What is the MERV rating of a filter?
The MERV rating is set on a scale from 1 to 16. The number is assigned based on a filter’s ability to capture particles that range in size from 0.3 and 10 microns. For most homes and commercial buildings, filters with a MERV rating between 8 and 13 will sufficiently filtrate the air.
What are the best home filters?
- Best Overall: Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter
- Best Budget: Brita Standard Everyday Water Pitcher
- Best Reverse Water Osmosis: APEC Water System Reverse Osmosis Filter System
- Best for Easy Installation: Waterdrop RO Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
- Best Countertop: AquaTru Water Filtration Purification System
What's the difference in MERV ratings for air filters?
An air filter's minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating measures how effectively the filter stops dust and other contaminants from passing through the filter and into the air stream. Filters with higher MERV ratings trap small particles more effectively than filters with lower MERV ratings.
What is the best home air filter?
- Best Air Purifier Overall: Molekule Air Purifier
- Best Air Purifier For Bedrooms And Offices: Levoit LV-H132 Air Purifier
- Best Air Purifier For Allergies: Honeywell HPA100 True HEPA Allergen Remover
- Best Compact Air Purifier: Coway Airmega AP-1512HH
- Best Air Purifier For Pets: Hathaspace Smart True HEPA Air Purifier 2.0
What MERV rating is best for home use?
between 8-10In general, the best MERV rating for a home is somewhere between 8-10. These filters will capture a large portion of the airborne particles and improve indoor air quality without making your energy costs rise significantly.
Is MERV 11 too high?
In most cases, a MERV 11 air filter isn't too high for residential use. Generally speaking, anything under a MERV 13 air filter should provide very efficient air purification in a home without impacting airflow.
Is MERV 13 too high?
MERV 13 air filters are the highest-rated air filters for home use. Any air filter with a rating higher than 13 will restrict air flow to the point of which could cause damage to your HVAC system, resulting in an added expense to fix it.
Is MERV 8 or 11 better?
A MERV 11 rated filter captures 85% or better of particles between the sizes of 0.3 and 10 microns. This may not seem like a significant difference compared to the MERV 8 filter, but a MERV 11 is also more capable of capturing between 65% and 79% of smaller particles.
Is there a downside to high MERV filters?
Wrong. While the highest MERV ratings are the most effective for air quality, they can harm your HVAC system. A higher MERV rating means a higher resistance, which means less airflow. When researching HVAC systems, airflow will come up a lot.
What MERV is best for air flow?
MERV 13Air filters that are MERV 13 and higher are recommended for those that prioritize air quality and may have to handle asthma, severe allergies, and other similar circumstances.
Are MERV 13 filters bad for furnace?
MERV 13 is the highest MERV value safe for residential furnaces; the higher ratings are used primarily in commercial units. If you are wondering what MERV to try, keep these recommendations in mind; ASHRAE recommends MERV 6 or higher. US Department of Energy recommends MERV 13.
Does MERV 13 filter Covid?
What kind of filter should I use in my home HVAC system to help protect my family from COVID-19? Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, or MERV, reports a filter's ability to capture particles. Filters with MERV-13 or higher ratings can trap smaller particles, including viruses.
Which is better MERV 11 or MERV 13?
MERV 11 furnace filters have a particle arrestance of a little over 90%. In comparison, MERV 13 HVAC filters have a particle arrestance of around 98%. Naturally, it is significantly more efficient. MERV 11 rated air filters are ideal for those who live in a moderately polluted area, have mild allergies, or own a pet.
Can I use MERV 11 in my furnace?
Increased usage can lead to more wear and tear, so make sure to regularly maintain your furnace. MERV 11 filters however, are not considered to be too high for residential use.
How often should you change a MERV 11 filter?
For Merv 8, 11 and 13 filters, we recommend that you change your filter at least every 3 months, however changing your filter every 2 months provides better filtration which provides healthier and cleaner air in your home.
What is the most common MERV rating?
In the U.S., the MERV 8 filter has proven to be the most common filter on the market.
Which is better MERV 11 or MERV 13?
MERV 11 furnace filters have a particle arrestance of a little over 90%. In comparison, MERV 13 HVAC filters have a particle arrestance of around 98%. Naturally, it is significantly more efficient. MERV 11 rated air filters are ideal for those who live in a moderately polluted area, have mild allergies, or own a pet.
Is MERV 12 better than MERV 11?
MERV 11 air filters are more efficient and will capture larger particles than MERV 12 filters. These two models are nearly identical in terms of filtration efficiency, but MERV 11 is often considered a better choice. These air filters will reduce dust and pet hair, but will restrict airflow.
