If you’re looking for ways to improve the air quality in your home or workplace, you may have heard of MERV filters. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, which is a rating system that measures the effectiveness of air filters. The MERV rating system ranges from 1 to 20, with higher numbers indicating a higher level of filtration efficiency. In this article, we’ll break down the different MERV filter numbers and what each number filters out with micron sizes.
MERV 1-4
Filters in the MERV 1-4 range are the lowest-rated filters and are generally used in residential settings. They are able to filter out larger particles such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander, but they are not effective at capturing smaller particles. MERV 1-4 filters have a particle capture range of 10 microns or larger.
MERV 5-8
Filters in the MERV 5-8 range are able to capture smaller particles than MERV 1-4 filters, making them more effective at improving air quality. They are able to capture particles such as mold spores, hair spray, and cement dust. MERV 5-8 filters have a particle capture range of 3 to 10 microns.
MERV 9-12
Filters in the MERV 9-12 range are able to capture even smaller particles, including lead dust, humidifier dust, and Legionella bacteria. They are often used in commercial settings such as hospitals and laboratories. MERV 9-12 filters have a particle capture range of 1 to 3 microns.
MERV 13-16
Filters in the MERV 13-16 range are the highest-rated filters and are typically used in commercial and industrial settings. They are able to capture particles as small as bacteria and tobacco smoke, making them highly effective at improving indoor air quality. MERV 13-16 filters have a particle capture range of 0.3 to 1 micron.
It’s important to note that while a higher MERV rating can be effective at capturing smaller particles, it’s not always necessary or practical. Filters with higher MERV ratings can put more
