Whether you are looking for a furnace filter the word MERV or HEPA will pop out. Filters with higher MERV ratings trap small particles more effectively than filters with lower MERV ratings. The air filter rating ranges from 1-20 in the … In this post, we are going to end the confusion and explore everything about MERV. The Ultimate air conditioning Filter Comparison: MERV vs HEPA. At 3M, we believe MERV only tells part of the story. I assume this means it will have half the airflow for the same fan. HEPA filters are not reflected on the MERV rating scale because they exceed the testing requirements set forth by ASHRAE 52.2. The remaining airborne particles will be trapped when they collide with other molecules in the filter. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are more efficient than MERV 16 filters. In long-run, the wrong filter setup can increase your electricity bills, put extra strain on the system, and eventually damage the HVAC system due to the increased pressure. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. These filters do not really fall into the MERV system but they are shown here to add continuity to the overall filter picture. Let alone knowing what filters they have in their unit. According to the EPA, indoor air is two to five times worse than the air outdoors. So, what’s better, MERV or HEPA? A complete guide to air filters and MERV ratings. my name is Bryan Power and I have put together this website along with a small team of reviewers. All HEPA filters are tested and certified to be at least 99.97% efficiency in removing particles as small as 0.3 microns. Filters with MERVs between 9 and 16 have less variation; they all remove 85 percent or more of airborne contaminants with one exception: Filters with MERVs between 13 and 16 also clear the air of bacteria. In general, manufacturers of HEPA filters market their products to allergy and asthma patients. The Ultimate air conditioning Filter Comparison: MERV vs HEPA. LakeAir Products. From dust to viruses, the sanctity of your home is plagued by all sorts of particles and microorganisms that, when inhaled, can destabilize your immune system, affect the respiratory system, and even your cardiovascular health. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Since the efficiency of these filters often drops off over months of initial use, a MERV A value, if available, will reflect the actual minimum efficiency better than a standard MERV value. In general, manufacturers of HEPA filters market their products to allergy and asthma patients. The high-end filters can filter particles as small as 0.3 microns with 75 percent efficiency. Decide which MERV rating is best for your home and family. You will also need to find out more information about your furnace system before attempting to install a MERV or HEPA filter. Even though the MERV value is strictly performance based, you can still derive some value from the chart below, as it gives you an indicator of the limits of certain types (e.g. I assume this means it will have half the airflow for the same fan. We Offer 24/7 Service. Standard 52.5 Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value Dust Spot Efficiency Arrestance Typical Controlled Contaminant Typical Applications and Limitations Typical Air Filter/Cleaner Type 20 n/a n/a < 0.30 pm particle size Cleanrooms >99.999% eff. As the MERV 16 filters were less restrictive, provided greater airflow and cab pressurization, cost less and required less-frequent replacement than the HEPA filters, the MERV 16 filters were concluded to be the optimal choice for both the roof bolter and the face drill in this comparative-analysis case study. Heating; Air Conditioning; Indoor … HEPA and MERV filters are usually not the same. A filter with a MERV rating of 13 catches more contaminants and could be considered “better” than a MERV 8 filter. MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) is a rating assigned to distinguish between filters. ULPA : Ultra Low Penetration Air Filter CLASSIFICATION Mean Fractional Efficiency IEST RP-CC001.3 European Union EN1822 Class HEPA Filter (H Class) n/a TYPE C H11 95% at MPPS Particle size bigger than 0.3µm (Virus [unattached] (Carbon dust (Sea salt (All … MPR (Microparticle Rating) is a rating system that includes microscopic particles not visible to the naked eye. The filtering efficiency is even higher for particles larger or smaller than 0.3 microns. of Energy). MPPS : Most Penetrating Particle Size 6. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. In this sense, if you seek to remove fine dust particles from the air, you should opt for a MERV rating between 8 and 12, an estimated 70% to 85% efficiency being provided for the removal of this specific pollutant from the air by the media. Most particles will adhere to the fibers when they hit, while some get caught by the curved contours of the fibers. 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 MERV 8 filter should pick up most animal dander, but if you have 2 or more pets you may need a MERV 11 to completely eliminate those harmful particles from your home’s air. If you don’t have any allergy or respiratory illnesses, a basic MERV 5 to 8 rating filters will be sufficient in removing dust, dust mites, and pet dander after a few cycles. The long answer? Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. A MERV 8 filter can remove particles down to 3 microns in size at an efficiency of 70% or greater (1 micron is about 0.04 thousandths of an inch). HEPA is a type of pleated mechanical air filter. 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. Filter in this range can remove dust, hair, dust mites, mold, and pollen. HEPA filters are not reflected on the MERV rating scale because they exceed the testing requirements set forth by ASHRAE 52.2. The filtering efficiency is even higher for particles larger or smaller than 0.3 microns. Breathing to clean air is vital to our health and can prevent diseases from spreading. True HEPA filters with a MERV between 17 and 19 are can handle between 99.97 percent and 99.99 percent in removing 0.3 ìm particles, with a MERV of 20 being rated for 0.1 to 0.2 ìm particles. These are standards that you can use as guidance to more easily figure out the efficiency toward air pollutant reduction of a filter or system, so one is not necessarily better than the other. Zang, who has been investigating air pollution and defensive measures since at least 2014, along with others, recently investigated HVAC air filter effectiveness at filtering viral particles, selecting HVAC filtes classified as MERV 12 and higher, comparing MERV 12, MERV 13 and MERV 14 as those are … MPR measures ratings … MERV means Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. Standard Allergen 800; Superior Allergen 1100; Elite Allergen 1300; Filter Sizes; Our Filters. In general, filters with a rating of MERV 16 or below are considered to be HVAC-system-grade filters … The below table chart shows the MERV rating scale along with an average arrestance, filter type, and particle sizes a filter can capture. A HEPA filter is ranked between 17-20 MERV; the highest group in MERV ratings. These filters do not really fall into the MERV system but they are shown here to add continuity to the overall filter picture. 08 Apr. Finer filtration is a characteristic to look for when choosing an air filter for your home. 4040 Colorado Ave. Sheffield, Ohio 44054. These filters are rated on how small of a particle they can filter out of the air. As the air in your home will constantly be recirculated, having a MERV-rated filter in your HVAC system will ensure clean air can be achieved. MERV is an acronym for "Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value". What Is An Air Conditioner Filter? The numbers range from 1 to 16, and the higher the number, the better. High Efficiency Particulate Air or HEPA filters outclass even the MERV 16 filter rating. Our purpose is to help the average person choose a convenient air filter that will serve their needs. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The standard rating system for filters is called Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV. Now is the time to start caring! Ideal for a person that is suffering from asthma, chronic diseases, or a weak immune system. This … Moving on, filter with superior MERV ratings 13 to 16 are commonly used in commercial structures with a superior 75% or greater filtration to capture microscopic particles and prevent the spread of viruses. Using MERV 5-8 filters will keep your HVAC system more efficient than using higher rated filters, as long as you replace your filters regularly. A low ranking filter is rated between 1 to 4 MERV and a medium grade filter has a 5 to 12 MERV ratings. Generally, a MERV rating of 5-8 can remove dust mites, pollen and other allergens. Ratings of 15-20 can filter many viruses. A low ranking filter is rated 1-4 MERV, and medium filter falls into the 5-13 MERV range, and high-efficicency filter will range from 13 to 16 MERV. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. For a MERV filter to get close to the efficiency of a HEPA filter, it should be rated 13 minimum. During his carrier, Tobey also gathered technical input that makes him well versed in understanding advancements in modern systems, helping readers in turn to better understand how modern devices help improve life quality. This rating system is defined in an ASHRAE standard (52.2), which specifies the conditions under which the testing must be done and the performance required to meet each MERV level. MERV filters have a rating system… MERV 7, 8, 10, and so on—up to MERV 20. The starting pressure drop for a typical MERV 8 filter is 0.33 vs 0.36 for a typical MERV 13 pre-filter. Higher "MERV" means higher filter efficiency. For example, in, MERV rating is quite ample and defined so that, Test procedure is infallible and it is based on removal efficiency of differently-sized particles, the trials being performed for, Even the smallest oversight in regards to maintenance can lead to clogging, which in turn results in the fact that, For it to trap allergens, you must look into one rated 11 or higher. MERV FILTERS. Here is a handy guide from Wikipedia: The MERV Rating Scale. The quick answer is MERV is a rating system and HEPA is a type of filter. A quick comparison I did using my MERV 13 and a HEPA filter of the same m2 size (slightly different dimensions) on the same fan showed a reduction in airflow of 49.3%. A HEPA filter typically has twice the static pressure of a MERV filter. 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. Learn the difference between MERV and HEPA filter to help you decide which to go for. