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.