They begin at MERV 1 and go as high as MERV 20, with filters rated MERV 16 through 20 being mainly used in hospitals, research laboratories, computer labs, etc. These particles are 1-3 microns. "@type": "Answer", The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient the air filter is at removing particles. For example, in order to achieve a MERV 13 value, the tested filter must be at least 50% efficient on dirt particles in the E1 range, at least 85% on E2 . HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particular Air. The smaller pores in more highly rated air filters create resistance to air flow, and if the filter is used in an HVAC system that is not designed to handle this resistance, it can lower the system's efficiency, decrease indoor air quality, and put strain on the system's fan. "name": "What pressure drop is safe for my AC/Air Handling System? Arrestance is a term often used in describing filter performance. "mainEntity": [{ A filters material type and efficiency rating affect the pressure drop and resistance to air flow. The final pressure drop/final resistance is measured when the filter has reached its total dust holding capacity and is ready to be replaced. A MERV 8 filter can remove particles down to 3 microns in size at an efficiency of 70 percent or greater (1 micron is about 0.04 thousandths of an inch). 99.97% or better for all particle sizes). A MERV 13 pleated air filter, the highest quality offering from Second Nature and most other filter companies, has a pressure drop of around 0.25. This results in lower air pressure on the side of the filter from which the air exits. This has resulted in confusion and apprehension on the part of the homeowner who wants to provide good quality indoor air, but not at the expense of that expensive HVAC system. You can check the best medical-grade air purifiers here; these use H13 HEPA filters. It also shows air filter efficiency levels. Similarly, the medium MERV filters also showed a decrease in airflow . Is it a problem? },{ Camfil makes the best filters on the market: they are the most energy-efficient, have a longer and more effective service life than other filters, and feature a lower pressure drop than competing brands. in the Inch-Pound system of measurement. When used in a multi-filter system, the pre-filters trap the dirt and large particles before the air reaches the final filters downstream, which then remove the smaller particles. MERV Rating Chart: AC, Furnace & Purifier Filters Explained },{ Your HVAC equipment will give off a few clues that the filter is too restrictive and creating unacceptable pressure drop. Before we look at the MERV rating chart (1-20 rating for 0.3 10 micron particles), lets answer this question: Do you know why HEPA filters are called HEPA? The lower air pressure will then cause wasted energy because the HVAC system will need to spend more time and power to heat or cool the building to the desired temperature. Best Merv 16 Furnace and Air Conditioner Air Filter The test is made of six cycles. } Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, or MERVs, report a filter's ability to capture larger particles between 0.3 and 10 microns (m). W2 Wire Thermostat Wiring (2nd Stage), Thermostat Wire Color Codes For 3-8 Wire Thermostats (Color-By-Color), How Many Therms Of Gas Per Month Is Normal? As air moves through an HVAC system and encounters a filter, the filter creates resistance to the airflow as it removes particles and contaminants from the air. If your facility needs to upgrade to MERV 13+, R.P. What guidelines are available to compare air cleaners? Their average efficiency from 3 to 10 micron is less than 20. These dust particles fall into three size groups. build your custom filter now, Send us a message below or call us at 1.800.667.8563. A filter is sent to an ASHRAE lab, and its efficiency is tested against aerosols at three different size ranges (E1, E2, and E3). Click the button below to get your discount ! MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. Want to work for Air Filters Inc.? ", The final pressure drop/final resistance is measured when the filter has reached its total dust holding capacity and is ready to be replaced. ; High-rated media is able to retain fumes . The higher the MERV rating the better the filter is at trapping specific types of particles. The MERV scale ranges from 1 to 20, and on the lower end of the scale MERV 1 filtration can capture particles as small as 10 microns with 65% efficiency, and on the higher end of the scale MERV 20 filtrations can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns with 95% efficiency. 