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Air Filter MERV Ratings
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  2. Indoor Air Quality
  3. Air Filtration Systems
  4. Air Filter MERV Ratings

Remember to Look for the MERV Rating for your Air Filter

MERV in the HVAC world stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, a value that lets us know the size of particles an air filter is designed to catch. Higher MERV ratings are more effective at capturing smaller particles. That’s why hospitals tend to use MERV 16 or higher, to capture the most pollutants possible.

Although lower MERV rated filters are less efficient overall, they permit more air to pass through the filter, which can be helpful to the operation of the HVAC system. It’s important to have the proper mix of air filter and MERV rating for to meet your home’s needs and your system. Call Wesley Wood Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning in West Chester today to let our experts walk you through which MERV rating is needed for your home and family.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), which designed the MERV rating, suggests filters with minimum MERV ratings of 6. The U.S. Department of Energy proposes a minimum of MERV 13. For the best overall solution for most homeowners, purchase an Air Purification System, which comes with a MERV 16 media filter, and you’ll be set for years.

Here is a snapshot of the MERV Ratings:

  • MERV 1 to 4— <20% of large particles (3 to 10 microns) are captured
  • 5 to 7—Between 20% and 69% of large particles are captured
  • 8 to 10—Approximately 85% of large particles and 50% of small particles (1.0 to 3.0 microns) are captured
  • 11 to 16—More than 90% of large particles and between 70% and 90% of small particles are captured
  • 17 to 20—Even the smallest particles (< 0.3 microns) are captured

The right MERV rating on the right filter could really impact your indoor air quality, your family’s health and your lifestyle. So selecting the right air filter matters. Call Wesley Wood Service Experts today at 484-401-7577. We carry a full range of air filtration choices, knowledge and expert service—and we’re here 24 hours a day for West Chester.

MERV Rating Chart
MERV Rating Dust Spot Efficiency Arrestance Typical Controlled Containment Typical Applications Air Filter/Cleaner Type
20 N/A N/A < 0.30 pm particle size Clean rooms >99.999% eff. On 10-20 pm Particles
19 N/A N/A Virus (unattached) Radioactive Materials Particles
18 N/A N/A Carbon Dust Pharmaceutical Man. Particulates
17 N/A N/A All Combustion smoke Carcinogenetic Materials >99.97% eff. On 30 pm Particles
16 N/A N/A 0.3-1.0 pm Particle Size General Surgery Bag filter - Non-supported microfine fiberglass or synthetic media, 12-36 in. deep, 6-12 pockets
Box filter - Rigid Style CartridgeFilters 6 to 12" deep may use lofted or paper media
15 > 95% N/A All Bacteria Hospital Inpatient Care
14 90% - 95% > 98% Most Tobacco Smoke Smoking Lounge
13 89% - 90% > 98% Proplet Nuclei (Sneeze) Superior Commercial Buildings
12 70% - 75% > 95% 1.0 - 3.0 pm Particle Size Legionella Superior Residential Bag filter - Non-supported microfine fiberglass or synthetic media, 12-36 in. deep, 6-12 pockets
Box filter - Rigid Style CartridgeFilters 6 to 12" deep may use lofted or paper media
11 60% - 65% > 95% Humidifier
Dust
Lead Dust
Better Commercial Buildings
10 50% - 55% > 95% Milled Flour
Auto Emissions
Hospital Laboratories
9 40% - 45% > 90% Welding Fumes
8 30% - 35% > 90% 3.0 - 10.0 pm Particle Size Commercial Buildings Pleated Filters - Disposable, extended surface area, thick with cotton-polyester blend media, cardboard frame
Cartridge Filters - Grated density viscous coated cube or pocket filters, synthetic media
Throwaway - Disposable synthetic panel liner
7 25% - 30% > 90% Mold Spores
Hair Spray
Better Residential
6 < 20% 85%-90% Fabric Protector
Dusting Aids
Industrial Workplace
5 < 20% 85%-90% Cement Dust Paint Booth Inlet
4 < 20% 75%-80% > 10.0 pm Particle Size Pollen Minimal Filtration Throwaway - Disposable synthetic panel liner
Washable - Aluminum Mesh
Electrostatic - Self-charging woven panel filter
3 < 20% 70%-75% Dust Mites
Sanding Dust
Residential
2 < 20% 65%-70% Spray Paint
Dust
 
1 < 20% < 65% Textile Fibers
Carpet Fibers
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  • Bryn Mawr
  • Chester Springs
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  • Devon
  • Downingtown
  • Exton
  • Garnet Valley
  • Glen Mills
  • Glenmoore
  • Gradyville
  • Malvern
  • Newton Square
  • Paoli
  • Pocopson
  • Spring City
  • Thorndale
  • Thornton
  • Villanova
  • West Chester
Wesley Wood Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
1140 McDermott Drive, Suite 101West Chester, Pennsylvania 19380
Sales and Service: 484-401-7577
Employment Inquiries: 610-431-2626
Email: wesleywood@serviceexperts.com
PA007227
About Wesley Wood Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
Service Experts Heating and Air Conditioning was established with the determination of providing customers with the most excellent heating and cooling practices in the industry. Since its inception, Wesley Wood Service Experts in West Chester has been faithful to our area, offering the top of the line HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) products and services in the area. If you would like to more details about your local HVAC leaders, call us at 484-401-7577 or reserve an appointment with us through our website.
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