The MERV rating is an initial for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values. It refers to the ability of a filter to trap particles ranging in different sizes, from 0.3 to10 microns (µm). Using MERV rating helps you compare and understand how different filters perform.
The American Society of Heating develops the rating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) to guide buying of air filters. MERV is the industry standard despite the model that you may have selected.
About the MERV 13 air filter
The MERV 13 filter is one of the 20-scale ratings on the MERV chart. It falls at the 13th position as the number signals and is often considered a viable option for most homes and commercial setups.
Some of the MERV 13 air filter applications include in homes to filter particulates and viruses, superior commercial buildings, general surgery, final filters, and hospital inpatient care.
A filter with this rating can trap particles of 0.3 to 1.0 microns. Some of the particles that may not pass through are:
- Mold/spores
- Dust lint
- Coal dust
- Tobacco smoke
- Bacteria
- Auto fumes
- Cement dust
- Lead dust
- Sanding dust
- Dust mites
- Carpet fibers
- Face powder
- Copier toner
- Insecticide dust
- Sneeze nuclei
- Pet dander
Choosing the 20x20x1 air filter MERV 13 may work to your advantage, especially concerning energy efficiency. That’s because the filter does the work without unnecessarily putting a strain on your energy bills. Going for a filter with a very high rating may increase your energy costs without seeing the value of the money invested in the system. A typical filter with decent energy use ranges between 8 to 13. HVAC systems may come pre-installed with MERV 8 rating filters, but most people change these to MERV 13 when they want effective filtration.
Is a higher rating always better?
As you choose the filter to use in your living spaces or commercial setup, you may be tempted to assume that a higher rating is always better. However, that is far from the truth. Manufacturers even advise that using a MERV rating higher than what you need may impair its performance.
Highly rated filters have smaller pores which normally create resistance to airflow. Using the filter in an HVAC system that cannot handle this resistance would lead to poor system performance, decreased air quality, and strain on the system fan.
You need to understand your requirements so that you choose the right air filter for you. The MERV 13 filter meets the average person’s filtration needs.
How MERV rating affects air quality
The MERV rating of your filter directly relates to the air quality in your indoors. If the outdoor air has a high concentration of particles, these can make it to the indoors if not filtered. A filter rating such as MERV 13 can help trap most of these particles, maintaining good indoor air quality. As a result, the occupants enjoy better health outcomes.
MERV-rated filters reduce the concentration of airborne particles within your living spaces. These particles can spread infectious illnesses if allowed to pass through the HVAC system.