How often do you change a MERV 11 filter?
For Merv 8, 11 and 13 filters, we recommend that you change your filter at least every 3 months, however changing your filter every 2 months provides better filtration which provides healthier and cleaner air in your home.
What MERV Can my furnace handle?
MERV 13 is the highest MERV value safe for residential furnaces; the higher ratings are used primarily in commercial units. If you are wondering what MERV to try, keep these recommendations in mind; ASHRAE recommends MERV 6 or higher. US Department of Energy recommends MERV 13.
What is the MERV rating of air filters?
The MERV scale rates the different types of air filters from 1 to 16. Previously this scale ran up to a 20. The higher the MERV rating of a filter, the better it is at trapping smaller particles. This filtration ability of air filters mainly depends on their material composition.
What Is the Difference Between MERV, MPR, And FPR Air Filter Ratings?
The primary difference between the three systems is that they use different rating ranges. The MERV rating system uses values from 1 to 16, while the FPR ratings range from 4 to 10. It is an international industry standard developed by ASHRAE. In contrast, their respective companies created the other two systems to differentiate between the products they offered.
What Is MERV Rating?
MERV, an abbreviation for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, is a rating system established by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) in 1987. This system measures how effectively your air filter will trap small particles circulating in the air inside your home.
How Are MERV Ratings Calculated?
Laboratory tests developed according to ASHRAE Standard 52.2 can help determine the MERV rating of a filter. During the testing, experts will use an aerosol generator and synthetic dust. ASHRAE also specifies the type of dust used. Experts perform particle counts both upstream and downstream from the filter to determine the efficiency of the filter.
What is a HEPA filter?
HEPA, which is an acronym for High-Efficiency Particulate Air, filters are pleated mechanical air filters . These filters can remove at least 99.7% of pollutant particles sized 0.3 microns and above. Particles in this size range include dust, pollen, bacteria, and mold, among others. Since the HEPA filter rating displays the worst possible performance, you can expect much better filtration than the one stated here.
What is the difference between MERV 17-20 and MERV 1-4?
For example, MERV 1-4 can trap less than 20% particles sized 3-10 while MERV 17-20 can trap 99.99%.
How many microns are in a filtration?
Filtration Ability: 85% of large particles (3 to 10 micro ns) and 50% of small particles (1.0 to 3.0 microns).
What is the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) Rating on Filters?
MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. Or in English, “how effective is your air filter?”
What is a Merv 13 filter?
MERV 13 filters, for example, also scrub out bacteria, tobacco smoke, auto fumes, insecticide dust, pet dander, and more., which is why it’s the recommended rating of the ASHRAE.
What is the difference between MERV 13-20 and MERV 7-12?
In general, most residential systems can adequately remove airborne contaminants with a filter rated MERV 7-12, while MERV 13-20 is typically found in hospital and pharmaceutical manufacturing settings. Advertisement.
What is the best filter for home air purifier?
When it comes to home air purifiers, HEPA filters are considered the best at removing at least 99.97 percent of airborne contaminants 0.3 microns in size, which is equivalent to MERV 16.
What is the best rating for HVAC?
According to the ASHRAE, the best rating for residential HVAC systems is MERV 13. But before you upgrade your filter, make sure your specific system can accommodate that rating. A higher MERV rating often means lower airflow, which can cause the system to work harder—use more energy—to do its job. If your home HVAC system is not capable of handling MERV 13, opt for a filter with the next highest rating possible.
What is MERV 17-20 used for?
MERV 17-20. Commonly used for facilities that house pharmaceutical manufacturing, orthopedic surgery rooms, radioactive and carcinogenic materials. Controls all of the particulates listed for MERV 1-16 above, in addition to virus carriers, carbon dust, sea salt, combustion smoke, radon progeny, and microscopic allergens.
How often do you change a Merv filter?
When you’re changing filters four times a year, that really adds up. So if you’re working with a builder to design a system, keep that in mind.
Why do you have to change MERV filters more often?
So, you have a double whammy: not only are you spending way more money than you need to per filter, you have to change them more frequently because they get dirtier faster.
Why is a higher MERV better?
Here are the top three reasons why you needn’t bother going with a higher MERV: 1. Higher MERV filters block air flow, which makes it more difficult to sufficiently heat or cool a room because the fan can't properly circulate the air. Because they have tinier holes through which particles can pass, they get clogged up faster than lower MERV rated ...
What does MERV stand for in a house?
Remember, MERV stands for Minimum-Efficiency Reporting Value and measures the efficiency with which filters remove particles of certain sizes.
Why do we need filters for air conditioners?