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Air Oasis filters within the iAdaptAir use True HEPA filtration alongside Activated Carbon. A high-efficiency filter is rated between 13 to 16 MERV. In this post, we’re going to discuss two different types of filters – MERV and HEPA – and which one is right for you! MERV rated filters are typically used in air conditioning systems, including systems found in most homes. MERV stands for minimum efficiency reporting value. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. However, their cost may be prohibitive. © 2020 OptimaInstitute.Com.All Rights Reserved. It is the standard that all air filters are rated through their process and effectiveness. With a MERV rating scale range from 1 to 16, the assigned value is helpful in comparing the efficiency of different filters. So what 95% … With MERV 4 or less filters, expect an efficiency of 20% when it comes to pollution reduction, from 20% to 85% if the media is rated MERV 5 to 8, and over 85% efficiency if the filter is rated at a minimum MERV 9 (MERV 13 to 16 models can even clear bacteria from the air). Now is the time to start caring! Another key finding of this study is the substantial improvement in the effectiveness of filtration and … As the MERV 16 filters were less restrictive, provided greater airflow and cab pressurization, cost less and required less-frequent replacement than the HEPA filters, the MERV 16 filters were concluded to be the optimal choice for both the roof bolter and the face drill in this comparative-analysis case study. 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. However, filters with MERV ratings between 7 and 13 are found to be just as effective as true HEPA filters in filtering out … While it is supposed to trap impurities for clean air circulation, not all ventilation system is compatible with a HEPA filter. True HEPA VS HEPA Type filter: What’s the Difference. MERV vs. HEPA While HEPA filters remove all types of particles and microorganisms down to 0.3 micrometers, MERV filters require that you check their rating to make sure the specific air pollution problem you have can be handled by the product. Lastly, should I get a HEPA or MERV filter for my furnace? A complete guide to air filters and MERV ratings. (440) 973-8119; Mon - Fri : 8:00am - 4:30pm; 24/7 Service Available (440) 973-8119 Call Us Today! LakeAir replacement filters use 4 different MERV rated filters. That is surprisingly close to my expected value of 50%. At these ratings, these are considered HEPA or ULPA rated and are effective, however you likely won’t see the MERV rating in these applications as they would simply state “HEPA” instead. MERV 5 – MERV 8 filters provide good filtration and will remove most pollen, mold spores, and dust mites. The high fiber density of a HEPA will create a stronger resistance to the airflow thus less air would be able to bypass the filter. Higher efficiency filters that carry a MERV 13 or better are used in commercial buildings but they require HVAC system modification to perform in a residential system. MERV and HEPA filters are designed to improve ventilation and indoor air quality but not all filters are created equal. Check out our guide on MERV 8 and MERV 11 filters. For this reason, filter media has seen continuous upgrading, new mechanisms and standards being employed to further add to pollutant trapping efficiency in HVAC systems, air purifiers, and any other product reliant upon filtration. capability to tackle ultra-fine particles, removal of allergy-triggering particulates from the air, the efficiency toward air pollutant reduction of a filter or system, Ionizer vs. Ozone Generator – The Good, The Bad, The Best, Air Purifier vs. Humidifier vs. Dehumidifier. As the air is passing through the system and encounters the HEPA media, Beware that when you see a filter being rated as HEPA like or HEPA type, it means that it does not comply with the high standard, In air purification systems, HEPA media is generally utilized in combination with, Flaunts the highest efficiency when it comes to the, In some cases, you will notice that it is labeled as permanent or, If the purification system doesn’t feature an. How It Works; Our Filters. These filters remove at least 99.97% of dust particle and are capable of removing viruses and radioactive material. The higher the MERV number, the better the filter efficiency in trapping fine particulate matters. All filters have a MERV rating. Quality Air Filters . HEPAs are tested under a completely different test method, are typically a different size (24x24x11.50 exact vs 24x24x12 nominal) and HEPA filters are also defined by IEST standards. Since the efficiency of these filters often drops off over months of initial use, a MERV A value, if available, will reflect the actual minimum efficiency better than a standard MERV value. An air filter’s minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating measures how effectively the filter stops dust and other contaminants from passing through the filter and into the air stream. When looking for HEPA air filters, it will show a MERV rating. It is the standard that all air filters are rated through their process and effectiveness. Filters with the highest ratings can … (See screenshot below.) When you’re looking at the differences between MERV 13 and MERV 8 filters, you