1.0-3.0 greater than or equal to 95% OurHEPA filtersystems are our best media air filters they remove 99.97% of all impurities. "@context": "https://schema.org", The mid-MERV is twice as much and the high-MERV is three times as much. Green Manufacturing ~ How green is your air purifier? The chart below shows a detailed description for each merv rating 1 through 16. "@type": "Question", Contaminant Size Intervals. Not as taxing on your HVAC system. Likewise, the mid-MERV filters also showed decreased air flow relative to the low-MERV filters, this time 3% and 8% lower in the two systems. Every air purification system should have an activated carbon filter. OK ! "text": "The pressure drop of a filter is a measure of its resistance to airflow through it. A Guide To Furnace Filter MERV Ratings - [With MERV Comparison Chart "name": "What is filter pressure drop? They are not Minimum efficient. Air filter selection chart and Performance Ratings. An air filters pressure drop is the measurement of resistance to air that passes through the filter. PDF ASHRAE 52 explained - Camfil Also, just because a filter fits with a system, that doesn't mean it's the best filter for the system. Typically, the higher the MERV rating, the higher the pressure drop and the more restrictive the air flow is. Most current household HVAC units/handlers can handle a MERV 6-13 pleated filter with ease. You can check the whole EPAs list of air pollutants here. How do I know if I need a higher MERV rating? The rating was devised by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) to answer one question: Which air purifier is the most effective? Average Particle Size Efficiency in Microns, 1.0-3.0 greater than or equal to 20% Standard 52.2 establishes a testing protocol. VOCs and odors are not covered by ASHRAE tests. The MERV filter rating measures the amount of microparticles and macroparticles in the air from 0.3 microns and 10 microns in size. Typical MERV 11 Filter 3M MERV-11 3M MERV-14 How Our Filters Perform Over Time This chart shows how our media performs over time as a 20" x 25" filter collects particulates as measured at different air volumes. What if they cause too much pressure drop? I normally see a product spec sheet with ASHRAE 52.2 testing, but I dont normally see Appendix J associated with it. It should be noted that pressure drop through a high-MERV filter varies depending on the velocity of the air flow. What Are MERV Ratings? MERV vs MERV-A Filter Efficiency Ratings MERV stands for "Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value" and is a system used to determine how efficiently an air filter can clean the air in your home with each use. With finer filtration, fewer airborne contaminates & dust particles are allowed to pass through the filter. "name": "What is the relationship between filter pressure drop and air flow rate? They offer good airflow. Even filters sharing the same MERV rating may have differing pressure drops. Depending on the design [] A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. However, most HVAC systems built in the last 20 years should have no issue using a MERV 6 - MERV 13 rated air filter. This system is designed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). 1.0-3.0 greater than or equal to 90% Filters with a (M) value 5 through 8 remove finer dust particles. Pros of a MERV 12 Air Filter 1994-2021, W.W. Grainger, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Different Air Filter Ratings: FPR vs. MERV vs. MPR | FilterBuy Fedder can help you. This type of air filter can theoretically remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3microns (m). This allows greater airflow without having to increase the size of the actual filter. The ASHRAE paper reviewed studies suggesting that: Use the MERVrating chart below to understand which filters are best for which applications. 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. Please click here to see any active alerts. If the house was comfy all over, but you upgraded your filter and now rooms distant from the furnace or air handler arent getting enough warm or cooled air, low airflow caused by a restrictive filter should be considered. Frankly, that can happen with about any filter higher than a MERV 5 if it gets dirty and clogged. MERV and Pressure Drop What Makes the Difference? Each air filter has its own unique pressure drop. They also found that airflow in the high MERV filters decreased by 7% and 11% in the two HVAC systems compared to the low MERV filters. Which MERV Rating Filter Should You Use in Your Home? Typical Applications. Receive our full product catalog via email. However, short of filter neglect, most modern HVAC systems are designed to be able to work with MERV filters in the range of 10 to 13. "acceptedAnswer": { Cookies Policy. Filtrete accurate with their new pressure drop/performance ratings? You can learn how to measure the air filter static pressure drop by watching THIS video. While its helpful to know something about the relationship between MERV and pressure drop, it isnt generally something that you should lose any sleep over. MERV values range from 1 (minimal filtering) to 20 (maximum filtering). This part is common to the three previous studies. "acceptedAnswer": { High-MERV Filter | Building America Solution Center - PNNL Weve got em. ", The health benefits of particle filtration are proportional to "the reduction in total exposure to particles less than 2.5 m in diameter. ", Refer below to four average contaminant size intervals for MERV rating consideration. Filtrete MERV 5 Review For 1 Inch Furnace Filter For a product to be called Made in USA, the product must be all or virtually all made in the U.S. Air Filter Selection Chart | Filter Makers The following example illustrates how this can play out for a hospital investing in higher quality filters to reduce their energy and filter replacement costs. Levels 17 and above are used . 