When it comes to maintaining indoor air quality, understanding air filter MERV ratings is helpful. The MERV rating, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, is a standard used to report a filter’s ability to capture particles in the air.
Higher MERV ratings indicate a greater capability to trap smaller particles, which can significantly improve the air quality in your home or office. Selecting the right air filters with appropriate MERV ratings can help ensure a cleaner, healthier environment.
For expert advice on choosing the best air filters for your needs, call Lex Air East Texas at (903) 833-9510 or contact us online. Let our Tyler indoor air quality professionals help you breathe easier with top-notch solutions.
MERV Filter Ratings
MERV filter ratings play an important role in air filtration, indicating how effectively a filter is trapping both small and large particles.
The MERV rating is derived from a test method developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Higher MERV ratings suggest better performance, meaning the filter is more capable of capturing not just small particles but also particles that are larger, ensuring cleaner and healthier indoor air quality.
What Is a MERV Rating?
Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, or MERVS, report a filter’s ability to trap different types of particles in the air. Essentially, the higher the MERV rating, the better the filter improves air quality.
The MERV scale ranges from 1 to 20, with higher numbers representing more efficient filters. However, a higher MERV rating may not always be the best solution for your HVAC system. An unnecessarily high MERV rating can restrict airflow, potentially causing the system to work harder and less efficiently.
Air Filter Sizes
An air filter, as officially defined, is designed to remove airborne particles and contaminants from the air. Having the right size air filter for your HVAC system is important for maintaining ideal performance and indoor air quality.
The performance of different filters, such as a pleated mechanical air filter, depends on their fit within the system. An ill-fitting air filter can theoretically allow particles to bypass the filtration process, reducing the system’s effectiveness and compromising indoor air quality.
MERV 2 Filter
A MERV 2 filter is a low-efficiency air filter with the ability to capture larger particles, including contaminants such as spray paint dust, lint, and other larger debris. While it may not effectively filter out smaller particles, it is a basic filtration option for environments where only minimal air quality improvement is necessary.
MERV 3 Filter
A MERV 3 filter traps larger airborne particles, such as dust mites, pollen, and fibers. This filter is suitable for situations where the primary concern is removing larger particles from the air to enhance overall cleanliness.
MERV 4 Filter
Window air conditioning units commonly use MERV 4 filters. This filter effectively captures larger particles such as dust, lint, and pollen, helping maintain basic indoor air quality.
MERV 5 Filter
The MERV 5 filter is among the most common MERV ratings in residential and light commercial applications. This filter captures airborne particles ranging from 3.0 to 10.0 microns or greater, such as dust, mold spores, and pet dander.
MERV 6 Filter
A MERV 6 filter is designed to capture airborne particles greater than or equal to 3.0 microns. This can include common contaminants such as dust, pollen, and mold spores. While not as effective as higher-rated filters, a MERV 6 filter reasonably balances cost and air quality improvement.
MERV 7 Filter
A MERV 7 filter is an air filter with a moderate efficiency rating designed to capture more airborne particles than lower-rated filters. It can capture particles with sizes ranging from 3.0 to 10.0 microns, including dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and other common allergens.
MERV 8 Filter
MERV 8 filters are often used as furnace filters in residential HVAC systems. They capture airborne particles commonly found in indoor environments, such as hair spray, mold spores, pet dander, and other allergens. MERV 8 filters can contribute to energy efficiency by preventing debris buildup in the HVAC system.
MERV 9 Filter
A MERV 9 filter is an air filter designed to capture finer contaminants like lead dust. These filters are more efficient than lower-rated filters, typically trapping particles ranging from 1.0 to 3.0 microns in size.
MERV 10 Filter
MERV 10 filters are more effective than lower-rated filters, trapping particles ranging from 1.0 to 3.0 microns in size. MERV 10 filters are commonly used in residential and commercial settings where improved indoor air quality is essential, such as hospitals, laboratories, and cleanrooms.
