Air Conditioning Filters Merv Rating

If we were looking to buy a new filter today for our hvac heating ventilation and air conditioning system we d aim for a medium efficiency filter with a merv rating in the 8 to 13 range.

Air conditioning filters merv rating.

An air filter s merv rating is a scale from 1 16 that describes the minimum efficiency of the air filter. Basically the higher merv rating indicates higher filtering performance. However high merv filters offer superior filtration trapping everything from construction dust and tobacco smoke to bacteria. The most recommended merv ratings for residential filters are.

Using an air filter with a merv rating higher than what your furnace or air conditioner manufacturer recommends can actually impair its performance. The american society of heating refrigeration and air conditioner engineers ashare recommends a merv 6 or. So the higher merv rating the higher its performance. Merv filter ratings and efficiency.

The smaller pores in more highly rated air filters create resistance to air. Due to the dusty air in our area. When selecting the right filter for your application higher is not always better. 1 4 merv this is the lowest end of filters.

The higher the merv rating the more efficient the filter and the more a filter can catch harmful pollutants. The merv filter rating is the domestic and international industry standard rating system established by the american society of heating refrigerating and air conditioning engineers. First and foremost your air becomes cleaner which can help improve the longevity of your hvac system. A low merv rating means that the filter does not remove as many particulates from the air.

The merv rating on an air filter was designed by the american society of heating refrigerating and air conditioning engineers ashrae to rate the effectiveness of air filters. By installing an air filter with a high merv rating two things happen. They remove large airborne particles that could otherwise damage your heater or air conditioner but they do little in the way of improving your indoor air quality. But does that mean you should just get the air filter with the highest merv rating.

The other two systems were created by 3m mpr and the home depot fpr to differentiate their offerings. The merv rating system helps you choose the filter right for you with each rating dictating the effectiveness of a filter. Many whole house filters list a minimum efficiency reporting value merv developed by ashrae formerly the american society of heating refrigerating and air conditioning engineers.