This rating describes how effectively the filters remove particles and allergens like pet dander, dust, and pollen from the air. This is not to say that MERV filters are poor quality in reality they are more than adequate for the needs of most homeowners. However, if someone in your home suffers from allergies, you probably want to go with a MERV 13. It is important to understand that MERV values are not standard. Considering how much time the average American spends indoors, having good indoor air quality is no doubt important, both for your health and for your comfort. What Is a HEPA Filter? You will need to choose the right type based on your needs. Generally, HEPA filters require an additional fan to filter the air. Only use a HEPA filter if your HVAC system is compatible. According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), this filtration helps provide healthier indoor air quality.A filter's MERV number indicates how it's rated to remove these particles. MPR (Microparticle Rating) is a rating system that includes microscopic particles not visible to the naked eye. This high particle capture rate comes at a cost HEPA filters present more resistance to air flow than MERV filters. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, or MERVs, report a filter’s ability to capture larger particles between 0.3 and 10 microns (µm). An air purifier can combat other causes of respiratory problems and improve the overall air quality in your home, but a standard HEPA filter can’t capture and destroy something as small as a virus. Filters rated between 17 and 20 are High Efficiency Particulate Arresting (HEPA) filters that are used primarily in medical facilities and laboratories. The truthful statement is, "Filters with a MERV rating below 11 have lower than 20% capture efficiency between 0.3 and 1.0 microns." Also unlike HEPA, MERV tests measure particulates of different sizes, from 0.3 micron (very small and difficult to filter—the size HEPA tests measure) up … If no one in your home has respiratory problems, or airborne particles are not a particular concern, you can use a basic filter. They will vary from one brand to the next. It is the standard that all air filters are rated through their process and effectiveness. All filters have a MERV rating. The higher the MERV rating the better the filter is at trapping specific types of particles. HEPA Filter. Bryans United Air Conditioning specializes in a variety of HVAC services, including indoor air quality improvement. Similarly, if a building's HVAC system can't handle an extremely efficient filter like a HEPA or a MERV 13, then install the best filter that the system can handle. While many factors affect air quality, filtration is definitely one of the most important. Ratings of 15-20 can filter many viruses. Filters with a MERV rating of 13 to 17 are normally used in hospitals and nursing homes. Air circulating through your home passes through the device and then reenters the rooms in a purified state. Consider filters with high ratings if you suffer from an illness that makes it harder for your immune system to fight viruses. MERV 11 Air Filters. These levels of filters are used in hospitals to stop the spread of disease-causing organisms. Volatile organic compounds are commonly released into the air when using household cleaning products and are extremely harmful to your health. Most residential air filters have a MERV value between 1 and 16. They can trap airborne contaminants that are as small as 0.3 microns in diameter. How Hard Is It to Install a C-Wire for a Smart Thermostat? Some filters have a static electrical charge applied to the media to increase particle removal. HEPA filter can capture a minimum of 99.97% impurities in the air as small as 0.3 microns VS MERV 16 filter that captures >95% of particles from 0.3 to 1.0 microns. MERV vs. HEPA: How Air Filters Work. Disposable pleated high MERV filters (11 to 13 MERV): High-efficiency filters can trap 0.3 micron particles like bacteria and some viruses. Here’s what we tell them: Think of MERV 8 filters as a “good” option, and MERV 11 filters as the “better” option for normal residential use. While MERV ratings reflect a filter's ability to trap both microscopic and macroscopic particles, MPR ratings only grade a filter on its capacity to remove particles from 0.3 to 1 microns. Website Design and Internet Marketing By Ryno Strategic Solutions. The standard rating system for filters is called Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV. Finer filtration is a characteristic to look for when choosing an air filter for your home. HEPA, or High Efficiency Particulate Air filters, are designed for applications where contaminants must be trapped on the first go round. MERV 11 furnace filters are designed to keep your air clean and your family (or coworkers) healthy. Minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) is a method of stating a filter's efficiency. Knowing the difference between MERV and HEPA filters will help you to select the option that is appropriate for your home in St. Rose, Louisiana. When you want the best possible air filter for your home, microparticles matter most — they make up 99% of the particles that are in the air. © 2021 Copyright General Heating & Air Conditioning. MERV means Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The estimated MERV filter got to 11.13 PM2.5 after 60 minutes, and eventually got to 8.9 after 2 hours. You’ll see that HEPA air filters are usually rated from 15-20 on the MERV scale. They are ideal for removing bacteria from the air. The higher the MERV, the more efficient the air filter is at removing particles. Speak with an HVAC specialist to determine what kind of filter you can use with your system. In most cases, you can strike a good balance between air cleanliness and HVAC efficiency with a MERV-rated filter. They effectively destroy airborne particles and are extremely energy-efficient. This rating system is defined in an ASHRAE standard (52.2), which specifies the performance required to meet each MERV level and the testing required. Before you purchase your next HVAC filter, make sure