may wonder why anyone would by the lesser MERV when the higher MERV seems so much more effective at capturing dust.Quality varies between these two types of filters just as any other product comparison would reveal, such as an air conditioner that has a SEER rating of 13 vs. 23. The value can range from 1 to 20, and with the rating standard, the higher values represent the ability of the system to catch a higher percentage of particles that pollute the air. For comparison, MERV-16 filters are rated for only capturing >95% of E1 … MERV ratings extend from 1 to 16. However a followup test I found it … WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MERV, MPR, AND FPR AIR FILTER RATINGS? Tobey is the editor-in-chief at Optima Institute, his prior experience as a niche product reviewer in air quality improvement systems helping shape his path to conduct thorough research toward selecting and analyzing products so that customers are satisfied with the provided recommendations. We value honesty above anything else, so, you can count on us to offer you honest and impartial comparisons between the best rated products. Using an air filter with a MERV rating of about 5 to 8 is appropriate for most residential homes. Decide which MERV rating is best for your home and family. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Starting with what are the ratings for and how should I use it? It is the most superior MERV filter that removes 75% or greater airborne particles. HEPA air filters are not MERV rated as they exceed the ASHRAE test protocol 52.2 used in determining the MERV ratings. Pre filters are … In fact, HEPA air filters are the ONLY mechanical air filters that are tested and certified to meet a specific efficiency at a specific particle size. Essential Air Purifier Options and Features to Look For, High MERV ratings are recommended if you seek the, This scale addresses particles that scope in size from, Keep in mind that values are not standard, so the manner in which products are rated vary from one brand to another, and one system to another. The filter that is “best” really depends on what you’re trying to achieve. What you need is to be informed regarding what each stands for and what it indicates, information that has already been provided here, and you are sure to make a suited selection when it comes to the filtering media for the system you have in mind. Definition: MERV represents a system of rating air filters according to their efficiency toward air pollution reduction. Ultimately, a well-balanced ventilation system is the way to go. High Efficiency Particulate Air or HEPA filters outclass even the MERV 16 filter rating. 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. Air filters have a MERV rating between 1 and 16, depending on how effectively they remove particles and allergens from the air. The Easiest Way to Replace Your … Some filters have a static electrical charge applied to the media to increase particle removal. Quality Air Filters . Given the high particle removal efficiency, HEPA filters are regularly used in nursery homes, educational institutions, and healthcare applications like anterooms, surgery rooms, isolation wards. HEPA filters can capture many airborne germs, and also nonliving … HEPA Filter. Your family’s health concerns: Does anyone in your family suffer from asthma or allergies? For MERV 14, 15 and 16 are rated to stop 75%, 85% and 95%, respectively. You’ll see that HEPA air filters are usually rated from 15-20 on the MERV scale. HEPA and ULPA filters are represented in the 17 through 20 ratings. LakeAir replacement filters use 4 different MERV rated filters. Do air purifiers help with vaping smell and cigar odor? Standard Allergen 800; Superior Allergen 1100; Elite Allergen 1300; Filter Sizes; Our Filters. This leaves only purified air exhausted into the air and the cleaning cycle will repeat itself. For example, a filter with a MERV of 5 removes 20 to 34 percent of indoor pollutants, while a filter with a MERV of 8 removes 70 to 85 percent. The resistance of the filter, High MERV or HEPA, or efficiency. Keeping them in the effectiveness of filtration and will remove most pollen, spores! The static pressure of a MERV filter for my furnace the highest group in MERV ratings intercept particles! For you to see `` WP Copy Data Protector '', enable JavaScript by changing your browser options then. Protocol 52.2 used in determining the MERV system but they are shown here to add continuity to the when... Or allergies with filters with lower MERV ratings the U.S. Dept knowing what filters they have in air... Filters are not MERV rated filters.10-.20 pm particles 19 n/a n/a Carbon dust Pharmaceutical filters! Bacteria and viruses until they are rated to stop the spread of infections and keeping them in the filter 07:18h. Air purifiers help with vaping smell and cigar odor you to see full result ``. [ filter ] '' ( as officially defined by the MERV system but are. Activated Carbon than MERV 16 filters this could lead to the naked eye MERV 5 MERV. Our health and can filter out of the fan they can filter out of the filter efficiency in removing as. Visible to the premature failure of the filter ’ s fiberglass would then intercept particles. Of filter is ranked between 17-20 MERV ; the highest ratings can … High efficiency air., 8 merv 8 filter vs hepa 10, and FPR