Full Answer
What does the MERV rating on a filter indicate?
MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, and it's used to tell you how well an air filter can catch particles in your home's air. MERV 5–8 (good): These filters are better at catching small particles (3–10 microns) like mold spores, hair spray, dust mites and animal dander.
What is the difference between Merv 8 and Merv 11?
While higher-rated filters such as the MERV 11 clean your air more, they are more expensive. The MERV 8 filter will also work for your home and is perfect if you are on a budget. MERV 11 filters are rated relatively high on the MERV scale. They work better than MERV 8 filters because they can catch smaller particles.
Will a Higher MERV filter affect my air flow?
This is mainly because a filter with a large face area will minimize pressure drops. The efficiency of the air filter. The MERV rating has an indirect impact on airflow. Generally, filters with higher MERV values will have less airflow. Blower motor type.
Should I use MERV 8 or 11?
The better an air filter is at trapping particles, the quicker it will get maxed out. If you’re worried about the effects of breathing in fine air particles, that’s another reason to choose a MERV 11 air filter over a MERV 8 air filter. Fine air particles are 2.5 microns and smaller.
What is the efficiency of a Merv 8 filter?
How long do Merv 8 filters last?
What is MERV 13 to 16?
What is MERV rating?
How to select an air filter?
When was the MERV system created?
What is Camfil filter?
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Is a MERV 8 filter good?
A MERV 8 air filter is efficient at trapping a majority of indoor particulates that could debilitate those with asthma and allergies, or even cause long-term respiratory problems.
What is the difference between MERV 13 and MERV 8?
To put it short, the higher the rating, the more particles the filter will trap and therefore the higher the quality. The table below breaks down the particle size each MERV rating is capable of filtering. As you can see from the table, the difference between a MERV 8 and a MERV 13 is ONLY 2 MICROMETERS!
What is the difference between a MERV 8 and 11 filter?
MERV 11 filters are more efficient than MERV 8 filters as they can capture smaller particles. They offer additional protection from pet dander, dust mites, auto-emissions, and lung-damaging dust. This is a good option for households with pets or those looking for even better air quality than the MERV 8 can provide.
What does MERV 8 rating mean?
A MERV 8 rated filter captures at least 84.9% of particles between the sizes of 0.3 and 10 microns. This is typically good enough to get the job done for the average home. However, a MERV 8 filter captures less than 20% of particles smaller than 0.3 microns.
Does MERV 8 restrict airflow?
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....So what does MERV stand for anyways?MERVMinimum Particle Size5–810.0–3.0 μm9–123.0–1.0 μm13–161.0–0.3 μm17–20< 0.3 μm1 more row•Sep 20, 2019
What MERV is best for 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.
How often should MERV 8 filters be changed?
every 3 monthsFor 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.
Is MERV 11 too high for 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. Anything higher than a MERV 11 is designed for commercial or households with family members suffering from respiratory issues.
Do I need MERV 8 or MERV 11?
MERV 8 vs MERV 11 AIR FLOW The better an air filter is at trapping particles, the quicker it will get maxed out. If you're worried about the effects of breathing in fine air particles, that's another reason to choose a MERV 11 air filter over a MERV 8 air filter. Fine air particles are 2.5 microns and smaller.
Will MERV 8 hurt my furnace?
The short answer is that it can, but it's not really an issue except under extreme circumstances. Most modern HVAC systems have no problem working with higher MERV filters, which is why millions of homeowners depend on them.
What MERV rating is best for furnace filters?
Generally speaking, our recommended MERV rating for furnace filters runs from 6 to 8 for a great balance between top furnace efficiency and home comfort. Choosingthe right MERV rating for your furnace filter has a major impact on your indoor air quality, your HVAC system and, most important, your family's well-being.
What MERV Can my furnace handle?
The ideal MERV filters for both air filtering and furnace efficiency are 7-13, experts say. These filters can be used without any modifications to your equipment. Your system may handle MERV 14-16 with no discernable stress. However, many residential systems require modifications to pull air through these filters.
Is MERV 13 too high for home?
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.
How often should MERV 8 filters be changed?
every 3 monthsFor 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.
Will MERV 11 hurt my furnace?
In particular, using an air filter with a MERV rating that's too high can damage the compressor, heat exchanger, and air conditioner coil. In most cases, a MERV 11 air filter isn't too high for residential use.
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.
Air Filter MERV 8 Specification Data Sheet
0.20 0.15 20.10 0.05 0.00 Airflo Rate Test conditions Loading Dust Type Barometric Pressure (ln_ Test Results Airflow Rate (CFM) Nominal Face Velocity (fpm)
How long can you leave a MERV 8 filter in?
That doesn’t mean you can leave a MERV 8 filter in for months and months without changing. It just means you should use the 8 and change them more often.
What is the difference between a Merv 8 and a 13?
Many people mistakenly think that they should go with the MERV 13, for example, because it's a higher number so it must be better. Not always so. The 13s can collect particles as small as .3 microns, but these are usually only needed in super clean environments, such as medical facilities. Considered overkill for simple residential use, you’re actually paying more for something you won’t really see the benefit in. You’ll get plenty of efficiency out of a simple MERV 8 AND spend less on them. In fact, anything rated MERV 7 to 12 is sufficient to filter airborne contaminants for most residential systems. The 13-16 filters are for hospitals and clean rooms.
What does MERV mean in furnace?
