As you can see above, research shows that in general, HVAC systems with high MERV* filters have a higher pressure drop across the entire filter. Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, or MERVs, report a filter's ability to capture larger particles between 0.3 and 10 microns (m). A filters pressure drop is measured twice, once when the filter is brand new and again when the filter has been in service and is loaded with trapped air pollutants. Weigh the test filter. Before we look at the MERV rating chart (1-20 rating for 0.3 10 micron particles), lets answer this question: Do you know why HEPA filters are called HEPA? The truth is, there are many differences between HVAC filters that make statements like these tantamount to comparing apples with oranges they are both fruits, but thats where the similarities end. (Don't worry, we will have a full comparison chart at the end of this . The furnace filter removes at least 90% of solid pollutants that measure 3.0 to 10 microns in diameter. The filters initial pressure drop (initial resistance) will vary by the filter type, MERV rating, and size. MERV rating. As you can see from the . This system is designed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Well look at MERV 1-20 ratings in the MERV rating chart (youll find the chart further on). JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Remembering to change your air filter is key to reducing the risk from pressure drop." } At the lower end of the efficiency spectrum a fiberglass or polyester panel filter may have a MERV of 4 or 5. All air cleaners require periodic cleaning and filter replacement to function properly. A flat design with a MERV 13 would be too restrictive. Products and solutions to help your business move forward. Air Filter Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) Ratings | Smith Filter To build some good comparative data we tested 20 different air filters of various types, thicknesses and efficiencies. P.S. The High Capacity MERV 14 Media filter (HC-14) provides a large volume of dust capacity. A: Our current recommendation is to use a filter with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 13, but a MERV 14 (or better) filter Is preferred. These ratings lie on a scale of 1 to 20. MERV and Pressure Drop What Makes the Difference? The filter can trap humidifier dust, lead dust, pet dander, and other small air pollutants. ", },{ Air Filter Pressure Drop FAQ | Air Filters, Inc. MERV 13 Filter Pressure Drop: Guidance for Facility Managers - R.P. Fedder "text": "A filters pressure drop is measured twice, once when the filter is brand new and again when the filter has been in service and is loaded with trapped air pollutants. The MERV rating is determined by the size of the particles that the air filter can remove, with the smallest particles being the most efficient at removing. MERV 12 filter, for comparison, will filter out 90% of the same particles. Do High-MERV Filters Always Reduce Air Flow? Other Signs your MERV is Too High / Your Filter Too Restrictive, Can I Temporarily Run My Furnace Without a Filter, Relationship Between Pressure Drop and MERV Rating, Do Not Use High MERV (12+) Filter for HVAC. "acceptedAnswer": { While it is not important to fully understand the comparison chart, it is good to familiarize yourself with it. The rating describes a filter's effectiveness at removing particles from the air. Restrictive filters are one of many causes for low airflow, but if youve just installed a high-MERV filter and now air isnt flowing very well, this is likely the reason in this instance. Filters use various types of medias depending on the application or what the environment requires. These are the 4 average contaminant size intervals MERV rating applies to: These are just a few contaminants that we want to get rid of with a good MERV air purifier. depth MERV 13 filters are available with pressure drop characteristics comparable to or lower than some MERV 6 filters, staff also finds that a 2" filter depth is valuable in allowing filters to have airflow characteristics that are superior to a 1" filter, and may facilitate use of even higher MERV filters (such as the MERV 16 recommended by The process is repeated 6 times. Simple use of MERV rating chart for air purifier filters: The higher the MERV rating, the better the filter. In general, filters with a rating of MERV16 or below are considered to be HVAC-system-grade filters for residential, commercial and general hospital use. MERV Rating Chart: AC, Furnace & Purifier Filters Explained While that can happen, it most likely will not be a result except under extreme circumstances involving a cheap blower motor and the concern addressed below. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2014-2023, PICKHVAC All Rights Reserved. We do not recommend M 12 or higher 13 filters. Do High-MERV Filters Always Reduce Air Flow? - Energy Vanguard AFI Replacements (Air Bear, Honeywell, Trane), Poly Anti-Microbial Tackified 1 Inch Media 10oz, Poly Dry / Dry Tackified 2 Inch Media 15oz, Twist-Lock Cylindrical Cartridges for Pneuma Pulse, Flange-Top Cylindrical Cartridge for Farr Tenkay, Conical Cartridge for Donaldson GDX & GDS, Cylindrical Cartridge for Donaldson GDX & GDS, HEPA Crank-Lock Housing 2 Inch Pre-Filter, HEPA Crank-Lock Housing 4 Inch Pre-Filter, 2020 Air Filters, Inc. All rights reserved. A filters material type and efficiency rating affect the pressure drop and resistance to air flow. This one of the main reasons why it is so important to check, change, and clean your air filter every month to help ensure your air filters pressure drop does not get too high and cause strain on your air conditioner/handler. Which MERV Rating Filter Should You Use in Your Home? As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. MERV Rating Chart: How to Choose the Right Air Filter for You? - LakeAir Can I purchase a 2x14x20 air filter with rating of 20, or 30 if possible, online? However, we use a pleated accordion