MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Rating Value and comes with a range of 1 to 16. The lower the number on the Merv scale, the lower the filtering efficiency. Both MERV-12 and MERV-13 have excellent capabilities to trap larger contaminants, with MERV-13 slightly excelling at capturing the smallest contaminants. ASHRAE recommends a MERV rating of 6 or higher, while the U. S.
Department of Energy recommends MERV 13 and LEED recommends merv 8 as a minimum. When it comes to efficiency, a filter must successfully remove at least 90% of E3 particles, 85% of E2 particles, and 50% of E1 particles to be labeled MERV 13. Our Health Shield filter removes a minimum average of 97.2% of E3 particles, 85.5% of E2 particles and 50.2% of E1 particles, making it an extremely effective filter. In the standard dust tests that were performed, our Health Shield filter had a total particle arrest of 98.1%. For HVAC systems, ASHRAE recommends a filter with a minimum merv rating of 13, but MERV 14 or higher is preferred.
However, if not, MERV 13 filters can be used as a final filter in cleanrooms, operating rooms, inpatient hospital care, and smoking rooms. The higher the MERV rating of a filter, the less dust particles and other contaminants can pass through it. When it comes to your home's air quality, you won't have to worry as much when you have a MERV-13 rated filter. 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.
The primary use of filters with a MERV rating between 1 and 4 is to keep the interior of the HVAC system clean. A MERV rating of 13 to 16 is considered hospital-level air quality, so it's unlikely that your home will need more than that.