3.0-10.0 greater than or equal to 95%. The pressure drop for highly efficient filters like HEPA, ULPA, and ASHRAE tends to be higher, they use a quality filter media that is excellent at capturing pollutants and fine particles. Do I Really Need to be Concerned with the MERV/Pressure Drop Issue? Since filters with a higher MERV can trap smaller particles, it is often assumed that they will automatically have a greater resistance to air flow. An air filter's minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating measures how effectively the filter stops dust and other contaminants from passing through the filter and into the air stream. Some pleated filters with the same or lesser MERV's have higher pressure drops. The truth is, there are many differences between HVAC filters that make statements like these tantamount to comparing apples with oranges they are both fruits, but thats where the similarities end. Estimated energy savings from 5-Star filters per AHU, extrapolated to annual basis (assuming 24/7 AHU operation, 34,235 cfm airflow per AHU): ($0.463/cfm $0.575/cfm) x 34,235 cfm = $3,834 annual electric energy savings per AHU. AFI Replacements (Air Bear, Honeywell, Trane), Poly Anti-Microbial Tackified 1 Inch Media 10oz, Poly Dry / Dry Tackified 2 Inch Media 15oz, Twist-Lock Cylindrical Cartridges for Pneuma Pulse, Flange-Top Cylindrical Cartridge for Farr Tenkay, Conical Cartridge for Donaldson GDX & GDS, Cylindrical Cartridge for Donaldson GDX & GDS, HEPA Crank-Lock Housing 2 Inch Pre-Filter, HEPA Crank-Lock Housing 4 Inch Pre-Filter, 2020 Air Filters, Inc. All rights reserved. "acceptedAnswer": { A: Our current recommendation is to use a filter with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 13, but a MERV 14 (or better) filter Is preferred. Your efficiency will drop measured by higher energy costs: Systems working too hard burn more fuel or use more electricity to get the job done. Its and apples and oranges kind of thing. Merv-ratings The higher the pressure drop the more restrictive the filter is to air flow. PDF HVAC Filter Selection and MERV Ratings: What Does It All Mean? - Hixson Close pleats in 5" depth minimize pressure drop and extend filter life example: Source: www.merv8.com This rating system reports how well the filter captures and holds dust. 95% Air Filter, MERV-14, MERV-15, or MERV-16 - Yes? MERV 8 vs MERV 11 Air Filters: Which Should I Use? | FilterBuy ASHRAE stands for the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers. Source: www.doityourself.com. If a system is designed with a standard filter for that pressure drop, the pressure drop with a pleated filter of the same size will most likely be higher. It shows particle size ranges. MERV 9 through 12 filters are good filters for general home use. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2014-2023, PICKHVAC All Rights Reserved. As the MERV rating increases the media typically becomes loftier and thicker, to capture more air pollutants, with this you could see slightly more air restriction. If you have more questions about the right air filter or air purifier, call our customer service number 800-558-9436. }] "text": "The accepted pressure drop is different for each air conditioning or air handling system, and you should always refer to your manufacturers guide prior to inserting replacing your air filter to ensure you are using the appropriate filter. The higher the number, the more restricted the airflow. Using the MERV rating chart to understand the filters and their applications. What is the MERV Rating on a Filter? Includes a moisture resistant, high wet-strength beverage board frame. It is a measure of a filters ability to trap particles in the air. MERV-15: Not a common filter efficiency, MERV-15 will sometimes be called a 95%+ filter as that was it's label under 52.1 This filter tends to get overlooked as it is between two very common high efficiency air filter values and although the static pressure is more comparable to 14 than 16, and the pricing is typically not too much more than 14, "text": "As dirt and debris gets trapped by the filter, there is less space for air to pass through, causing the pressure drop to rise throughout the filters life. Low initial resistance and high dust holding capacity requires less energy consumption, resulting in lower operating costs and energy savings. Get more great content like this sent to your inbox. However, an important factor is that MERV ratings are not standard and the quality of a filter will vary from one brand to the next, meaning that pressure drop will vary between different filters that are rated the same. A M rating of 13 through 16 are higher quality filters. How to Tell if I Should Change Furnace Filter. These values are shown to reflect the common vernacular used by many players in the filtration industry, Generally, the higher the MERV (M), you get better filter performance. What is interesting is that youll rarely see MERV rating in an air purifier specification sheet. LakeAir provides discounts to Veterans, First Responders, and the Elderly. Comparing Filters for Resistance and Efficiency - Tex-Air Filters For example, a 4-inch-thick MERV 12 filter can have a 0.2-inch WC pressure . Frequent filter changeouts will help minimize risks from pressure drop. Air Filter Pressure Drop FAQ | Air Filters, Inc. . 