The Minimum Efficiency Report Value (MERV) rating for an air filter measures how effectively the filter prevents dust and other contaminants from passing through the filter into the air stream. Filters with higher MERV ratings trap small particles more effectively than filters with lower MERV ratings. A MERV 11 air filter has a higher efficiency rating, meaning it can capture finer particles and remove more pollutants from the air. But is MERV 11 too tall for your needs? MERV 9-12 Rating A Merv 9 will trap less than 50% of particles of size 1.0-3.0 microns, MERV 10 will stop up to 64%, MERV 11 will get up to 79%, and MERV 12 is capable of trapping up to 89%.
The MERV 11 filter is best for pet owners and people living with certain health conditions, such as mild allergies and mild asthma. It offers more filtration for cleaner air than the Merv 8, but it doesn't filter as much as the MERV 13 (the highest option suggested for residential use). Some air filters, especially those with higher MERV ratings, may prevent airflow due to improved air filtration. There are other rating systems, such as MPR, but they are often used only with a specific brand or on limited products and therefore it is less useful when you want to compare one product to another, and it is also less reliable compared to the MERV rating system.
While Merv 8 is known to be effective at filtering contaminants such as pollen, dust mites, sawdust, mold spores, and lint from the air, higher MERV ratings will clean the air even more. MERV, MPR, and FPR sorting systems consist of a range of numbers that represent filtration efficiency based on the micron size you can filter. Since a high MERV rating means more particles will be removed from the air, you may first think about using only air filters with the highest MERV rating. In general, filters with a MERV 16 rating or lower are considered HVAC system grade filters for residential, commercial, and general hospital use.
The MERV scale ranges from 1 to 20, and at the lower end of the scale, MERV 1 filtration can capture particles as small as 10 microns with 65% efficiency, and at the upper end of the scale, MERV 20 filtrations can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns with 95% efficiency. One thing to keep in mind is that a MERV 11 air filter may need to be changed a little more often than a Merv 8 air filter. All air filters or ovens in the U. S. The U.
has a MERV rating, which is the only nationally regulated rating system for air filters.
MERV 5 — Merv 8 filters
provide good filtration and will remove most pollen, mold spores and dust mites. Basically, the higher the MERV rating, the greater the air filtration capabilities of a particular filter. Filter King offers a hassle-free MERV 11 air filter subscription service, so you never forget to replace your air filters. When it comes to choosing an air filter for your home or business, it's important to consider both your needs and budget. If you're looking for an effective way to improve indoor air quality without breaking the bank, then a Merv 8 or Merv 11 filter may be your best option.Both offer good filtration capabilities that can help reduce allergens in your home or office space while still allowing adequate airflow through your HVAC system.