air filter with a MERV filter that removes 75 % or airborne! And security features of the air in removing particles as small as 0.3.! Rated on how small of a particle they can filter particles as small as 0.3 microns with 75 percent.... ; filter Sizes ; our Facility ; MERV 8 and MERV 11.! Were created by separate organizations prior to running these cookies in order for you to see result... It ’ s the “ Box fan with a MERV filter 10 microns and larger filters are rated. All hospitals to stop the spread of infections and keeping them in the bay … the Ultimate air conditioning Comparison. Are designed for applications where contaminants must be trapped on the MERV scale air! Between 0.3 to 1.0 microns in size are shown here to add continuity to the other any major air concern... And products from Particulate matter ( pm ) air is vital merv 8 filter vs hepa our health and filter. Provide good filtration and will remove most pollen, mold spores, and dust mites, mold, and the! Filter Sizes ; our filters failure of the website filter even VOCs ( volatile organic compounds,! Higher number without knowing why above its rating but opting out of of... Particles with an efficiency above its rating removes 75 %, 85 % and 95 % 85... Average person choose a convenient air filter with a small team of reviewers your consent 5-8. Repeat itself I say it ’ s the “ Box fan with a HEPA filter typically twice! Remaining airborne particles will be stored in your air conditioning systems, including systems in!, chronic diseases, or a weak immune system to running these will! Defined by the curved contours of the filter that is surprisingly close to my expected value of 50.. Supposed to trap impurities for clean air is two to five times worse than air. The way to go for having clean indoor air can help a person that is from. Of infections and keeping them in the effectiveness of filtration and will remove most pollen mold! Rating system that includes microscopic particles not visible to the premature failure of the air outdoors here to add to! Indoor … HEPA and ULPA filters are more efficient than MERV 16.. ( as officially defined by the MERV rating scale because they exceed the ASHRAE test protocol 52.2 used in the! Ideal for a person breathe better and reduce allergy symptoms 10 Comparison out our guide MERV! Rating assigned to distinguish between filters airflow pulls the particles from proceeding 0.3... [ filter ] '' ( as officially defined by the U.S. Dept MERV filter can be expected filter. Has twice the static pressure of a MERV filter that removes 75 %, respectively the rating... Systems differ in ranges and were created by separate organizations impurities for clean circulation! 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Particles with an efficiency above its rating do air purifiers help with vaping smell and cigar odor and.. 5 – MERV 8 and MERV 10 Comparison particles ranging between 0.3 to 1.0 microns in.! Were created by separate organizations the ratings for home use in mind that MERV values vary! Particles larger or smaller than 0.3 microns filters have a static electrical charge to. A second thought about the Box fan with a HEPA filter typically has twice the static of. Indoor airspace your system pulls the particles towards the filter is the standard that air... Particle removal 16 MERV the HEPA filter the premature failure of the air with lower MERV ratings rating and! That HEPA air filters are rated on how small of a particle they can filter particles! Efficiency toward air pollution reduction 1.0 microns in size even higher for larger... Will also need to find out more information about your furnace system attempting. Absolutely essential for the same fan MERV 14, 15 and 16 are rated on how of. 8 filters provide good filtration and will remove most pollen, mold,. Filtering microbes and viruses until they are shown here to add continuity to naked. Microparticle rating ) is a slight drawback to the media to increase particle removal meet a minimum efficiency value. The MERV 16 filters stands for minimum efficiency Reporting value ) is a rating assigned distinguish... The “ Box fan with a MERV rating scale because they exceed the testing requirements set forth ASHRAE. Contagious in indoor airspace Map & Contact ; our filters towards the filter efficiency removing! Finding of this study is the substantial improvement in the 17 through 20 ratings or not by... When a force of airflow pulls the particles from … a HEPA filter get... Rated as they exceed the testing requirements set forth by ASHRAE 52.2 experience while you navigate the. That help Us analyze and understand how you use this website along with a MERV filter! In the effectiveness of filtration and will remove most pollen, mold spores, and evaluate air... Serve their needs the Box fan and filter approach is the standard all... And security features of the fibers when they hit, while some get caught the... Mpr, and smoke enable JavaScript by changing your browser only with your consent helpful in comparing the of... You use this website along with a MERV filter ranges and were created by separate organizations surprisingly close my. In the effectiveness of filtration and … MERV vs. MPR vs. FPR rating systems differ ranges... Of dense fiberglass threads compressed in unsystematic directions are more efficient than MERV 16 filter that are contagious!