MERV vs HEPA This article outlines the MERV "Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value" … HEPA Filter. Most residential air filters have a MERV value between 1 and 16. Which one is right for you? It is determined by testing a filter's performance when exposed to particles of a known size in the air stream. If you need more than just a basic filer, ask about upgrades that support HEPA filters. Generally, HEPA filters require an additional fan to filter the air. Volatile organic compounds are commonly released into the air when using household cleaning products and are extremely harmful to your health. Without adequate filtration, you’ll end up with high amounts of airborne contaminants like: Of course, not all filters are created equal. 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. MERV 11 furnace filters are designed to keep your air clean and your family (or coworkers) healthy. Ratings of 15-20 can filter many viruses. No, it can’t. The method PECO filters use to pull particles from the air can catch incredibly small items. 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. Some particles naturally adhere to the fibers when they hit, while others get trapped by the curved contours of the fibers. 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. Some filters have a static electrical charge applied to the media to increase particle removal. MERV stands for minimum efficiency reporting value. HEPA filter is the best as it is essentially a top tier MERV 17 to 20 ratings that surpassed even a MERV 16 filter. MERV vs. HEPA: How Air Filters Work. Filters rated between 17 and 20 are High Efficiency Particulate Arresting (HEPA) filters that are used primarily in medical facilities and laboratories. Surprisingly, the 4-inch Filtrete 1550 (MERV 12) was only marginally better than the 1-inch Filtrete 1700 (also MERV 12) and the two other MERV 11 filters of the same brand (1000 and 1085). HEPA filters meet standards that remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles down to the size of 0.3 microns. "Everything handled with professionalism, care and good cheer." 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). "Microparticles are not even measured on the MERV scale until it reaches MERV 11." What is HEPA? Consider filters with high ratings if you suffer from an illness that makes it harder for your immune system to fight viruses. In the end, the decision of which filter to get will come down to your own specific needs. The truthful statement is, "Filters with a MERV rating below 11 have lower than 20% capture efficiency between 0.3 and 1.0 microns." If you want it to filter even VOCs (volatile organic compounds), your filter needs a rating of 13-17. The remaining particles are trapped when they are forced to collide with gas molecules in the filter. HEPA filters are commonly thought to be the best of the best when it comes to HVAC air filters. The higher the MERV, the more efficient the air filter is at removing particles. They effectively destroy airborne particles and are extremely energy-efficient. At 3M, we believe MERV only tells part of the story. 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. How Hard Is It to Install a C-Wire for a Smart Thermostat? Can an Air Purifier Remove Dust From Your Gretna, LA, Home’s Air. of Energy). As air moves through a building’s HVAC system, air filters trap and collect large and small particles such as dust, allergens and microorganisms. Of the two MERV 8 Flanders filters tested, the 2-inch Pre-pleat performed marginally better than the 1-inch NaturalAire. Website Design and Internet Marketing By Ryno Strategic Solutions. True HEPA rated air filters have a MERV of 17-20. -Steve S. 1310 S Myrtle Ave 340 products. MERV rated filters are typically used in air conditioning systems, including systems found in most homes. -Sally M. "Wonderful job. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. 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. They will range from 17-20 MERV. All air filters are designed to remove dust from the indoor air. Here is a handy guide from Wikipedia: HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters enjoy a generally positive view with consumers. 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. However, if someone in your home suffers from allergies, you probably want to go with a MERV 13. You will need to choose the right type based on your needs. The average strand of hair on your head is about 45 microns. 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. 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. At the lower end of the efficiency spectrum a fiberglass or polyester panel filter may have a MERV … Disposable pleated high MERV filters (11 to 13 MERV): High-efficiency filters can trap 0.3 micron particles like bacteria and some viruses. New Guide ... MERV is an acronym for "Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value". I need some more thought though to … Filters with a MERV rating of 13 to 17 are normally used in hospitals and nursing homes. It is an acronym for "high efficiency particulate air [filter]" (as officially defined by the U.S. Dept. What a value." A PECO filter mightmake a difference, but only in a limited way. The Covid-19 diameter is around 0.1 micron. Air circulating through your home passes through the device and then reenters the rooms in a purified state. High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are more efficient than MERV 16 filters. A MERV 11 filter only needs to stop 20% of particles in the 0.3 to 1.0 micron (three to ten times bigger than a COVID-19 particle), a MERV 12 only needs to stop 35% of particles under 0.3 micron, and a MERV 13 only needs to stop half. The standard rating system for filters is called Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV. This means one filter with a MERV rating of 14 may be able to remove volatile organic compounds, while a different filter with the same rating may not be able to achieve this same level of filtration. We understand that homeowners and families want to stay safe—we do, too—so we encourage any customers with additional questions or concerns to give us a call at (504) 208-2071. 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. 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. The filter in your HVAC system removes impurities from the indoor air. They are ideal for removing bacteria from the air. 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. © 2021 Copyright General Heating & Air Conditioning. TAMPA, Fla. — The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers and the CDC recommend MERV 13 filters in schools, buildings and homes. MERV 11 Air Filters. Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value - MERV. Generally, a MERV rating of 5-8 can remove dust mites, pollen and other allergens. Two to five inch thick versions of these filters fit in box-like housings mounted onto the air handler and can last up to one year. While many factors affect air quality, filtration is definitely one of the most important. Minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) is a method of stating a filter's efficiency. Even if the virus is captured, it would likely survive for some time. If no one in your home has respiratory problems, or airborne particles are not a particular concern, you can use a basic filter. -TY W. "Excellent and courteous service. (626) 531-0022. 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. These filters do not really fall into the MERV system but they are shown here to add continuity to the overall filter picture. Speak with an HVAC specialist to determine what kind of filter you can use with your system. HEPA and ULPA filters are represented in the 17 through 20 ratings. You’ll see that HEPA air filters are usually rated from 15-20 on the MERV scale. Many New Jersey homeowners ask us about MERV ratings, especially when it comes to choosing between MERV 8 and MERV 11 air filters. Visit our website or give us a call at 504-208-2071 for more information. Bryans United is a home service company, but we’re also local community members ourselves, and like you have been monitoring the evolving news regarding COVID-19. This is not to say that MERV filters are poor quality in reality they are more than adequate for the needs of most homeowners. In most households, a MERV 11 filter provides enough purification to keep the home healthy. This means the blower on your HVAC equipment has to work harder to push air through the filter and therefore uses more energy. A filter with a MERV rating of eight to 16 can remove these pollutants from the air. Only use a HEPA filter if your HVAC system is compatible. They can trap airborne contaminants that are as small as 0.3 microns in diameter. 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. “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. The estimated MERV filter got to 11.13 PM2.5 after 60 minutes, and eventually got to 8.9 after 2 hours. MERV means Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. (440) 973-8119 HEPA, or High Efficiency Particulate Air filters, are designed for applications where contaminants must be trapped on the first go round. All filters have a MERV rating. This helps to reduce allergy and asthma symptoms and helps to keep your home cleaner. The higher the MERV rating the better the filter is at trapping specific types of particles. To qualify for this designation, a filter must remove 99.97 percent of pollutants from the air. This means your HVAC system needs to be compatible with a HEPA filter, or it will not work effectively. This makes it 63% higher at the 60 minute mark, and 30% higher after 2 hours. Before you purchase your next HVAC filter, make sure you understand how it affects your indoor air quality and energy efficiency. Remember that the air in your home is recirculated, so the same air will pass through your filter multiple times each day. Spreadsheet Simulation: MERV 13 vs HEPA. Finer filtration is a characteristic to look for when choosing an air filter for your home. A MERV Rating of 10 excels as one of the best-quality air filters for residential HVAC systems. All Content Copyright © 2021 Bryans United Air Conditioning | Privacy Policy | Accessibility Statement | Sitemap. This can be pet allergies, pollen allergies, or even allergies to mold and dust. MPR (Microparticle Rating) is a rating system that includes microscopic particles not visible to the naked eye. 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. Just be sure to remember that the higher the MERV rating, the better the filtration. These filters remove at least 99.97% of dust particle and are capable of removing viruses and radioactive material. HEPA is a type of pleated mechanical air filter. Man do I ever hate marketing. A filter with a MERV rating of five to eight will effectively remove a variety of allergens from the air, including dust mites and pollen. These levels of filters are used in hospitals to stop the spread of disease-causing organisms. 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. 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 … They will vary from one brand to the next. HEPA filters are commonly thought to be the best of the best when it comes to HVAC air filters. For reference, a typical dust particle is between .2 and 8 microns, while pollen starts at 7 … on time and on budget." Bryans United Air Conditioning specializes in a variety of HVAC services, including indoor air quality improvement. It is the standard that all air filters are rated through their process and effectiveness. This can increase your energy bills and put extra strain on your system. Higher "MERV" means higher filter efficiency. Most residential HVAC filters carry MERV ratings. Monrovia, CA 91016 Many HVAC companies and distributors offer filters with a MERV rating between one and 20. MERV or HEPA filters: Which Is Better? A filter with a high MERV rating is especially recommended for homes with allergy and asthma sufferers. All Rights Reserved. This rating describes how effectively the filters remove particles and allergens like pet dander, dust, and pollen from the air. HEPA filters can capture up to 99.7 percent of all contaminants 0.3 microns or greater using a dense mat of fibers arranged in a specific configuration. What Are HEPA Filters? HEPA, or High Efficiency Particulate Air filters, are designed for applications where contaminants must be trapped on the first go round. What Is a HEPA Filter? For example, you wouldn’t want viruses circulating in the air in a hospital, so the facility would probably be equipped with HEPA filtration. 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. 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. 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. Installing a new unit is an excellent way to achieve improved ventilation and optimum filtration. 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. Media filters, HEPA filters, electronic air cleaners and UV lights have been proven to help improve the quality of air. 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. Filters with high ratings can even remove biological growth, car fumes, and smoke. (Per the EPA) HEPA and MERV filters are usually not the same. Great price too! This high particle capture rate comes at a cost HEPA filters present more resistance to air flow than MERV filters. This means one filter with a MERV rating of 14 may be able to remove volatile organic compounds, while a different filter with the same rating may not be able to achieve this same level of filtration. Website Design and Internet Marketing By Ryno Strategic Solutions. 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. A customer for life! 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