What Are MERV Ratings and What Do They Mean?

What are MERV ratings?

MERV ratings are an abbreviation for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value.

It is a system used to measure the efficiency of an air filter based on how effective it is capturing particles of various sizes. The rating system was created by the American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

Basically, the MERV rating, on a scale of 1-16, tells you how effectively your filter traps particles and allergens of various sizes.

Not all air filters like non-pleated throwaways are MERV rated. To be MERV-rated, a filter must go through a particular test of performance. Most media, throwaway filters, washable filters and other low-efficiency filters perform approximately at the level of MERV 3-4, but have not be tested for a MERV rating.

What MERV Rating should I use for my home or commercial space?

Typically, residential and commercial filters are rated MERV-8 which are great for capturing particles and allergens, from 3-10 microns in size. However, many residential homes use throwaway filters which are around MERV-4 (not officially rated).

If you have any allergies or respiratory issues we recommend upgrading your throwaway filter to a MERV-8 or upgrade your MERV-8 filter to MERV-11 or MERV-13.

For more in-depth recommendations based on your home or commercial application , please feel free to contact us directly.

Written by: Danny Premanathan