When it comes to residential HVAC systems, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends a MERV rating of 13 as the best option. However, it is essential to ensure that your particular system can handle this classification before making any changes. A higher MERV rating often implies lower airflow, which can cause the system to work harder and use more energy. MERV filters from 1 to 16 are suitable for residential, commercial and general hospital HVAC systems. The MERV rating scale was developed by ASHRAE in 1987 to provide a more precise picture of an air filter's capabilities.
Filters with a MERV rating of 8 to 13 are usually high-end filters for domestic use or high-quality commercial filters. MERV 10 - MERV 12 air filters can trap particles as small as 1 micron, such as car exhaust, pollen and mold spores. The Nominal Minimum Efficiency Value (MERV) rating of an air filter measures how effectively the filter prevents dust and other contaminants from passing through the filter and reaching the air stream. The higher the MERV rating, the more dust and other particles the filter will capture. The highest MERV rating indicates that an air filter will capture the most dust, while the lowest rating implies that the filter will capture the least amount of dust. The following table shows the minimum threshold that a filter must meet to obtain a specific MERV rating.
While ratings don't exceed MERV 16, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters trap even smaller particles than MERV 16 and are generally used in surgical operating rooms, clean rooms, and other settings that require absolute cleaning. It is important to note that not all HVAC units can accommodate air filters with higher MERV ratings. In simple terms, it establishes the minimum number of particles that a filter must capture to obtain a specific MERV rating. The MERV rating is higher because it is the international standard and makes it easy to compare filters from different brands. However, a high MERV rating on an air filter generally means that the filter is thicker, so the HVAC system will have to work harder to circulate air around your home. When selecting an air filter for your residential HVAC system, it is important to consider both its efficiency and its compatibility with your system.
A MERV 13 rating is recommended by ASHRAE as the best option for residential HVAC systems; however, it is essential to make sure that your particular system can handle this classification before making any changes. A higher MERV rating often implies lower airflow, which can cause the system to work harder and use more energy. In conclusion, when selecting an air filter for your residential HVAC system, it is important to consider both its efficiency and its compatibility with your system. A MERV 13 rating is recommended by ASHRAE as the best option for residential HVAC systems; however, it is essential to make sure that your particular system can handle this classification before making any changes.
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