Sometimes, particles such as pollen, pet dander, and fine dust can pass through the filter unless you get one with a higher MERV rating. A filter with a MERV rating of around 10 to 12 is enough to remove most allergy-causing particles from your home's air. The Minimum Efficiency Report Value (MERV) rating of an air filter measures how effectively the filter prevents dust and other contaminants from passing through the filter and entering the airstream. Filters with higher MERV ratings trap small particles more effectively than filters with lower MERV ratings.\You may have noticed merv filter ratings on several air filters, but you may be wondering what a MERV rating is on filters.
This rating indicates the effectiveness of a filter in capturing particles of different sizes. The higher the MERV rating, the greater the air filtration capabilities of a particular filter. Even though pleated filters have a slightly higher initial pressure drop, it is not so important as to cause any damage to your HVAC system, as long as you change filters regularly. As air passes through a building's HVAC system, air filters trap and collect large and small particles, such as dust, allergens, and microorganisms.\A MERV 5 filter will trap up to 34%, MERV 6 will stop 35-49%, MERV 7 will prevent up to 69% and MERV 8 will capture up to 85% of particulates.
To further improve indoor air quality, household air purifiers employing HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters can theoretically remove 99.97 percent of mold, pollen, bacteria and other particulates as small as 0.3 microns, according to the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They are generally considered to be filters with a MERV 16 rating or lower.\Filters with a MERV rating of 8 to 13 are usually high-end filters for household use or high-quality commercial filters.
For example, if you have someone in your household who suffers from allergies, you may want a higher MERV rating. These air filters are more common for use in residential homes and are still relatively affordable. These air filters are also a more affordable option for allergy sufferers than superior MERV filters.\Filters that are MERV 16 to 20 are usually only found in hospitals, cleanrooms, and nuclear power plants. They can be HVAC system grade filters for residential, commercial and general hospital use.
These scales have different ranges than the MERV rating, but are usually compared with similar factors.\Choosing the right filter for your home is an important decision that should not be taken lightly. The best way to determine which type of filter is best for your home is to consult an expert who can assess your needs and recommend the best option for your particular situation. Ultimately, it is important to choose a filter that has a high enough MERV rating to capture the particles that you want to remove from your home's air while still being gentle enough on your HVAC system.