MERV 11 Filter
A MERV 11 filter traps airborne pollutants, including smaller particles such as mold spores, pet dander, pollen, dust mites, fine dust particles, and some bacteria. MERV 11 filters are used in office buildings, hospitals, schools, and other commercial environments to maintain healthier indoor air.
MERV 12 Filter
MERV 12 filters effectively trap small airborne pollutants. They are particularly beneficial for households with individuals who suffer from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions, as they help reduce the presence of airborne allergens and irritants.
MERV 13 Filter
A MERV 13 filter is one of the higher-rated filters available. They have superior filtration capability compared to lower-rated filters. MERV 13 filters are particularly effective at trapping particles ranging from 0.3 to 1.0 microns in size. This makes them ideal for environments where improved indoor air quality is essential, such as homes, offices, hospitals, and schools.
MERV 14 Filter
MERV 14 filters are designed to trap even the smallest contaminants, including bacteria and viruses. They significantly improve indoor air quality in environments like hospitals, laboratories, clean rooms, and other facilities with stringent air quality standards.
MERV 15 Filter
MERV 15 filters are high-efficiency air filters designed to capture an extensive range of airborne particles, including very small contaminants. These filters protect against respiratory issues and other health concerns associated with airborne pollutants.
MERV 16 Filter
MERV 16 filters offer the highest level of indoor air quality in critical environments such as hospitals and laboratories. These filters are considered the pinnacle of air filtration technology, providing unparalleled cleanliness and safety for indoor air environments.
HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) Filter
HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are highly effective at capturing specific types of particles with the most penetrating particle size (MPPS). These filters are engineered to capture particles with a diameter specification of 0.3 microns with at least 99.97% efficiency. This exceptional level of performance makes HEPA filters ideal for operating rooms and other environments that require extremely clean air to protect against allergens and pathogens like dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and viruses.
| Rating | Contaminants | Application | Particle Size |
| MERV 2 MERV 3 MERV 4 |
Sanding dust, pollen, spray paint, dust mites | Residential, Window AC Units | 10.0 microns or greater |
| MERV 5 MERV 6 MERV 7 MERV 8 |
Pet dander, mold/spores, hair spray, pollen, dust mites | Better residential buildings, industrial workplaces, commercial buildings | 3.0-10.0 microns |
| MERV 9 MERV 10 MERV 11 MERV 12 |
Legionella, lead dust, pollen, dust mites, mold/spores | Hospital labs, superior residential buildings, better commercial buildings | 1.0-3.0 microns |
| MERV 13 MERV 14 MERV 15 MERV 16 |
Bacteria, sneeze nuclei, tobacco smoke, pollen, mold/spores | Hospital inpatient care, general surgery operating rooms | 0.3-1.0 microns |
| HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) | Bacteria, viruses, microscopic allergens, odor | Orthopedic surgery operating rooms, radioactive and carcinogenic materials | Less than 0.30 microns |
MERV Filter Comparisons
MERV 5 vs MERV 8
MERV 5 and MERV 8 filters differ in their filtration capabilities and the size of particles they can trap. MERV 5 filters capture larger particles such as dust mites, mold spores, and carpet fibers, effectively trapping particles in the 3.0 to 10.0 microns range.
On the other hand, MERV 8 filters can capture finer particles, including mold spores, pet dander, and hair spray. They trap particles as small as 3.0 microns and are ideal for homes with pets or individuals with allergies.
MERV 8 vs MERV 11
MERV 8 and MERV 11 filters differ in the types of particles they can capture. MERV 8 filters are capable of trapping particles as small as 3.0 microns. On the other hand, MERV 11 filters capture even finer particles in the 1.0 to 3.0 micron range.
MERV 8 vs MERV 12
MERV 8 filters trap particles as small as 3.0 microns, making them suitable for standard residential use. MERV 12 filters are designed to trap finer particles, including pollen, mold spores, dust mite debris, and even some bacteria, capturing particles in the range of 1.0 to 3.0 microns.
