Do you know what MERV stands for? It stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, and it's a rating given to air filters by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). But what does this rating mean when it comes to particle size for MERV filter ratings?The MERV rating indicates the ability of a filter to capture larger particles between 0.3 and 10 microns (µm). A MERV 13 filter, with its minimum efficiency, traps less than 75% of air particles with a size between 0.3 and 1.0 microns. However, if you increase the size range of airborne particles to between 3 and 10 microns, a MERV 13 filter will capture 90% or more of them at their worst. So, does a MERV 13 offer adequate protection? It's a step in the right direction, but it may not be enough.
That's why it's recommended to add commercial quality portable HEPA air purifiers with the appropriate ACH (air exchange) per hour) to your space. This will ensure maximum protection from airborne particles. When buying an air filter, it's important to note that filters will perform lower than their MERV rating if the speed is higher than the tested speed, and will exceed their MERV rating if the speed is much lower. Some filters on your website that have an FPR and MERV rating, and at least one with an FPR of 10 appears as equivalent to MERV-8 or MERV-13.In conclusion, when it comes to particle size for merv filter ratings, it's important to understand that a MERV 13 filter can capture 90% or more of particles between 3 and 10 microns in size. However, if you want to ensure maximum protection from airborne particles, it's recommended to add commercial quality portable HEPA air purifiers with the appropriate ACH (air exchange) per hour) to your space.