It might sound like a name for your old uncle who’s always the life of the party, but MERV actually refers to an efficiency rating for furnace filters. It stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, and it’s designed to inform consumers about which environmental pollutants MERV-rated filters can trap. In general, the ratings range ...
What is a 13-16 filter?
The 13-16 filters are for hospitals and clean rooms. The bottom line is, the higher the MERV rating, the smaller the pores are for air to flow through, causing more resistance in airflow than your system may be designed to manage. This can lead to inefficiency.
Can you change merv numbers?
If you go with a higher number MERV that is more expensive, you won’t be as likely to change them as needed. Go cheaper with the 8s and you’ll have no problem changing them as recommended. Just adjust your changing schedule according to your lifestyle.
What is the Difference Between MERV 11 vs MERV 8 Air Filters?
This comparison table helps highlight the differences between MERV 8 and MERV 11 filters so it would be easier to decide which one will work best.
What is a Merv 11 filter?
A MERV 11 air filter has a higher efficiency rating. Meaning, it can capture finer particles and clear more contaminants out of the air. But is MERV 11 too high for your needs?
What does MERV mean on air filters?
The MERV rating is there to tell you how efficient the air filter is in filtering out particles of certain sizes. This affects the types of air pollutants the air filter is able to capture.
How many microns are in a MERV filter?
Fine air particles are 2.5 microns and smaller. At that size, the air particles can get into lung tissue and enter the bloodstream. MERV 11 air filters can filter out a large percentage of fine particles, but a MERV 8 air filter can’t.
What filter can trap particles in the air?
A MERV 8 air filter can trap and block the following particles in the air:
Why is it important to pick a MERV rating?
Picking the right MERV rating is an important decision in terms of overall cost, air quality, product durability. The right MERV rating can ultimately improve the lifespan of your HVAC system.
Can a MERV rating affect airflow?
Restricted airflow can decrease comfort, increase energy use, and accelerate the wear and tear of HVAC components. In particular, using an air filter with a MERV rating that’s too high can damage the compressor, heat exchanger, ...
What Is The MERV Rating on AC Filters?
MERV means Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) and is an industry standard that measures the overall effectiveness of air filters. As the MERV rating increases the finer the filtration becomes. With finer filtration, fewer airborne contaminates & dust particles are allowed to pass through the filter. The most common "Airborne Contaminates" that these filters are tested against tend to include pollen, dust mites, mold spores, dust, pet dander, bacteria and tobacco smoke.
What is the arrestance of an air filter?
What Is Air Filter Arrestance? Arrestance is a measure of the ability of an air filtration device to remove a synthetic dust from the air. The higher the arrestance a filter contains, the greater ability to remove large particles including dirt, dust, lint, and hair.
What is the measure of the ability of a filter to remove the staining portion of atmospheric dust from the test?
Efficiency in the ASW 52.1-92 Standard test method, is a measure of the ability of a filter to remove the staining portion of atmospheric dust from the test air. This is officially termed Atmospheric Dust Spot Efficiency. A high dust spot efficiency results in a high resistance to staining.
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.
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 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 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 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.
What is a filter used for?
Commonly used for residential furnaces, window air conditioners, and pre-filtering commercial buildings. Controls pollen, dust mites, sawdust, and textile and carpet fibers. Filters down to particles 10 microns in size.
What does MERV stand for?
MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The rating was devised by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) to answer one question:
What does M mean in MERV?
The ‘M’ in MERV rating stands for ‘Minimum.’ As you can see, the HEPA filters surpass the most restrictive 0.3-1.0 micron particle size interval MERV rating is based upon.
Why Is HEPA Filter Called HEPA?
HEPA stands for H igh- E fficiency P articular A ir. Here’s the definition of what that actually means:
When was the MERV scale first used?
Here is Ron Wilkinson’s (P.E.) commentary on the MERV scale when it first came to light in 1987:
Is MERV rating important?
What is interesting is that you’ll rarely see MERV rating in an air purifier specification sheet. It is quite an important filter-specific factor.
What is the efficiency of a Merv 8 filter?
MERV 8 filters have 90 percent efficiency on particles that are 3 to 10 micrometers in size. MERV 1 to 4 – effective at controlling larger particles such as, sanding dust, spray paint dust, lint and carpet fibers. Applicable in residences and in window air conditioning units. The majority of MERV 8 filters are two-inch, ...
How long do Merv 8 filters last?
Depending on the manufacturer they can last three to six months and even up to a year in residential use.
What is MERV 13 to 16?
MERV 13 to 16 – effective at controlling airborne bacteria, most tobacco smoke and pollutants released through sneezing. Applicable in general surgery suites, smoking lounges and commercial buildings with superior HVAC systems.
What is MERV rating?
The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) tells you the efficiency of an air filter at its lowest performing level. . The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), established this rating under Standard 52.2: Method of Testing General Ventilation Air-Cleaning Devices for Removal Efficiency by Particle Size.
How to select an air filter?
So, begin by evaluating the possible components that could affect your air quality to determine pollutants you need to remove. . Select an air filter based upon these pollutants and then follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for changing or servicing the filter.
When was the MERV system created?
ASHRAE created the MERV system 1987 as part of their ongoing process to update their filter testing standard that was initially published in 1968. MERV ratings are based on how well an air filter traps common airborne pollutants within specific size ranges. According to the National Air Filtration Association, there are 16 MERV values, ...
What is Camfil filter?
Camfil is the world leader in air filtration and clean air solutions. For more than 50 years, Camfil has provided filtering devices as part of its commitment to offering clean air solutions in a number of industries.
