV ratings.

And who am I? I am probably the HVAC technician that told you to stop using those cheap fiberglass air filters. I started in the HVAC trade back in 1999. Fresh out of high school, I learned at a young age how important it is to take care of the most expensive appliance in your house, your HVAC system.

It wasn’t until about 10 years ago when I was about to have my first child that I learned how important Indoor Air Quality is for your health. I really vested a lot of my time learning all about MERV ratings.

MERV Ratings

MERV or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value is a standard of rating how much air filters can catch and trap fine micro-particles from the air. The scale that this system is based on starts at MERV 1 and ends at MERV 20.

The air filters that are designed for home use are usually MERV 1 through MERV 13. Anything above that is really too much for most home HVAC systems. As you progress up the MERV scale you get more restrictive to air flow as well. So MERV 13 would be the highest we would recommend outside of Doctors offices and rooms designed for Surgeries.

The most recommended MERV ratings for a healthy home are MERV 8 through MERV 13.

The MERV 8 Difference

When you upgrade from a cheap fiberglass air filter to a MERV 8 filter you add a lot more protection. At MERV 8 you are now catching and trapping the dangerous allergens that cause most allergy sufferers’ flare ups.

Dust mites are the real reason most people are allergic to dust. More specifically the enzyme in dust mite poop is what triggers your severe dust allergies. So keep that in mind the next time you decide a fiberglass filters price should determine whether you inhale bug poop. Because at MERV 4 the best you can remove from the air you breathe is large dust bunnies and dryer lint.

Click here to rad more about MERV 8 air filters.

MERV 11 Air Filters

MERV 11 is the next step up from MERV 8 filters. We recommend this MERV rating for people with pets, children or people just looking for better Indoor Air Quality.

Air filters rated at MERV 11 do a great job of capturing more severe allergens like mold spores, lung damaging dust, most pollen, most bacteria, auto emission particles, and more. In fact, our MERV 11 air filters are up to 30 times more effective at removing harmful allergens from the air as MERV 4 air filters. Click here to learn more about MERV 11 air filters.

MERV 13 Rating

When you demand the best filtration from your HVAC system, MERV 13 is the go-to. While maintaining the same air flow as MERV 11 rated air filters MERV 13 captures the most micro-particles. In addition to the fine particles that MERV 11 air filters can catch MERV 13 rated filters can trap pollutants from construction materials, smoke particles and VOC’s.

MERV 13 air filters also help new buildings achieve LEED certification which you can learn more about here.

How Often Should I Change My Air Filter

With 20 plus years experience in the HVAC business I can tell you what I’ve told all of my customers. Check your filter monthly and change it as necessary.

Most air filters say “lasts up to 90 days”. This is really a marketing ploy than anything else.

Almost all manufacturers recommend checking or changing your air filter monthly. I agree with checking and replacing if necessary. If it’s dirty then go ahead and replace it. If its not very dirty because its a “shoulder season” and your HVAC system hasn’t been running a lot lately then let it go another 30 days. But the most important thing to remember is to check it every 30 days. I always told my customers when you pay your rent or mortgage, go check your air filter.

Not changing your air filter before it gets so dirty that it starts restricting air flow is one of the worst things you can do to your HVAC system. I have seen thousands of air conditioner systems and furnaces fail prematurely due to someone forgetting to change the air filter. It is almost as important to protect your HVAC system as it is to protect your lungs.

If you would like to shop the best air filters online and get more tips on how to clean your air and keep you HVAC system running smooth click here.

Not all air filters are created equal. As an HVAC technician I have seen just about every air filter on the market, in just about every condition imaginable. Some are just freaking disgusting and I have the feeling you know what I’m talking about. If you are reading this right now I assume you are either interested in having superior Indoor Air Quality in your home or you messed up really bad once and forgot to change your air filter. Hopefully it was just once and didn’t cost you an arm and a leg in repairs. If it did however, after reading this you will feel much more comfortable knowing grabfilters has you covered.

So why buy our filters? Well, we ship the very best air filters on the market to your door – plain and simple. Honestly, as an HVAC technician with pretty high standards when it comes to protecting a system I service, finding the right supplier was key to grabfilters success. I looked for filters that were antimicrobial so they don’t allow for mold growth. I wanted high quality, commercial-grade materials to ensure rigidity so the filters don’t buckle or bow and as many pleats as possible to trap more allergens than the rest. Trust me, I have vetted the competition for the last 16 years in my trade and these are the filters you want. More importantly, our filters are made to order in the USA just for you. That’s right, whether you place your order today, tomorrow or sign up for auto delivery, our filters are made and packaged to be delivered just days before they arrive on your steps. This helps our economy by employing more people in the country you love to build and deliver your much needed necessities. We work very hard to make sure you love our service from start to finish and we are constantly getting positive feedback to prove that.

It’s not just quality at grabfilters, you are also getting the convenience of never having to remember when it’s time to change your air filters or what size you need to buy. Just order once or sign up for our newsletter and we will send you a monthly reminder to check your filters. Once you become a customer we will either deliver your filters on a schedule you choose or simply remind you when it’s time to reorder your filters next. We also pride ourselves on educating our customers on proper HVAC maintenance and care that will help you save money.

But that’s not all… We sell every air filter size on the market in up to five different types of filtration. We even offer custom sizes so you can order dimensions that are not readily available elsewhere. Our filters come in MERV 8, 11,12 and 13 – the highest recommended for residential use. We also feature a carbon activated air filter that absorbs household odors so you don’t have to use candles or air fresheners anymore. Read more about our different types here.

Fiberglass Filters vs Pleated Air Filters

Here at grabfilters.com we are proud to say we are commited to only selling American-made air filters. What is the reason for this? We’re committed to serving America in all the ways possible, especially economically so when we think about helping create jobs we want them right here.

So, WHY BUY AMERICAN? When you buy locally created products, such as air filters, you are creating jobs for those that manufacture the products – this is, on average, 3 – 5 jobs per manufactured process. If every American spent an extra $3 on American-made products, it would create approximately 10,000 new jobs. Atop that, if every builder used 5% more American-made products, it would create over 200,000 jobs.

We believe in recycling dollars. The money you spend locally in the US not only positively affects the city or county’s economy, in turn, it also positively affects the country’s economy. If all of our commerce was conducted within the US, then our economy would continue to be stable; and tourism will increase the money spent in America thence-forth.

The downside to importing from other countries includes the usage of shipping materials overseas to the US – an added toll to the petroleum usage and increasing emissions in our atmosphere.

Furthermore, we here at grabfilters.com supports human rights. Importing from other countries with lesser regulations than our own means we are supporting sweatshop jobs and less than desirable working conditions for other human beings – including children and low wages.

Check our blog post here 

 Contact us within 14 days of ordering to report damages for a refund or replacement.

FedEx Ground. (delivery in 1-5 days once shipped)

We offer FedEx delivery to every address in the 48 contiguous U.S. states within 1 to 5 business days based on the distance to the destination (delivery to Alaska and Hawaii in 3 to 7 business days)