Air filter efficiency rating systems

There are several types of air filter ratings systems in the market today, each created by different organizations. Understanding them can seem confusing, but once you have a basic understanding you can confidently select the best air filter for your needs.

MERV Rating (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) was developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), and is the most common rating system for comparing residential air filters. This rating is recognized as an industry standard, both domestically and internationally. The primary focus of MERV ratings is to measure how efficiently a air filter removes airborne particles from the airstream as the particles pass through the air filter. For residential applications, the scale typically ranges from 1 to 13, with the number serving as an indicator of how well the air filter will remove those potentially harmful particles from the air. A higher number indicates a greater level of filtration relative to particle size.

One of the easiest, and most cost effective, ways to improve the quality of the air in your home is to replace your fiberglass air filter with a pleated air filter. Originally designed to protect the coils in your furnace or air conditioner, fiberglass air filters simply are not effective on the smallest airborne particles. Replacing it with a pleated air filter can trap 10 times more of these small potentially harmful particles.

Why should I invest in a better air filter?

Regularly changing your air filter and upgrading your air filter will give you peace of mind, knowing you’re doing your part to breath clean air. If you are an allergy suffer, have pets, children, or health issues breathing cleaner air will help your quality of life. With a basic understanding on air filter ratings, you can select the best option with ease.