The past several years have brought many advances when it comes to filters because they can capture the smallest of particles – not only to protect the furnace or air conditioner itself but also to improve the indoor air quality , which is great to keep allergies and asthma flare-ups at bay.
Why do furnaces need filters?
Let’s explain. First off, the original purpose of furnace filters was to protect your HVAC system from falling victim to clogs or large particles that can really mess with the coils, vents and ducts.
Why is a higher MERV filter important?
A consequence of a very effective air filter is the speed with which it can load with pollutants and begin to increase pressure drop. This is just fancy talk for "the filter catches more stuff so it clogs faster.".
Why use MERV 8 filters?
Technology for HVAC units has progressed since and most modern units of the last few years should be capable of a MERV 8 filter at the least. But older units may not be capable of enough air pressure to force air through a higher efficiency filter . Trying so could cause significant issues as well as a need for repairs.
What is the best air filter for a home?
So which filter should you consider? If your unit is older and/or very sensitive with airflow, use a filter that ranks from MERV 1 up to possibly MERV 6. If you want your air to at least be cleaned and handle dust, mold, pollen, and bacteria, then a MERV 8 will do the job. Having pets would require a MERV 11 to manage their dander, which tends to have smaller particles than the pollutants previously discussed. Air filters that are MERV 13 and higher are recommended for those that prioritize air quality and may have to handle asthma, severe allergies, and other similar circumstances. Try to not go beyond what you need for your situation. Otherwise, it would be a waste of energy, money, and give unneeded stress to your HVAC system. The factors of every home can vary, so you can always contact a local HVAC technician if you are ever unsure and want a second opinion.
Why use a high efficiency filter?
A more efficient filter will be more effective at removing particles from the air as they enter your HVAC system. They will improve the air quality in your home as well and keep your lungs happy. Since the filtration is more thorough, it will take more energy and effort from your HVAC unit to use them. How much more can vary by home and HVAC system, but with modern technology, the increase in airflow resistance that you get with a high-efficiency filter is typically marginal. This is important to note, because many homeowners believe the relationship is simply linear, meaning as filtration efficiency increases, so does resistance to airflow at the same rate. This is not accurate, though, and it's the reason why millions of homeowners use high-efficiency filters with no concern. For example, Second Nature's Catch Some filter is roughly 450% more effective at capturing particles than a cheapo low-efficiency fiberglass filter, but its resistance to airflow is only about 20% higher, a marginal difference.
What is the difference between a MERV 6 and a MERV 8?
The scaling of MERV is not linear; the difference between a MERV 6 and a MERV 8 is nearly double in the percentage of particles captured. Be aware that as the MERV rating increases, the filter gets more restrictive and it will take more pressure and energy to push air through.
What is a rock catcher filter?
Filters in this category can sometimes be referred to as "rock-catchers" because their job is to make sure that nothing too significant and devastating gets sucked up into the HVAC unit as the bare minimum.
What is the most common measurement scale for air filters?
Any air filter you purchase will have a grade on it as a tool to show its quality. The most common measurement scales that you will find are MERV, MPR, and FPR. For this blog, we will be referring to the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating scale but it can easily translate to other measurement scales that you may see used.
What Is MERV Rating on Filters?
If you'd like to know what a MERV rating is, you're in the right place. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. In short, a MERV rating lets you know what air particle size an air filter will trap. A higher rating means that the filter can trap smaller air particles.
How many microns does a MERV filter remove?
A filter with a MERV rating of between 1-6 can remove particles anywhere between 0.3 to 10 microns with an effectiveness of 20%. It can remove small particles such as dust mites, spray paint dust, carpet fibers, and pollen.
What does a higher MERV rating mean?
A higher rating means that the filter can trap smaller air particles. While you may automatically think that a higher MERV rating means a better air filter, that's not always the case. Higher MERV ratings aren't always necessary and can decrease your unit's efficiency. The best MERV rating will be the one that suits your needs ...
What is the best MERV rating for a home?
In general, the best MERV rating for a home is somewhere between 8-10. These filters will capture a large portion of the airborne particles and improve indoor air quality without making your energy costs rise significantly.
Why is the MERV rating scale used?
In 1987, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers designed the MERV rating scale to give a more accurate picture of an air filter's capabilities. Unlike other scales, which emphasized a need to increase the number of particles passing through an air filter, MERV was designed to offer a balance between particle ...
Why is a MERV rating important?
A MERV rating is important because it helps you understand an air filter’s effectiveness so you can choose the right one for your particular needs. For example, if you have someone in your home who suffers from allergies, you may want a higher MERV rating.
What is MERV scale?