14 Culprits To Check For Now, MMBTU To MMSCFD Calculator For Natural Gas + Chart, 8 Best Infrared Heaters For Indoors, Patios, Garages (With ECO Thermostats), AGM Battery Voltage Charts: 12V, 24V Deep Cycle Battery Voltage, Lead-Acid Battery Voltage Chart For 6V, 12V, 24V, 48V Batteries, Natural Gas MMSCFD To MMBTU/Day Calculator + Chart, Smoke, dust, oil smell, bacteria, sneeze droplets, Car emissions, bigger dust particles (lead), Legionella, Hair spray, mold spored, mite debris, fabric protector, cat, and dog dander, Pollen, sanding dust, cockroach debris, textile fibers, 85% for 3.0-10.0 m particles, or greater, 90% for 3.0-10.0 m particles, or greater. Tankless Water Heater Wire Size Calculator: What Gauge Wire (AWG)? Weve identified that there is an increase in pressure drop and energy costs when switching to MERV 13 or higher filters. Pressure drop describes what happens when air pressure is decreased from one section in an HVAC system to another section downstream. As a filter traps and gathers airborne contaminants the filters pressure drop increases and air flow decreases. PDF Pressure Drop Detailed Pressure Drop for 4" and 5" filters This guideline determines a filters performance by particle size. There are many benefits to having a higher MERV rating, including: If you have a high MERV rating, you should change your filter every 3 months. Hi Nash, ASHRAE 52.2 is the source of all MERV effectiveness data. Extended Surface Pleated Filters Standard and high capacity MERV 8, MERV-A 8-A Low Initial Resistance for energy savings . M 10 filters are easy on air blowers and fans. They are usually reserved for superior commercial applications. 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 . Inexpensive and energy-efficient. They specify a minimum MERV of a filter to use, but not the IR. How to Mitigate Pressure Drop Caused by MERV 13 Filters 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. Filters with higher MERV ratings trap small particles more effectively than filters with lower MERV ratings. A 1 MERV 13 pleated filter has a pressure drop of around 0.27, and a 1 MERV 8 has a pressure drop of around 0.14. (1000-3000+ Sq Ft Homes), Thermostat Says Heat On But No Heat? Air Purifiers, Dehumidifiers and Treatment. MERV rating. The pressure drop across an air filter will determine how negatively the filter affects airflow. MERV, which is an acronym for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, is a rating system that was developed by ASHRAE (the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers). As you can see from the . In general, filters with a rating of MERV16 or below are considered to be HVAC-system-grade filters for residential, commercial and general hospital use. "name": "How is filter pressure drop measured? Again, it has a pleated design. Always refer to your air handler manufacturers guide before changing your air filter. Rooms will be too hot or too cold: This is a symptom of low airflow. These air filters are great for people with pets. While MERV ratings reflect a filter's ability to trap both microscopic and macroscopic particles, MPR ratings only grade a filter on its capacity to remove particles from 0.3 to 1 microns. 2. The furnace filter removes at least 90% of solid pollutants that measure 3.0 to 10 microns in diameter. 3.0-10.0 greater than or equal to 80%, 0.30-1.0 greater than or equal to 35% Pleats look like an accordion, and can more than double the face area of a filter. This is an industry standard rating system. } My Low Pressure-Drop, MERV-13 Filters - Energy Vanguard Filtration and Disinfection FAQ - ASHRAE The manometer below shows my reading across one of the clean MERV-13 filters. ", Rene has worked 10 years in the HVAC field and now is the Senior Comfort Specialist for PICKHVAC. As you can see above, research shows that in general, HVAC systems with high MERV* filters have a higher pressure drop across the entire filter. Do High-MERV Filters Always Reduce Air Flow? LakeAir replacement filters use 4 different MERV rated filters. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused concerns about data center HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) filtration. The chart displays the static pressure drop curves for filters at four MERV ratings. In the end, well finally see why HEPA filters are called HEPA (and reveal which filter is even better than the HEPA filter). "text": "Filters use various types of medias depending on the application or what the environment requires. These are the 4 average contaminant size intervals MERV rating applies to: These are just a few contaminants that we want to get rid of with a good MERV air purifier. They generally allow enough air to flow through a furnace filter to allow the blower to stay cool. A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. They are used in light industrial and residential applications. The accepted pressure drop is different for each air conditioning or air handling system, and you should always refer to your manufacturers guide prior to inserting replacing your air filter to ensure you are using the appropriate filter. They will not hook up to your furnace or HVAC system. What is a MERV rating? The 3M Filtrete MERV 5 review concluded that this furnace filter is a good choice for any household as long as there are no allergy issues, pets such as dogs and cats, smokers in the house. Air Filter Static Pressure Drop - HVAC School Higher MERV But Lower Air Resistance Can Happen. Each filter is assigned a rating based on how much debris a filter manages to block when circulating air. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. "@type": "Question", The Air Conditioning Contractors of America assumes that the pressure drop across a . "text": "Static pressure is the measurement of the exertion of air flow your HVAC system is moving throughout the system and ductwork." MERV Rating Chart: How to Choose the Right Air Filter for You? 2. What Are All Those Gadgets On A Multitool? It is not recommended to continue to use your filter beyond its final pressure drop point. This is an industry standard rating system. The chart below shows the MERV ratings. Besides the basic need for good indoor air quality (IAQ), many extremely relevant reasons exist in 2020 to discuss air filters, according to Kathleen Owen, Fellow ASHRAE, member of the ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force, and Carolyn (Gemma) Kerr, Ph.D., Life Member ASHRAE. This 4 inch filter has over 60 square feet of synthetic dirt grabbing fibers. Does EPA certify/register or provide lists of acceptable air cleaners or manufacturers/sellers? Just make the filter bigger and you get a lower pressure drop. 6-Pack 24x24x4 XTREME PLUS Air Filters MERV 8 XPH-STD4-405- 24X24X4 - $45 (Pacolet) 24x24x4 Air Filter for HVAC. "text": "When you air filter is installed, it is a barrier between your HVAC and your ducts/vents. ", It is not recommended to continue to use your filter beyond its final pressure drop point. MERV Ratings 17-20 reflect values that are used in the rating of HEPA and ULPA filters. Spun fiberglass almost always has a lower IR than other materials. MERV Rating Chart Understanding MERV Ratings All filters have a MERV rating that falls between 1 and 16. This is important to consider when choosing a filter for your application and your HVAC unit. },{ As the MERV rating increases the finer the filtration becomes. Air conditioning air ducts air filter air filters air filtration air purifier air purifiers air quality airborne particles airfilters airflow asthma dust filter filters filtration filtration and disinfection filtrete flu heating and air conditioning hepa filter hepa filters history of merv indoor air quality made in the usa merv microparticle performance rating. Will it burn up your HVAC system? A filter's MERVnumber indicates how it's rated to remove these particles. Their rating is based upon filtering out a particular size of air particles, 0.3-micron ones. A filters material type and efficiency rating affect the pressure drop and resistance to air flow. Other Signs your MERV is Too High / Your Filter Too Restrictive, Can I Temporarily Run My Furnace Without a Filter, Relationship Between Pressure Drop and MERV Rating, Do Not Use High MERV (12+) Filter for HVAC. Thats why air filter producers dont usually specify the MERV rating. The test is based on particle size. } If U are going to use pleated filters U need a deep pleated filter to provide a lot more area; which would require new Return Air filter racks . "acceptedAnswer": { The test duct fans can operate up to a speed of 750 fpm. It can remove small particles such as dust mites, spray paint dust, carpet fibers, and pollen. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The higher the MERV rating, the more particles the filter will remove. There are no products matching the selection. During each cycle a predetermined amount of dust particles is released into the airstream. For example, a household pleated filter that uses synthetic media will have a lower pressure drop than a micro-fiberglass media that is used in critical environments such as a hospitals and datacenters." Filters with higher MERVratings trap small particles more effectively than filters with lower MERVratings. should be helpful in determining the MERV rating of the filter once the particulate size has been determined. Since MERV 13 filters (https://www.rpfedder.com/filtration/merv-13-filters/) are on the higher end of the rating scale, they can be susceptible to excessive pressure drop. The US Department of Energy recommends at least a MERV 8. When used as final filters, they are the primary filters for an HVAC system. This MERV rating chart has the MERV ratings, 1-16 on the left hand column and then there are five other columns showing the average efficiency in microns, average arrestance and the final resistance as measured in inches of water. 2/11/20 The MERV rating is a scale from 1 to 16, with the higher numbers being the most efficient at removing particles. 3. (std. MERV vs. HEPA Filters - Which Is Better and Why? - Ice Energy Where to find MERV and IR: This information is printed on the edge of the frame of the filter and can be seen before you purchase it. 3. depth MERV 13 filters are available with pressure drop characteristics comparable to or lower than some MERV 6 filters, staff also finds that a 2" filter depth is valuable in allowing filters to have airflow characteristics that are superior to a 1" filter, and may facilitate use of even higher MERV filters (such as the MERV 16 recommended by These filters remove at least 99.97% of dust particle and are capable of removing viruses and radioactive material. Final filters may be used alone in a single-filter system, or they may be used in combination with one or more pre-filters. If I look at AprilAire's CFM table per product, it shows the following pressure drops in order from the 410, 413, and 416 models (i.e.