What Are the Differences Between MERV Ratings?

Any HVAC unit requires a filter to keep it safe from damaging particulates and keep it in order. The better the filter, the better air quality you will have, as well as a safer unit. The quality of an HVAC filter is always determined by a MERV rating.

A MERV rating stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. It is a rating system that will tell you at a glance how effective any air filter is at its job. This system came from ASHRAE and is the industry rating. The numbering tells the arrestance of the filter. This is the degree of which the filter can remove contaminants from the air.

Take a look at our MERV rating guide:

MERV Rating 1-4

These are the cheapest air filters that you can buy, and they catch the least amount of contaminants. Pollen, dust mites and other particulates can't damage your HVAC unit. But, mold spores and finer allergen particles can still come through. If health issues aren't a concern, these will work for most homes. A filter of some sort is necessary to protect your unit.

MERV Rating 5-8

Mold spores or dust motes that continue to be a problem from before are gone and taken care of at this point. Dust spot efficiency is at 20-35%, and arrestance rests at a comfortable 90%. This is a fine middle of the road option for filtration.

MERV Rating 9-12

Second only to the highest tier, a filter with a rating of 9-12 grants a cleaner than the average air supply. They offer a 40-75% dust spot efficiency. They filter out pet dander, fine dust, and even automobile emissions. This filter will help those who have a respiratory illness, like allergen-related asthma.

MERV Rating 13-16

Outside of HEPA filters, these are the best quality air filters that you can buy. They will catch almost anything that will come into your home. This includes the most microscopic allergen. Dust spot efficiency rests at over 95 percent. If you have severe health concerns, you will want to pick up a filter in this category. They are pricey, but they get the job done.

A simple rule of thumb: the higher the rating, the more effective the air filter. Of course, as the filter becomes more effective, so too does the price.

If you have further questions about HVAC filters, contact Ardmore Fresh Air!