Most understand that they need to change the air filters in their home frequently. The filters are designed to collect the dirt and debris that floats in the air. After a time, the accumulation hinders the air flow which impacts the efficiency of the Central Heating & Air System as well as the indoor air quality. But having the right filter can also make the difference. Today, we at Agape Air Conditioning, Heating, and Plumbing would like to specifically discuss the MERV rating when it comes to selecting the right air filters for your home.
What Does MERV Rating Mean?
MERV, or Minimum Efficiency Rating Value, is an industry standard rating system that gives you the opportunity to compare the different filters available. The MERV rating gives you efficiency of how well the filter captures and holds dirt and dust of a specified size range; the rating is numerical value ranging from 1, lowest efficiency, to 20, highest efficiency.
ASHRAE Air Filter Specifications
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, or ASHRAE developed the MERV air filter efficiency rating system. The rating system is referenced as the ASHRAE Standard 52.2-2007; a Method of Testing General Ventilation Air-Cleaning Devices for Removal Efficiency by Particle Size. To ensure reliable and consistent testing of filter performance on particles of nominal 0.3-10 micron in diameter, the standard 52.2 sets the testing protocols. With the ASHRAE 52.2 creating the MERV rating, the guidelines set the performance of the filter based on the particle size, ranging from 0.3 – 10 microns. Typically, it is based on when the filter is first installed.
What is the Best MERV Rating for Furnace Filters
The better the filter will perform at removing smaller particle sizes, with the higher the MERV rating. Primarily used to protect equipment, filters with a MERV of 1 – 4 are designed to remove large particles. They are typically used in light industrial and residential applications. The average particle size efficiency from 3 to 10 micron is less than 20% for these values.
MERV Rating Chart
Used in applications where it is important to protect individuals or processes from airborne contaminants that could otherwise impact health and productivity, the filters with a MERV 5 – 16 filters remove finer particles. There are 2 ranges for the average particle size efficiency: E1 (0.3 to 1 micron), E2 (1 to 3 micron) and E3 (3 to 10 micron) and they will determine the MERV rating. Below are the basics concerning the MERV rating for air filters.
MERV 1 – 4: Minimum filtration. Typically used in residential buildings.
MERV 5 – 8: Generally used in most commercial applications and better residential buildings.
MERV 9 – 12: Superior residential buildings and better commercial buildings.
MERV 13 – 16: Hospital inpatient and general surgery as well as commercial buildings.
MERV 17 – 20: Clean rooms and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Heating & Air Conditioning Services & More in Manhattan, Flushing, Queens, Brooklyn & The Bronx, New York
The MERV rating is to help you find the ideal filter for your home. Filters with a high MERV rating improve the indoor air quality and the overall efficiency of your central HVAC system. Ensuring your filters are routinely changed or cleaned along with professional maintenance can keep your central heating and air conditioning system efficiently operating and long lasting. Now is a great time to schedule a spring time air conditioning tune-up service. Call Agape Air Conditioning, Heating, and Plumbing today to schedule your appointment!
