Walking down the aisles of a hardware store, you’ll see tons of air filter options; Merv 8, Merv 13, pleated, non-pleated, washable, medical grade, etc. With so many options, choosing the best air filter for your home can be very confusing. The higher the Merv rating, the more the filter will restrict the air flow. Before you install a higher Merv rated air filter, consult with a qualified HVAC professional regarding the proper filter for your heating and cooling system.