} MERV Rating Chart: AC, Furnace & Purifier Filters Explained If we were looking to buy a new filter today for our HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system, we'd aim for a medium-efficiency filter with a MERV rating in the 8 . "mainEntity": [{ 14 Culprits To Check For Now, MMBTU To MMSCFD Calculator For Natural Gas + Chart, 8 Best Infrared Heaters For Indoors, Patios, Garages (With ECO Thermostats), AGM Battery Voltage Charts: 12V, 24V Deep Cycle Battery Voltage, Lead-Acid Battery Voltage Chart For 6V, 12V, 24V, 48V Batteries, Natural Gas MMSCFD To MMBTU/Day Calculator + Chart, Smoke, dust, oil smell, bacteria, sneeze droplets, Car emissions, bigger dust particles (lead), Legionella, Hair spray, mold spored, mite debris, fabric protector, cat, and dog dander, Pollen, sanding dust, cockroach debris, textile fibers, 85% for 3.0-10.0 m particles, or greater, 90% for 3.0-10.0 m particles, or greater. Does the airflow significantly improve? What are the benefits of a higher MERV rating? Its actually based on the MERV rating. Their rating is based upon filtering out a particular size of air particles, 0.3-micron ones. This also means that as the MERV rating goes up, the more particles and contaminants the filter can capture. These are the 4 average contaminant size intervals MERV rating applies to: These are just a few contaminants that we want to get rid of with a good MERV air purifier. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends a minimum MERV of 6 as their general rule for home HVAC systems. These dust particles fall into three size groups. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The majority of residential HVAC systems use a 1" thick filter, but filters are available at 2", 4" and 5" thick. But what is MERVrating, exactly? This is important to consider when choosing a filter for your application and your HVAC unit. Merv 12 vs. Merv 13: What Merv Rating Is Better? - HouseholdAir These filters are installed in two air handling units (AHUs) in the Delaware Biotechnology Institute. "@type": "Question", These air filters are great for people with pets. While it is true that the more resistance to the flow of air results in a greater drop in air pressure on the other side of the filter, it isnt always true that higher MERV means higher pressure drop. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. Tankless Water Heater Breaker Size Calculator: What Size Breaker? Air Filter MERV Ratings - Guide for MERV 8, 11 & 13 | Air Filters, Inc. 0.3-1.0 m Firing Ranges. In case you havent heard of MERV before, it stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. Since MERV 13 filters (https://www.rpfedder.com/filtration/merv-13-filters/) are on the higher end of the rating scale, they can be susceptible to excessive pressure drop. For reference, a typical dust particle is between .2 and 8 microns, while pollen starts at 7 microns and can get up to 70 microns in size. MERV ratings Archives - Pure Air Systems These filters capture particles at 10.0 microns in size, including pollen, dust mites, and carpet fibers. A numerical chart with values from one through 20 from 1 to 20 measures how effectively the filter stops dust and other contaminants from merv merv rated merv rating merv ratings merv stands minimum efficiency reporting value microparticle performance rating mpr minimum efficiency reporting value mpr mpr ratings range from 1 20 rated rating ratings signify an air filter's effectiveness at reducing airborne particles and contaminants standard 52 5 minimum the minimum efficiency reporting value. LakeAir Commercial units have the ability to incorporate a MERV 14 High capacity media filter. MERV stands for "Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value" and is a system used to determine how efficiently an air filter can clean the air in your home with each use. This has resulted in confusion and apprehension on the part of the homeowner who wants to provide good quality indoor air, but not at the expense of that expensive HVAC system. We do not recommend M 12 or higher 13 filters. Resistance is measured in inches water gauge (w.g.) If your facility needs to upgrade to MERV 13+, R.P. MERV10, MERV 13, and MERV16) Pressure Drop Chart Static Pressures at variable CFM (in W.C.) Filter Number = 410 (MERV10), 413 (MERV 13), 416 (MERV16) CFM 400 = .03, .05, .07 CFM 800 = .07, .10, .13 It also shows air filter efficiency levels. It shows particle size ranges. "@type": "Answer", They are washable. But lets start with what kind of particles are between 0.3 and 10 microns: Lets look at examples of two filters with 10 MERV and 14 MERV ratings. Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, or MERVs, report a filter's ability to capture larger particles between 0.3 and 10 microns (m). air). Do High-MERV Filters Always Reduce Air Flow? The MEGApleat M9 filter is the longest-lasting and strongest MERV 9 pleated filter on the market. The higher the MERV rating the better the filter is at trapping specific types of particles. It is measured in Pascals in the SI system. The good news is that institutions and other commercial/industrial facilities can take steps to lower their operating costs by adjusting their air filter strategy, namely by using higher quality filters to save money in the long run. "name": "How does filter pressure drop affect flow rate? And MERV-13* is practically where you want to be. According to this paper, there's a well established connection between higher concentrations of particles in outdoor air and poor health outcomes, so it would make sense that filtering these particles out of indoor air could lead to better health outcomes. Comparing Filters for Resistance and Efficiency - Tex-Air Filters Check your filter at least once a month for dust