MERV, short for Minimum Efficiency Rating Value, measures the effectiveness of an air filter. The higher the rating, the better the filter can capture dust, debris, and pollutants. The purpose of the MERV rating scale is to evaluate a filter’s ability to improve indoor air quality.
MERV Rating Scale
The MERV scale typically ranges from 1 to 16, with higher ratings indicating finer filtration and greater particle removal ability.
|
MERV Scale |
Filter Efficiency |
What It Captures |
|
MERV 1-5 |
Low |
Large particles – lint, dust mites |
|
MERV 6-9 |
Low |
Pollen, mold spores, dust, lint, dust mites |
|
MERV 10-12 |
Medium |
Bacteria, fungi, pet dander, pollen, mold spores, dust, lint, dust mites |
|
MERV 13-16 |
High |
Fine particles (0.3–1 micron), including viruses, smoke, and smog. |
- MERV 1-5 Filters: They have very low efficiency and can only filter out large, coarse particles.
- MERV 6-9 Filters: They also have low-efficiency but provide a budget-friendly option. These filters can capture some of the indoor allergens, such as dust, pollen, and pet dander.
- MERV 10-12 Filters: Offering medium efficiency, they provide better filtration of common household particles.
- MERV 13-16 Filters: These filters are high-efficiency and can capture the fine particles between 0.3 and 1 micron in size. In addition to dust, dander, mold, bacteria, they can also capture viruses, smoke, and smog.
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Choosing the Right MERV Rating for Your Home
Selecting the right MERV-rated filter depends on your HVAC system’s capability and your indoor air quality needs. While higher-rated filters capture more pollutants, there are certain considerations to keep in mind.
- Type of HVAC System: Higher MERV-rated filters restrict airflow and are not suitable for all types of systems. Check your unit specifications before upgrading your filter.
- Respiratory Issues in Your Household: A MERV rating of 9-12 is required if someone in your home has allergies or respiratory issues, such as asthma.
- Air Quality in Your Area: If you live in a highly polluted or humid area, choose a filter with an MERV rating between 10 and 13.