MERV Rating Explained | All size Furnace, HVAC and AC Filters

Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) is a filter industry standard system that rates the overall effectiveness of air filters. A higher value MERV rating equates to finer filtration, meaning fewer dust particles and other airborne contaminants can pass through the filter. Other common ratings found within certain brands and stores include FPR, and MPR. They all follow the same basic principle, the higher the number the greater the overall effectiveness of the air filter.

Understanding MERV Ratings: Balancing Air Quality and System Efficiency

The MERV rating directly influences the effectiveness of a filter in enhancing indoor air quality. Higher MERV ratings indicate improved filtration performance. However, lower MERV ratings offer the advantage of reduced resistance, resulting in potentially improved system efficiency. Like any decision, there are advantages and disadvantages to consider. Our goal is to educate customers so that they can select the most suitable MERV rated filter for their system.

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What particles are reduced from the air?

MERV 8 rating: Reduces up to 75% of large airborne particles including: Dust and Lint, Dust Mite Debris, Pollen, Pet Dander, Mold Spores, Bacteria and Virus Carriers.

MERV 10 rating: Reduces up to 85% of airborne particles as small as 1 micron including: Dust and Lint, Dust Mite Debris, Pollen, Pet Dander, Mold Spores, Bacteria, Virus Carriers, as well as Most Smoke and Smog.

MERV 13 rating: Reduces up to 95% of airborne particles including: Dust and Lint, Dust Mite Debris, Pollen, Pet Dander, Mold Spores, Bacteria, Microscopic Allergens, Virus Carriers, Most Smoke, Smog, Oil Smoke, as well as Lead Dust.

Enhance Indoor Air Quality with MERV Rated Filters

By purchasing a filter with an official MERV rating, you can be confident that you're selecting a filter that will enhance indoor air quality. RememberTheFilter.com offers filters manufactured by reputable companies, which undergo rigorous testing.

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MERV: The Key to Cleaner Air

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, and it measures how effectively an air filter can trap particles of different sizes. The rating scale ranges from 1 to 16, with higher numbers indicating better filtration.

MERV 1-4

These filters can trap large particles like dust and pollen. They’re commonly used in residential furnaces and window air conditioning units.

MERV 8

These are more efficient and can capture smaller particles like mold spores and pet dander. They’re suitable for residential use and light commercial environments.

MERV 10-11

These filters are quite effective, trapping smaller particles like lead dust and some bacteria. They’re often used in superior residential settings and commercial buildings.

MERV 13-16

These are high-efficiency filters that can capture very small particles, including smoke, smog, and even some viruses. They’re used in hospitals and clean rooms.

When you choose a filter with a higher MERV rating, you’re getting better air filtration, which means cleaner air in your home or building. However, higher-rated filters can also restrict airflow more, so it’s important to choose a filter that matches your HVAC system’s capabilities.