MERV ratings, what exactly do they mean, and what's the best one for you? These are some common questions when customers are looking for the right furnace filter for them. If you've ever wondered the same thing, keep reading to learn more about MERV ratings, which ratings are best for certain situations, and the filter options available at Sylvane.
Use the following bookmarks for quick access to the sections of this article:
- What Does MERV Rating Mean?
- What's the Best MERV Rating for You?
- Common MERV Ratings Found at Sylvane
- Additional Filter Ratings
What Does MERV Rating Mean?
MERV, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, tells you on a scale of 1 to 16 how effectively a filter captures the microscopic particles you don’t want floating around your home or business. The higher the MERV rating, the higher the number of particles a filter traps.
What’s the Best MERV Rating for You?
Your specific needs and application will determine the MERV rating that best fits your space.
- MERV 1-4: Capturing particles down to 10.0 microns in size, these filters control sanding dust, pollen, dust mites, and textile fibers. They’re commonly used in residential furnaces, window air conditioning units, and as a pre-filter in commercial buildings.
- MERV 5-6: In addition to controlling dust, pollen, and dust mites, these filters eliminate mold spores, dust lint, cement dust, and can capture particles 3.0 – 10.0 microns in size. They’re used in commercial and residential spaces and industrial workspaces.
- MERV 9-12: Usually found in high-grade commercial and residential buildings, as well as hospital laboratories, they’ll filter down to 1.0 – 3.0 microns particle size. They’re able to capture lead dust, coal dust, humidifier dust, and more.
- MERV 13-16: Used in hospital inpatient care, surgery rooms, smoking lounges, and other sensitive areas, they’ll filter down to 0.3 – 1.0 microns. For capturing tobacco smoke, pet dander, bacteria, sneeze nuclei, and more, this is the choice.
Common MERV Ratings Found at Sylvane
MERV 8
Ideal for most residential uses, these filters capture the most common household irritants while maintaining the efficiency of your furnace.
- Captures: Dust, lint, mold spores, dust mites, and pollen.
- Brands: Nordic Pure, Air-Care
MERV 10
Designed to remove 85 percent of microns 3.0 to 10.0 in size and 65 percent of microns 1.0 to 3.0, these filters are perfect for preventing the growth of mold and bacteria.
- Captures: Household dust, pollen, lint, pet dander, and mold spores.
- Brands: Nordic Pure
MERV 11
For above-average residential filtration, turn to a MERV 11 filter. Great for homes with pets, these filters remove up to 79 percent of particles 1.0 to 3.0 microns in size.
- Captures: Pet dander, dust, pollen, mold spores, and odor (depending on selected filter).
- Brands: 3M Filtrete
MERV 12
Typically recommended as the highest rating for residential environments, MERV 12 filters eliminate up to 89 percent of particles 1.0 to 3.0 microns in size.
- Captures: Dust, lint, mold spores, pollen, pet dander, bacteria, viruses, and smoke.
- Brands: 3M Filtrete, Nordic Pure
MERV 13
Ideal for the most sensitive spaces, MERV 13 filters can capture 90 percent or more of particles 1.0 to 3.0 microns in size. They're great for eliminating irritants that other filters can't.
- Captures: Pet odor, pet dander, viruses, bacteria, smoke, and smog.
- Brands: 3M Filtrete
MERV 14
This commercial-grade filtration captures up to 84 percent of particles as small as 0.3 to 1.0 microns in size. They're great for medical rooms, surgery centers, and more.
- Captures: Bacteria, viruses, mold, odors, smoke, and microscopic allergens.
- Brands: 3M Filtrete
Additional Filter Ratings
MERV isn’t the only filter rating you’ll see when shopping for the right furnace filter for you. There’s another rating you should be aware of.
Micro-Particle Performance Rating (MPR)
This rating system, developed by 3M Filtrete, MPR rates filters on their ability to capture airborne particles smaller than 1 micron. MERV ratings reflect a filter’s ability to eliminate macroscopic and microscopic particles. MPR ratings only look at the filter's ability to trap microscopic particles from 0.3 to 1.0 microns.
Things to Know
Once you know what filtration level your home or business needs, finding the right furnace filter is pretty easy. Before you make your final selection, though, there are a few other things you should consider.
- Higher Isn’t Always Better: Especially in residential spaces, a higher MERV rating isn’t always the best choice. The higher the MERV rating, the smaller the pores are for air to flow through the filter. This can create more resistance, making your HVAC system work harder and making it less efficient.
- Change Filter Often: Filters with higher MERV ratings must be changed often, at least every three months, to avoid restricted airflow and inefficient HVAC operation.
Want to Learn More?
Are you ready to take the next step and want to learn more about furnace filters and how to find the right one for you? Check out some of our other filter shopping guides:
Let us help you find the right furnace filter for your home by calling our knowledgeable sales team at 1-800-934-9194.
