Air filters are an important part of keeping your home clean and healthy. They help to remove dust, pollen, mold spores, and other airborne particles from the air. The Minimum Efficiency Report Value (MERV) is a standardized classification system that applies to air filters. It helps you determine which filter is best for your home.
MERV 10 - MERV 12 filters are effective at removing most particles from 1.0 to 3.0 microns, as well as larger particles. MERV 13 - MERV 16 filters are even more effective, eliminating more particles. The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends a MERV 6 or higher, while the U. S.
Department of Energy recommends MERV 13 and LEED recommends MERV 8 as a minimum. The dust stain efficiency of MERV 10 - 12 filters is between 20 and 35%, making them more effective than MERV 1 - 4 filters at trapping contaminants such as pollen, dust mites, sawdust, mold spores, and lint from the air. However, it's important to remember that the MERV rating of an air filter indicates its minimum capacity. When choosing an air filter for your home, it's important to consider the size of the particles you want to remove from the air.
While MERV 8 is known to be effective at filtering out larger particles such as pollen and dust mites, higher ratings like MERV 13 - 16 will provide even better filtration. You can now make an informed decision when it comes to selecting the right air filter for your home. Make sure to monitor your air filter regularly and change it when necessary to ensure that your family is breathing clean air.
