What Is MERV in Air Filters?

Air pollution is one of the two global leading causes of premature death, only second to high blood pressure. Although we can't control what we breathe while out and about, air filters provide valuable relief indoors.

Did you know that air filters are measured based on their MERV rating, which measures how much pollution our filters catch?

Let's see what MERV is, its value to our health, and how to choose an air filter suited to our own personal requirements.

What Does MERV Stand For?

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and is developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, or ASHRAE. It checks how well air filters work in keeping out dust and particles in homes and buildings.

In homes and offices, the range is usually from 1 to 16; a higher number means the filter catches smaller particles. Hospitals and clean rooms have even stricter levels, going up to 20.

MERV ratings enable consumers to easily compare different air filter performances, making their decision process simpler while providing assistance based on air quality needs. This rating system helps consumers easily compare performance between filters from various providers when making purchasing decision that meets air quality needs best.

How Does MERV Affect Air Filter Performance?

MERV ratings determine which size and types of particles an air filter can capture. Lower ratings such as 1-4 are only effective against large dust or carpet fiber particles, thus making them perfect window AC units or basic furnace filters.

As the MERV rating rises, so too does its ability to capture smaller particles. A standard home filter typically using a MERV 8 filter can capture particles as small as three microns, such as dust mites and mold spores. But for superior airborne pollution protection consider opting for a filter with a rating of 11 or 13 that captures finer particles, such as smoke, pet dander, and viruses.

However, it's important to keep in mind that filters with extremely high MERV ratings could create airflow resistance, leading to greater energy usage by your HVAC system and potentially, greater consumption from energy bills. Aiming between 8 and 13 as your optimal balance could prove ideal for filter efficiency and HVAC performance in most homes.

How to Choose the Right MERV-Rated Filter

Selecting an effective MERV filter depends on several considerations, including household air quality needs and health-related concerns, HVAC specifications, and personal preferences. A filter with MERV ratings of 11-13 may significantly enhance indoor air quality by trapping allergens and fine particles from entering, while for general maintenance MERV 8 filters might suffice. Note that resistance per MERV rating can vary by brand, manufacturer, etc. So, a higher MERV rating doesn't always mean a higher resistance level.

Before picking out the filter rating you need for your HVAC system, make sure that higher MERV ratings won’t block airflow too much. Check what your manufacturer suggests, or talk to an HVAC expert before you upgrade. Atomic Filters offers sizes on all MERV filters, which will assist with finding an ideal match.

Common FAQs About MERV Ratings

What are the differences among MERV 8, 11, and 13 filters?

MERV 8 filters can capture larger particles such as dust and pollen, making them suitable for general household use. Meanwhile, MERV 11 can capture finer ones like pet dander or mold spores. MERV 13 captures even finer contaminants like smoke, bacteria, and viruses.

Can increasing my MERV rating improve indoor air quality?

A filter with higher MERV ratings may sometimes enhance air quality by trapping allergens and pollutants more effectively. However, this can vary by the brand, manufacturer, and more. your HVAC system must also be capable of handling increased resistance to airflow caused by this change in filtration effectiveness.

Will a high MERV filter reduce HVAC efficiency?

Utilizing filters with very high MERV ratings in systems not meant for them may restrict airflow, forcing your HVAC unit to work harder, which in turn decreases its overall efficiency. It is therefore necessary to find a balance between filter needs and system capacity when choosing filters of this sort.

How often should I change my MERV filter?

1 inch pleated air filters typically need replacing every 1 to 3 months. Depending on its MERV rating, system use, and environmental conditions, these times can vary. Filters that capture more particles require replacement more frequently, while filters over 3 to 6 inches usually have longer change times (depending on use and environment).

Where to Buy MERV-Rated Filters

Atomic Filters offers an impressive selection of high-quality MERV filters, ranging from MERV 8-13. Their size guide also makes selecting your filter easier. If you need assistance deciding which size is the most suitable option for you, visit our collection of filters here.

Bottom Line

Knowing what MERV stands for and how it affects air filter performance will help you choose the right filter for your home or office. Higher MERV ratings can boost indoor air quality by catching smaller dust particles. However, it is crucial to check your HVAC system's limits and specific air needs. Doing so ensures cleaner air and better performance by picking a fitting MERV filter rating.