What is a MERV Rating?
Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) is an industry standard that measures the overall effectiveness of air filters. As the MERV rating increases the finer the filtration becomes. With finer filtration, fewer airborne contaminates & dust particles are allowed to pass through the filter. The most common "Airborne Contaminates" that these filters are tested against tend to include pollen, dust mites, mold spores, dust, pet dander, bacteria and tobacco smoke.
MERV ratings span from 1-20,, but MERV 8-13 are the most common for home systems. MERV 14-20 are typically found in hospitals and general surgery settings.
Do you know which MERV Rating your home needs?
| Rating | Particle Size Removal | Arrestance | Dust-Spot Efficiency Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| MERV 5 | - | 80 - 85% | <20% |
| MERV 6 | - | 80 - 85% | <20% |
| MERV 7 | - | >90% | 25 - 30% |
| MERV 8 | - | >90% | 25 - 30% |
Typical Applications
- Paint Booth Inlet
- Industrial Workplace
- Standard Residential
- Standard Commercial Buildings
Most Common Filter Types
- Poly Disposable Throwaway
- Cube / Pocket Filters
- Pleated Filters
| Rating | Particle Size Removal | Arrestance | Dust-Spot Efficiency Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| MERV 9 | - | >90% | 40 - 45% |
| MERV 10 | - | >95% | 50 - 55% |
| MERV 11 | - | >95% | 60 - 65% |
| MERV 12 | - | >95% | 70 - 75% |
Typical Applications
- Better Residential
- Better Commercial Buildings
- Hospital Laboratories
Most Common Filter Types
- Bag Filters
- Pleated Filters
- Rigid Style Box Filters
| Rating | Particle Size Removal | Arrestance | Dust-Spot Efficiency Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| MERV 13 | <75 | >98% | 89 - 90% |
| MERV 14 | 75 - 85 | >98% | 90 - 95% |
| MERV 15 | 85 - 95 | - | >95% |
| MERV 16 | >95 | - | - |
Typical Applications
- Superior Residential (M13 Only)
- Superior Commercial Buildings
- Hospital Inpatient Care
- General Surgery
- Smoking Lounges
Most Common Filter Types
- Bag Filters
- Pleated Filters
- Rigid Style Box Filters
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