Which MERV Rating is Best for You: Merv 13 or Merv 14?

When it comes to air filtration, the higher the MERV rating, the better the air quality. The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends a minimum MERV rating of 13 for HVAC systems, but MERV 14 or higher is preferred. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Report Value and is a test method developed by ASHRAE. It measures the effectiveness of air filters in trapping particles in the 1.0-10.0 micron range.

A MERV 13 filter will prevent less than 75% of 0.3-1.0 micron particles from passing, while a MERV 14 filter will get up to 84%. MERV 15 filters can trap up to 94% of particles, and MERV 16 filters can trap 95% or more of the smaller particles. The U. S.

Department of Energy recommends MERV 13, while LEED recommends MERV 8 as a minimum. Filters with a MERV rating of 11 can capture some coronavirus particles (65%), but MERV 13 is more effective, removing 85% of particles at 0.3 microns. Filters with a MERV 16 rating or lower are considered HVAC system grade filters for residential, commercial, and general hospital use. When selecting the right filter for your application, higher isn't always better. Using an air filter with a MERV rating higher than recommended by the manufacturer of your oven or air conditioner may impair its performance.

With the increased air filtration provided by higher MERV ratings, there will also be a pressure drop, which will reduce airflow through the system and therefore more energy expenditure to keep up with fan resistance. Pleated filters that are MERV 8 to 13, unlike fiberglass, can effectively filter small particles and decrease pressure drop. With a portable air purifier through Sanalife, you can access easy-to-use air filtration systems with MERV 13+ ratings. In conclusion, when it comes to air filtration, higher isn't always better. Department of Energy recommends a minimum MERV rating of 13 for HVAC systems, while LEED recommends MERV 8 as a minimum. Filters with a MERV rating of 11 can capture some coronavirus particles (65%), but MERV 13 is more effective in removing 85% of particles at 0.3 microns.