buildup. As a filter traps and gathers airborne contaminants the filters pressure drop increases and air flow decreases. Click the button below to get your discount ! It's a nationally controlled and governed rating system established by ASHRAE and is the most widely used ratings for most US-based filter brands. Why High-Performance Furnace Filters May Ruin the Blower Filters with a (M) value 5 through 8 remove finer dust particles. MERV Rating:MERV is the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value - The gist of MERV is a measurement of the smallest (minimum) particles a filter will effectively (efficiency) remove when tested - with test results that are verifiable and reportable (reporting value). Best Merv 16 Furnace and Air Conditioner Air Filter 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. This depends on a variety of factors, including the type of air filters you have, the size of your home, the number of people in your household, the presence of pets, and your own personal preferences. While its helpful to know something about the relationship between MERV and pressure drop, it isnt generally something that you should lose any sleep over. Here is a list of the best air purifiers; the best ones have to have filters with as high MERV rating as possible. However, if you are trying to filter out COVID-19 virus, they call for a MERV 13 or as high as your system can accommodate. The minimum efficiency reporting value, is a number from 1 to 16 that is relative to an air filter's efficiency based upon particle size. A thicker filter of the same MERV as a thinner one will usually have a larger face area, a lower resistance to air flow, and less pressure drop. ", A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. The higher the pressure drop the more restrictive the filter is to air flow. FPR 10 is the same as MERV Ratings 13; MPR vs. MERV Air Filter Ratings. air), Sensible Heat (BTU/hr) = 1.1 x CFM x t (std. But before you update the filter, make sure it's specific. The final pressure drop/final resistance is measured when the filter has reached its total dust holding capacity and is ready to be replaced. ASHRAEdeveloped the MERV air filter efficiency rating system. Surface area of the filter. },{ Contaminant Size Intervals. He holds an HVAC associate degree from Lone Star College and EPA & R-410A Certifications. AFI Replacements (Air Bear, Honeywell, Trane), Poly Anti-Microbial Tackified 1 Inch Media 10oz, Poly Dry / Dry Tackified 2 Inch Media 15oz, Twist-Lock Cylindrical Cartridges for Pneuma Pulse, Flange-Top Cylindrical Cartridge for Farr Tenkay, Conical Cartridge for Donaldson GDX & GDS, Cylindrical Cartridge for Donaldson GDX & GDS, HEPA Crank-Lock Housing 2 Inch Pre-Filter, HEPA Crank-Lock Housing 4 Inch Pre-Filter, 2020 Air Filters, Inc. All rights reserved. MERV 8 vs MERV 11 Air Filters: Which Should I Use? | FilterBuy ", Get Started With a New Filtration Strategy. Just make the filter bigger and you get a lower pressure drop. } The higher the pressure drop the more restrictive the filter is to air flow. MERV, which is an acronym for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, is a rating system that was developed by ASHRAE (the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers). What Is an Air Filter MERV Rating and Why Is It Important This will NEVER affect our opinion of a product or service! JavaScript appears to be disabled on this computer. } The pressure drop across an air filter will determine how negatively the filter affects airflow. What MERV filter is recommended for preventing the transmission of airborne illnesses such as COVID-19? Use this rating system compare filters made by different manufacturers. Get more great content like this sent to your inbox. Pressure drop describes what happens when air pressure is decreased from one section in an HVAC system to another section downstream. What is interesting is that youll rarely see MERV rating in an air purifier specification sheet. Take it out and run the system for a couple minutes. "@type": "Answer", Particle filtration can lower the concentration of infectious airborne particles that spread many communicable illnesses, which is why some models suggest that it can "substantially decrease the portion of disease transmission caused by these small particles. 3M Pro Series Residential Air Cleaning Filters 4" and 5" filters last up to 6 to 12 months. } Air Filter Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) Ratings | Smith Filter MERV 13 Filter Pressure Drop: Guidance for Facility Managers - R.P. Fedder It is not recommended to continue to use your filter beyond its final pressure drop point. Browse a full list of industry terms to better choose your filters. commentary on the MERV scale when it first came to light in 1987: (MERV rating) represents a quantum leap in the precision and accuracy of air purifiers. Airflow through the vents is lower: Is the new filter causing low airflow? The higher the MERV rating the more efficient the filter is at filtering out and capturing air particles and contaminants. Using MERV Ratings to Determine the Effectiveness of Industrial Dust The MERV rating is determined by the size of the particles that the air filter can remove, with the smallest particles being the most efficient at removing. "acceptedAnswer": { The higher the filtering efficiency rating (MERV rating), the higher the pressure drop. The Truth About Pleated Air Filter Pressure Drop | Second Nature Efficiency is measured by the percentage of particles captured. The following example illustrates how this can play out for a hospital investing in higher quality filters to reduce their energy and filter replacement costs. MERV17 through MERV20 filters are typically used in surgical operating rooms, clean