style media, that allows us to effectively increase the filters surface area without having a high pressure drop or restricting air flow. It should be noted that pressure drop through a high-MERV filter varies depending on the velocity of the air flow. The higher the number, the more restricted the airflow. It shows particle size ranges. The smaller pores in more highly rated air filters create resistance to air flow, and if the filter is used in an HVAC system that is not designed to handle this resistance, it can lower the system's efficiency, decrease indoor air quality, and put strain on the system's fan. This has resulted in confusion and apprehension on the part of the homeowner who wants to provide good quality indoor air, but not at the expense of that expensive HVAC system. },{ Install the test filter in the test duct and obtain clean air filter resistance or initial pressure drop. What guidelines are available to compare air cleaners? A 1 MERV 13 pleated filter has a pressure drop of around 0.27, and a 1 MERV 8 has a pressure drop of around 0.14. The scale rates how well a filter removes fine particulates from the incoming air. The pressure drop across an air filter will determine how negatively the filter affects airflow. The (M) rating is 16 or above and they are washable. 3. PICKHVAC Terms of Use: Some of the products seen on our site are delivered through a relationship with outside suppliers like Networx.com, Google, and others. "text": "A filters pressure drop directly corresponds to a filters air flow rate. Just make the filter bigger and you get a lower pressure drop. 95% Air Filter, MERV-14, MERV-15, or MERV-16 - Yes? My Low Pressure-Drop, MERV-13 Filters - Energy Vanguard If we were looking to buy a new filter today for our HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system, we'd aim for a medium-efficiency filter with a MERV rating in the 8 . } 99.97% or better for all particle sizes). How to Mitigate Pressure Drop Caused by MERV 13 Filters Debunking Myths About MERV, Air Filtration | ashrae.org Using MERV Ratings to Determine the Effectiveness of Industrial Dust { How do I know if I need a higher MERV rating? MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. Rene has worked 10 years in the HVAC field and now is the Senior Comfort Specialist for PICKHVAC. The majority of residential HVAC systems use a 1 thick filter, but filters are available at 2, 4 and 5 thick. This level of filtration does fall into the MERV system but they are shown here to add continuity to the overall filter picture. "acceptedAnswer": { When your HVAC system is running the filter slows and limits the air that is being pulled through your vents and ducts. This allows greater airflow without having to increase the size of the actual filter. Most current household HVAC units/handlers can handle a MERV 6-13 pleated filter with ease. A filter's MERVnumber indicates how it's rated to remove these particles. These filters do a good job at removing harmful indoor air pollution. The more tightly woven or thick a filters media is, the more particles and contaminates the filter can trap. They offer good airflow. Yes, really! MERV 30 filters dont really exist, the MERV rating gets only up to 20. They also found that airflow in the high MERV filters decreased by 7% and 11% in the two HVAC systems compared to the low MERV filters. So, you just purchased some new filters for your home HVAC system. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating indicates the effectiveness of an air filter (from 1 to 20) at trapping particles suspended in air. The higher the MERV rating, the more particles the filter will remove. It is a rating system incorporated into the test specification of ASHRAE 52.2. Most current home HVAC units can accommodate a filter with a MERV 13 or lower. You can see from the MERV scale above that MERV 10 filter will filter out 85% of 3.0-10.0 m particles. For example, a 4-inch-thick MERV 12 filter can have a 0.2-inch WC pressure . Filters with a (M) value 5 through 8 remove finer dust particles. Does the airflow significantly improve? With finer filtration, fewer airborne contaminates & dust particles are allowed to pass through the filter. A MERV rating of between 6 and 13 generally meets the needs of most residences. This depends on a variety of factors, including the type of air filters you have, the size of your home, the number of people in your household, the presence of pets, and your own personal preferences. },{ 11 filters 11 merv 13 filters 13 merv 8 filters air air filter air filters air flow air purifier air purifiers air quality airborne airborne particles airflow allergens allergies allergy as dust as merv asthma bacteria best air by particle carbon carbon dust clean cleaner cleaning covid dust dust mites dust particles electrostatic filter filter's filtering filters filters air filtration furnace filter hepa hepa filters higher merv higher merv rating home home air homes household humidifier dust indoor air insecticide dust is merv large particles lead dust manufacturer manufacturers manufacturing merv merv filter merv rating merv ratings merv scale merv stands microparticle performance rating mold mold spores more particles my filter particle particle size particles performance rating pharmaceutical manufacturing purifier purifiers rating rating chart ratings refrigerating and air room sanding dust small particles smaller particles smoke technology these filters these particles this filter this rating to air tobacco smoke usa virus viruses water filters what does merv which merv which merv rating. They are not Minimum efficient. } 1.0-3.0 greater than or equal to 95% These air filters are great for people with pets. "@type": "Answer", It is measured in Pascals in the SI system." ", MERV rating ranges between 10 and 12 are suitable for removing a broad range of particles. MERV vs. MPR vs. FPR Rating Chart - Air Filters Delivered A MERV rating chart shows a numerical value. "@type": "Question",