The higher the number, the better the filter is at capturing larger particles between 0.3 and 10 microns (m). "acceptedAnswer": { We will help you understand your best air filtration options. That's all. We have to know the required CFM of airflow to determine the filter grille areas required for a specific fpm velocity through the filters & pressure drop. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) also recommends a minimum of MERV 8. Static pressure is the measurement of the exertion of air flow your HVAC system is moving throughout the system and ductwork. The filters initial pressure drop (initial resistance) will vary by the filter type, MERV rating, and size. "acceptedAnswer": { 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 . Also, just because a filter fits with a system, that doesn't mean it's the best filter for the system. The more tightly woven or thick a filters media is, the more particles and contaminates the filter can trap." Dust spot efficiency is a soiling index that Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This part is common to the three previous studies. A M rating of 13 through 16 are higher quality filters. Weve got em. Doing so could cause strain on your HVAC unit and could cause costly maintenance and repairs. Average Particle Size Efficiency in Microns, 1.0-3.0 greater than or equal to 20% While it is true that the more the air filter traps the more effective it is at capturing more particles; it will eventually become too loaded, at which point, the airflow could be zero and extremely restrictive. All filters will increase in pressure drop in use. Use this rating system compare filters made by different manufacturers. In fact, they are high-efficiency filters. This value is helpful in comparing the performance of different filters It should be noted that pressure drop through a high-MERV filter varies depending on the velocity of the air flow. Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, or MERVs, report a filter's ability to capture larger particles between 0.3 and 10 microns (m). 1.0-3.0 greater than or equal to 90% I normally see a product spec sheet with ASHRAE 52.2 testing, but I dont normally see Appendix J associated with it. So many data center operators are adjusting filtration protocols, including upgrading to finer MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) 13 filters, to better filter out aerosols and COVID-19 virus carriers.1 But there is no free lunch. This level of filtration does fall into the MERV system but they are shown here to add continuity to the overall filter picture. This often coincides with a higher MERV rating; however, this also means that the filter is slightly more restrictive and the airflow rate through the filter is lower. February 2022. MERV ratings are derived from the ASHRAE 52.2-2012 test which groups the particles sizes into three categories. A MERV rating of between 6 and 13 generally meets the needs of most residences. 2. The higher the MERV rating the more efficient the filter is at filtering out and capturing air particles and contaminants. This will NEVER affect our opinion of a product or service! How efficient the filter is against all three size ranges is compared against a MERV chart and the final MERV value is the highest value where the filter meets all three requirements of MERV. However, most HVAC systems built in the last 20 years should have no issue using a MERV 6 - MERV 13 rated air filter. To get the right HVAC product and suitable MERV-rated air filter, you should know the area you want to use. "@type": "Question", For facility managers this has provided a variety of challenges, including considerations around increased pressure drop in HVAC systems due to the more restrictive nature of filters with higher MERV ratings. 52.1-1992 ASHRAE Test Procedure ATMOSPHERIC DUST SPOT EFFICIENCY 1. Its actually based on the MERV rating. These ratings lie on a scale of 1 to 20. 3M Filtrete MERV 5 Review Conclusion. The good news is that institutions and other commercial/industrial facilities can take steps to lower their operating costs by adjusting their air filter strategy, namely by using higher quality filters to save money in the long run. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. MERV 30 filters dont really exist, the MERV rating gets only up to 20. Enter your info to get the catalog emailed to you! What are they and why they matter? THE PRODUCTS YOU NEED, In addition, poorly designed and installed duct systems already have external static pressures that are too high. The air filter's efficiency has an indirect impact on airflow. //