MERV 8 vs MERV 13
MERV 8 filters are suitable for general residential use where moderate air quality improvement is needed. MERV 13 filters offer superior filtration, capable of capturing finer particles such as bacteria, tobacco smoke, and virus carriers. They are effective in trapping particles as small as 0.3 to 1.0 microns.
MERV 11 vs MERV 12
MERV 11 filters capture particles as small as 1.0 to 3.0 microns. MERV 12 filters offer a slight improvement in efficiency, capturing finer particles, including bacteria and finer dust particles, and are also within the 1.0 to 3.0-micron range but with higher efficiency.
MERV 11 vs MERV 13
MERV 11 filters suit households with moderate allergy concerns or light commercial environments seeking improved air quality. On the other hand, MERV 13 filters capture even finer particles, ranging from 0.3 to 1.0 microns, such as bacteria, tobacco smoke, and virus carriers.
MERV 12 vs MERV 13
MERV 12 filters effectively capture particles in the 1.0 to 3.0-micron range, such as mold spores, smoke, and bacteria. MERV 13 filters step up the filtration efficiency, capturing even finer particles as small as 0.3 to 1.0 microns.
MERV 13 vs HEPA Filter
MERV 13 filters, often used in residential and commercial HVAC systems, can trap particles as small as 0.3 microns with an efficiency of about 85%. On the other hand, HEPA filters capture at least 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns, making them suitable for medical facilities and laboratories where extremely clean air is necessary.
Both types of air cleaners require periodic filter replacement to function properly and continue removing pollutants and allergens from the air.
MERV Filter FAQs
What MERV Rating Do I Need?
The MERV rating you need depends on your environment’s specific air quality requirements. A filter with a MERV rating of 8 to 11 is usually recommended for general residential use. It provides a good balance between airflow and particle trapping efficiency and can remove most pollen, dust mites, and pet dander.
However, if you’re looking for higher average particle size efficiency, such as in cases of allergies or higher air quality needs, a MERV 13 or higher is advisable. These higher-rated filters can capture finer particles, including bacteria and virus carriers.
What Does MERV Stand For?
MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This rating system evaluates the efficiency of air filters based on their ability to capture larger particles between 0.3 and 10 microns in size. The scale typically ranges from 1 to 16, with higher MERV ratings indicating a greater ability to filter out smaller particles from the air.
What Is the Best MERV Rating for Home?
The best MERV rating for a home furnace filter typically falls between MERV 8 and MERV 13. A MERV 8 filter captures most large particles, such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander, making it suitable for average households. A MERV 11 to MERV 13 filter is recommended for homes that require a higher level of air cleanliness due to allergies or respiratory conditions.
When selecting a furnace filter, the MERV rating should be balanced with your HVAC system’s capabilities to ensure optimal airflow and efficiency.
Is MERV 11 Too Restrictive?
MERV 11 filters are generally not too restrictive for most residential HVAC systems. They offer a good balance between filtration efficiency and airflow, effectively capturing a wide range of particles without overworking the system.
However, it is important to check your HVAC system’s specifications and recommendations. Some older or less powerful systems might struggle with higher-rated filters.
If in doubt, consulting with an HVAC professional can help determine the best MERV rating for your furnace filter, guaranteeing efficient filtration and proper system performance.
Contact Lex Air East Texas for Air Filter Services in Tyler, TX
In Tyler, TX, maintaining clean air filters is essential for optimal HVAC performance and indoor air quality. Regular air filter services ensure your system runs efficiently, reducing energy costs and extending the lifespan of your equipment.
Our expert technicians at Lex Air East Texas provide comprehensive HVAC services to keep your home comfortable and your air clean. Don’t wait until your system is compromised: call us at (903) 833-9510 to schedule your air filter service and breathe easier in your home.
