MERV 8 pleated filters are made of 100% synthetic media to capture common contaminants in the air between 3 and 10 microns in size. These allergens include pollen, pet dander, lint, and dust mites. Upgrade to Merv 8 filters from your standard disposable filter at an economical price.
Merv ratings
allow you to make comparisons between filters to determine which is the most efficient for your specific application to eliminate annoying contaminants in a residence or workplace.In the U.S., MERV 8 filters are popular due to their efficiency in trapping most indoor particles that could weaken people with asthma and allergies, or even cause long-term respiratory problems. They are also inexpensive and easy to maintain. To understand why MERV 8 is so popular, it is important to understand what MERV ratings are and how they work.According to the National Air Filtration Association, there are 16 MERV values, from 1 to 16, and the efficiency of the tested filter increases as the number of MERVs increases. Filters are tested against 12 particle size ranges, with the smallest range being around 0.3 microns and the largest range around 10 microns.
To determine MERV, the performance of an air filter is determined by measuring the particle counts upstream and downstream of the filter being tested.Based on the defined calculations, as indicated in the Standard, a specific MERV is assigned to the air cleaner. To understand why MERV 8 is so popular in the U. S., here is a breakdown of what each MERV rating means:
MERV 1 to 4:
Effective for controlling larger particles, such as sanding dust, spray paint dust, lint and carpet fibers. Applicable in residential and window air conditioning units.MERV 5 to 8:
Effective in controlling mold spores, hairspray, dust.Applicable to most commercial buildings, residences, industrial workplaces and paint booths.
Merv 8 filters
are 90 percent efficient on particles that are 3 to 10 microns in size.MERV 9 to 12:
Effective for controlling humidifier dust, lead dust, vehicle emissions and welding fumes. Applicable in residences with superior HVAC systems, hospital laboratories and commercial buildingsMERV 13 to 16:
Effective in controlling airborne bacteria, most tobacco smoke and pollutants released when sneezing. Applicable in general operating rooms, smoking rooms and commercial buildings with superior HVAC systems.Most MERV 8 filters are two-inch pleated filters that have been popular in the U.S. They are commonly used in American homes to remove basic pollutants present in most homes and to protect the performance and efficiency of the air conditioning system. To be classified as a Merv 8 filter by the NAFA (National Air Filtration Association), a filter must filter at least 70% of E3 particles (3.0-10.0 µm) and 20% of E2 particles (1.0-3.0 µm). In addition to 70% of E3 particles, it also filters 30% of E2 particles and 1.9% of E1 particles (0.3-1.0 µm).The worst percentage of the six tests is selected as the official measure used for determining a filter's MERV rating.
A higher MERV rating means that more particles will be filtered out of your air; however, it also means that more pressure will be placed on your HVAC system as it works harder to push air through a thicker filter material. Therefore, it is important to select an air filter based on your specific needs and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for replacing or repairing it when necessary.Camfil is the world leader in air and clean air filtration solutions and has been providing filter devices for over 50 years as part of its commitment to provide clean air solutions in a number of industries. For most Canadian homes, oven filters with MERV ratings between 5-8 are sufficient for filtering out a good majority of airborne impurities; however if you are concerned about outdoor air pollution or have family members with respiratory problems or pets in your home then a higher merv rating might be a good idea.