rooms and other contexts that require absolute cleanliness. Thickness of the filter. Did you check the MERV rating to see if it is right for your system? "text": "A filters pressure drop directly corresponds to a filters air flow rate. Estimated energy savings from 5-Star filters per AHU, extrapolated to annual basis (assuming 24/7 AHU operation, 34,235 cfm airflow per AHU): ($0.463/cfm $0.575/cfm) x 34,235 cfm = $3,834 annual electric energy savings per AHU. You can also reach us by phone at (585) 288-1600 or send an email to hello@rpfedder.com to get started. Generally, filters with higher MERV ratings have less airflow. What guidelines are available to compare air cleaners? "@type": "Question", Air Filter Selection Chart | Filter Makers Weve also posted one of the popular Pick HVAC FAQ guides on Signs the Filter Needs to be Changed that addresses related topics. It can remove small particles such as dust mites, spray paint dust, carpet fibers, and pollen. When used in a multi-filter system, the pre-filters trap the dirt and large particles before the air reaches the final filters downstream, which then remove the smaller particles. "acceptedAnswer": { Dust spot efficiency is a soiling index that Products and solutions to help your business move forward. What was their secret? Higher pressure drop = less airflow . should be helpful in determining the MERV rating of the filter once the particulate size has been determined. 2. This 4 inch filter has over 60 square feet of synthetic dirt grabbing fibers. This also means that as the MERV rating goes up, the more particles and contaminants the filter can capture. MERV vs. HEPA Filters - Which Is Better and Why? - Ice Energy "acceptedAnswer": { The dirty MERV-8 filters had lower pressure drops than the clean MERV-13s. Below is a chart comparing the pressure drop of standard 20X24X1 MERV8, 11, and 13 at 1000 CFM. When choosing a filter, remember that airflow (pressure drop) is just as important to consider as filtration (MERV rating). These particles could hurt health and productivity. Most manufacturers recommend ratings of 0.5 or lower for the IWC test. MERV Rating Chart Understanding MERV Ratings All filters have a MERV rating that falls between 1 and 16. This often coincides with a higher MERV rating; however, this also means that the filter is slightly more restrictive and the airflow rate through the filter is lower. Heres the definition of what that actually means: Definition: HEPA filter is a mechanical filter that must remove 99.97% (according to U.S. DOE) of particles whose average size is equal to 0.3 microns. The MERV scale ranges from 1 to 20, and on the lower end of the scale MERV 1 filtration can capture particles as small as 10 microns with 65% efficiency, and on the higher end of the scale MERV 20 filtrations can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns with 95% efficiency. On the other hand, a merv 13 filter can sift all the particles that a. . PICKHVAC Terms of Use: Some of the products seen on our site are delivered through a relationship with outside suppliers like Networx.com, Google, and others. MERV Rating Chart | R.P. Fedder We recommendMERV 11 filtersas our better air filter. "text": "The pressure drop of a filter is a measure of its resistance to airflow through it. Comparative Tests on Pressure Drop of HVAC Filters What if they cause too much pressure drop? ", The health benefits of particle filtration are proportional to "the reduction in total exposure to particles less than 2.5 m in diameter. What is a MERV rating? | US EPA The amount of E1, E2 and E3 dust particles that are captured and missed is calculated. The truth is, there are many differences between HVAC filters that make statements like these tantamount to comparing apples with oranges they are both fruits, but thats where the similarities end. This one of the main reasons why it is so important to check, change, and clean your air filter every month to help ensure your air filters pressure drop does not get too high and cause strain on your air conditioner/handler. What Are MERV Ratings? MERV vs MERV-A Filter Efficiency Ratings "@type": "Question", This is one way a higher MERV filter can have a lower pressure drop than one with a lower MERV rating. MERV means Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) and is an industry standard that measures the overall effectiveness of air filters. Weve got em. As dirt and debris gets trapped by the filter, there is less space for air to pass through, causing the pressure drop to rise throughout the filters life. "@type": "Question", Will it burn up your HVAC system? Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, or MERVs, report a filter's ability to capture larger particles between 0.3 and 10 microns (m). When youre buying an air purifier for a specific purpose, you need to know how big the air contaminants youre looking to remove are. Typically, the higher the MERV rating, the higher the pressure drop and the more restrictive the air flow is. Below is a chart comparing the pressure drop of standard 20X24X1 MERV8, 11, and 13 at 1000 CFM. This results in lower air pressure on the side of the filter from which the air exits. Different Air Filter Ratings: FPR vs. MERV vs. MPR | FilterBuy PDF Pressure Drop Detailed Pressure Drop for 4" and 5" filters ; This scale addresses particles that scope in size from 0.3 to 10 micrometers. Hi Nash, ASHRAE 52.2 is the source of all MERV effectiveness data. Thanks for any clarity. Our filtration specialists can help you determine the right air filter strategy for your facility. This method tests Air-Cleaning Devices for dust removal efficiency. Upgrade your filter to a MERV 13 rated air filter to protect your home or business from the spread of viruses and illnesses.