The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that a MERV 6 rating is the level that begins to protect air quality, so a MERV 8 rating is a good minimum for an air filter if you want to start protecting air quality. For those with allergies, a minimum of MERV 11 is generally recommended, while MERV 13 is often found in high-end homes, hospital common areas, and LEED certified commercial buildings. A MERV 13 20x20x1 air filter is considered an excellent choice for allergies. The MERV rating gives you an idea of the worst-case performance of an air filter, so you can get a good idea of its capabilities.
These filters will capture a large portion of the particulates suspended in the air and improve indoor air quality without significantly increasing energy costs. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) designed the MERV rating scale in 1987 to provide a more accurate picture of an air filter's capabilities. Cheap air filters without MERV ratings can be so porous that particles that can damage the air conditioning equipment can pass directly through the filter. You can find the MERV rating on the filter when you check the oven filter on the wall grill or in the oven. A MERV 11 20x20x1 pleated air filter will achieve superior performance thanks to its electrostatic properties to filter both the largest quantity and the smallest particles from the air your family breathes in your home.
MERV 13 20x20x1 air filters also use electrostatic properties to achieve maximum protection for your home air and filter the highest percentage of particles, including allergens, and the smallest particles. The MERV classification is higher because it is the international standard and makes it easy to compare filters from different brands. Unlike other scales, which emphasized the need to increase the amount of particles that pass through an air filter, the MERV was designed to provide a balance between particulate filtering and energy efficiency. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that good air filters can protect your home's air quality without being expensive. The MERV rating system (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) was designed to help determine how well an air filter removes particulates from the air. When it comes to choosing an air filter, it's important to understand what a MERV rating means.
A MERV 6 rating is considered adequate for basic protection against dust and other airborne particles, while a MERV 8 rating is recommended for those with allergies or other respiratory issues. For maximum protection against allergens and other small particles, a MERV 11 20x20x1 pleated air filter or MERV 13 20x20x1 air filter is recommended. The MERV rating system provides an easy way to compare different types of air filters. It's important to choose one with a high enough rating to protect your family from airborne particles without significantly increasing energy costs. With this information in mind, you can make an informed decision about which type of filter will best suit your needs.
