Air filters play a crucial role in keeping the air in your home clean and free from pollutants. The MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating system is used to measure the effectiveness of air filters in capturing particles from the air. It's important to understand the MERV rating system so you can choose the right air filter for your home.
The MERV rating system ranges from 1 to 16. The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient the air filter is at capturing particles from the air. MERV 1 to 4 filters are considered to be low-efficiency filters and are used in residential applications. MERV 5 to 8 filters are considered to be medium-efficiency filters and are used in residential and light commercial applications. MERV 9 to 12 filters are considered to be high-efficiency filters and are used in residential, commercial and industrial applications. MERV 13 to 16 filters are considered to be very high-efficiency filters and are used in critical applications such as hospitals and clean rooms but are also found in residential applications.
The MERV rating system measures the filter's ability to capture particles of different sizes. For example, a MERV 8 filter will capture particles such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander, while a MERV 13 filter will capture particles such as bacteria and tobacco smoke. A MERV 16 filter will capture particles such as viruses and lead dust.
It's important to choose the right MERV rating for your home. A low-efficiency filter (MERV 1 to 4) may not remove enough pollutants from the air, leading to poor indoor air quality. On the other hand, a very high-efficiency filter (MERV 13 to 16) may be too restrictive and reduce the airflow in your HVAC system, leading to increased energy costs and reduced HVAC performance.
In conclusion, MERV ratings are an important factor in choosing the right air filter for your home. Understanding the MERV rating system will help you choose a filter that will provide adequate protection against pollutants while also maintaining good indoor air quality and HVAC performance.
Below are some camparisons on what each MERV rating will capture from the air.