The MERV scale also helps you balance your air quality and energy efficiency needs. The rating gives you the worst-case possibility for an air filter, so you can get a good idea of how it will perform. You can get by with a lower MERV rating and save money on your energy bill in some cases.
What is a MERV 14 filter?
The High Capacity MERV 14 Media filter (HC-14) provides a large volume of dust capacity. This 4 inch filter has over 60 square feet of synthetic dirt grabbing fibers. It is 75% efficient on particles 0.3 -1.0 microns, 85% efficient on particles 1-3 microns and 95% efficient on particle larger than 3 microns. The filter has a Galvanized steel frame, the filter dimensions are 20″ x 19.75″ x 3.75″. The Back pressure from this filter is 0.22 WG.
What is a MERV rating?
A MERV rating chart shows a numerical value. The range is from 1 (lowest efficiency) to 20 (highest efficiency). MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This is an industry standard rating system. Use this rating system compare filters made by different manufacturers. This rating system reports how well the filter captures and holds dust. The chart below shows the MERV ratings. It shows particle size ranges. It also shows air filter efficiency levels. Efficiency is measured by the percentage of particles captured. In January 2009 ASHRAE stopped recognizing MERV 17 -20 values. These values are shown to reflect the common vernacular used by many players in the filtration industry
What is the best air filter for a pet?
We recommend MERV 11 filters as our “better” air filter. These air filters are great for people with pets. They remove pet dander and most allergy causing air particles. These include mold, smoke and pollen. We do not recommend M 12 or higher 13 filters. They may negatively affect certain HVAC systems. These filters can cause restricted airflow. The blowers in HVAC units rely on a good air supply to keep them cool.
What is a good filter for a furnace?
MERV 9 through 12 filters are good filters for general home use. They remove the bulk of dust we see in homes and offices. They generally allow enough air to flow through a furnace filter to allow the blower to stay cool. Their cost is often moderate and are within many budgets.
What is the M value of an air filter?
Filters with a (M) value 5 through 8 remove finer dust particles. These air filters are used to protect people or products from airborne contaminants. These particles could hurt health and productivity.
Is a MERV filter good for a furnace?
They remove the bulk of dust we see in homes and offices. They generally allow enough air to flow through a furnace filter to allow the blower to stay cool.
Is electrostatic air filtration better than media filters?
Electrostatic air filtration is not easily compared to media filters. Its and apples and oranges kind of thing. In some ways they are better than all media filters in others they have drawbacks. The (M) rating is 16 or above and they are washable.
How to calculate MERV of a filter?
To calculate a filter’s MERV value, test dirt with specific sized dirt particles are drawn through a test duct onto a filter. The particles are divided into three broad size ranges known as E1, E2 and E3. How efficient the filter is against all three size ranges is compared against a MERV chart and the final MERV value is the highest value where the filter meets all three requirements of MERV.
What is a MERV 13 filter?
In the last year, the term “MERV-13” has been circulating in the news and on the Internet as a result of several widely recognized organizations, such as The CDC, OSHA and ASHRAE recommending MERV-13 air filters as the minimum filter efficiency. Some local jurisdictions have even required MERV-13 rated air filters to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in public buildings, such as shopping malls, schools, and office buildings.
What is MERV A?
ASHRAE’s testing standards specify an optional testing method for determining filter efficiency without electrostatic charge. The values determined from this test are MERV-A values. An easy way to remember the distinction between MERV and MERV-A is to think of the “A” as standing for “actual,” so a filter’s MERV-A rating represents its “actual” efficiency.
What does MERV mean?
MERV is an acronym for minimum efficiency reporting value. The MERV rating and testing standard was first designed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) in 1999 and is updated periodically, the last being in 2017. . . The MERV value represents the particle capture efficiency of a filter at specific size ranges.
What is Camfil air filtration?
For more than half a century, Camfil has been helping people breathe cleaner air. As a leading manufacturer of premium clean air solutions , we provide commercial and industrial systems for air filtration and air pollution control that improve worker and equipment productivity, minimize energy use, and benefit human health and the environment. We firmly believe that the best solutions for our customers are the best solutions for our planet, too. That’s why every step of the way – from design to delivery and across the product life cycle – we consider the impact of what we do on people and on the world around us. Through a fresh approach to problem-solving, innovative design, precise process control, and a strong customer focus we aim to conserve more, use less and find better ways – so we can all breathe easier.
What is the charge of an air filter?
Air filters can be produced with an electrostatic charge which acts much like a magnet and temporarily increases the particle capture efficiency on the three size ranges. This results in a higher MERV value assigned to the filter. However, as the filter begins to load with dirt, the charge can no longer attract particles and the MERV value drops.