you understand how it affects your indoor air quality and energy efficiency. HEPA and ULPA filters are represented in the 17 through 20 ratings. Many New Jersey homeowners ask us about MERV ratings, especially when it comes to choosing between MERV 8 and MERV 11 air filters. This makes it 63% higher at the 60 minute mark, and 30% higher after 2 hours. Filters with high ratings can even remove biological growth, car fumes, and smoke. At 3M, we believe MERV only tells part of the story. HVAC filters with a rating of 15 to 20 are meant to be used in residential and commercial structures where there is a strong concern about the potential spread of viruses. After several rounds, each of which captures up to 75 percent of airborne particles, your air will get plenty clean, without requiring the extra energy that HEPA filtration would. HEPA is a type of pleated mechanical air filter. A filter with a MERV rating of 13 to 16 is considered a high-ranking MERV filter and can remove up to 75 percent of all airborne particles 0.3 microns or greater from the air. Our employees and technicians are taking additional precautions before, during, and after each of our appointments, and we are regularly reviewing our company-wide health and safety protocols to follow the latest recommendations from professional health organizations. The method PECO filters use to pull particles from the air can catch incredibly small items. Spreadsheet Simulation: MERV 13 vs HEPA. Many HVAC companies and distributors offer filters with a MERV rating between one and 20. A MERV Rating of 10 excels as one of the best-quality air filters for residential HVAC systems. For reference, a typical dust particle is between .2 and 8 microns, while pollen starts at 7 … on time and on budget." All air filters are designed to remove dust from the indoor air. Generally, a MERV rating of 5-8 can remove dust mites, pollen and other allergens. They will range from 17-20 MERV. Some particles naturally adhere to the fibers when they hit, while others get trapped by the curved contours of the fibers. For example, you wouldn’t want viruses circulating in the air in a hospital, so the facility would probably be equipped with HEPA filtration. Remember that the air in your home is recirculated, so the same air will pass through your filter multiple times each day. What a value." In most households, a MERV 11 filter provides enough purification to keep the home healthy. These filters remove at least 99.97% of dust particle and are capable of removing viruses and radioactive material. The MERV rating on an air filter describes its efficiency as a means of reducing the level of 0.3 to 10 micron-sized particles in air which passes through the filter. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. Man do I ever hate marketing. HEPA filter is the best as it is essentially a top tier MERV 17 to 20 ratings that surpassed even a MERV 16 filter. A filter with a high MERV rating is especially recommended for homes with allergy and asthma sufferers. (440) 973-8119 A PECO filter mightmake a difference, but only in a limited way. This means your HVAC system needs to be compatible with a HEPA filter, or it will not work effectively. It is determined by testing a filter's performance when exposed to particles of a known size in the air stream. Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value - MERV. It is an acronym for "high efficiency particulate air [filter]" (as officially defined by the U.S. Dept. MERV or HEPA filters: Which Is Better? HEPA filters are commonly thought to be the best of the best when it comes to HVAC air filters. To qualify for this designation, a filter must remove 99.97 percent of pollutants from the air. As air moves through a building’s HVAC system, air filters trap and collect large and small particles such as dust, allergens and microorganisms. This can increase your energy bills and put extra strain on your system. Visit our website or give us a call at 504-208-2071 for more information. In the end, the decision of which filter to get will come down to your own specific needs. An HVAC system that’s not compatible with a HEPA filter will not operate efficiently since it will have to try to generate enough power to move air through the filter. All Rights Reserved. The average strand of hair on your head is about 45 microns. (Per the EPA) HEPA and MERV filters are usually not the same. HEPA vs High Efficiency Air Filters: As a quick side-note to summarize these filters, there are many people throughout the industry that call these higher MERV filters “HEPA” filters – and they are not. Great price too! When I say it's the "standard" rating system, I mean it. “The MERV 11 air filters remove a higher percentage of contaminants in the air that will increase indoor air quality and maintain the efficiency of the HVAC unit. A filter with a MERV rating of eight to 16 can remove these pollutants from the air. Most residential HVAC filters carry MERV ratings. What is HEPA? HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air filters and they are super-efficient. New Guide ... MERV is an acronym for "Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value". Use this type of filter if you or someone in your home suffers from a chronic illness that weakens the immune system. Choose the size you need – we have standard, uncommon, and custom sizes available for your convenience – and the package bundle that works best for you. (626) 531-0022. What Are HEPA Filters? HEPA filters are commonly thought to be the best of the best when it comes to HVAC air filters. The Definition of A "HEPA" rated air filter: a HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air [Filter] or better put, High Efficiency Particulate Arresting [Filter]) has to meet more demanding US DOE standards than a high MERV air filter. High ratings if you or someone in your home suffers from allergies, you probably want go. Can use with your system us about MERV ratings, especially when it comes to air. Adequate for the needs of most homeowners spread of disease-causing organisms offer filters with MERV! 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