Scribd
Upload
21 views2 pages

What is a MERV rating

MERV ratings, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, indicate a filter's ability to capture particles between 0.3 and 10 microns, with higher ratings signifying better performance. The ratings are based on tests developed by ASHRAE and help compare different filters. HEPA filters, a type of high-efficiency particulate air filter, can remove at least 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns, with even higher efficiencies for larger or smaller particles.

Uploaded by

axel
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
21 views2 pages

What is a MERV rating

MERV ratings, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, indicate a filter's ability to capture particles between 0.3 and 10 microns, with higher ratings signifying better performance. The ratings are based on tests developed by ASHRAE and help compare different filters. HEPA filters, a type of high-efficiency particulate air filter, can remove at least 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns, with even higher efficiencies for larger or smaller particles.

Uploaded by

axel
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

What is a MERV rating?

Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, or MERVs, report a filter's ability to


capture larger particles between 0.3 and 10 microns (µm).

 This value is helpful in comparing the performance of different filters


 The rating is derived from a test method developed by the American Society
of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
[see www.ashrae.org].
 The higher the MERV rating the better the filter is at trapping specific types of
particles.
MERV Rating Average Particle Size Efficiency in Microns
1-4 3.0 - 10.0 less than 20%
5 3.0-10.0 greater than or equal to 20%

6 3.0-10.0 greater than or equal to 35%


7 3.0-10.0 greater than or equal to 50%

1.0-3.0 greater than or equal to 20%


8
3.0-10.0 greater than or equal to 70%
1.0-3.0 greater than or equal to 35%
9
3.0-10.0 greater than or equal to 75%

1.0-3.0 greater than or equal to 50%


10
3.0-10.0 greater than or equal to 80%
0.30-1.0 greater than or equal to 20%
11 1.0-3.0 greater than or equal to 65%
3.0-10.0 greater than or equal to 85%

0.30-1.0 greater than or equal to 35%


12 1.0-3.0 greater than or equal to 80%
3.0-10.0 greater than or equal to 90%
0.30-1.0 greater than or equal to 50%
13 1.0-3.0 greater than or equal to 85%
3.0-10.0 greater than or equal to 90%

0.30-1.0 greater than or equal to 75%


14 1.0-3.0 greater than or equal to 90%
3.0-10.0 greater than or equal to 95%
15 0.30-1.0 greater than or equal to 85%
1.0-3.0 greater than or equal to 90%
MERV Rating Average Particle Size Efficiency in Microns
3.0-10.0 greater than or equal to 95%

0.30-1.0 greater than or equal to 95%


16 1.0-3.0 greater than or equal to 95%
3.0-10.0 greater than or equal to 95%
99.97% of particles in the 0.3-micron range
High efficiency Particulate
Particles that are larger or smaller than 0.3 microns are
Air filter HEPA*
captured with a greater than 99.97% efficiency

HEPA is a type of pleated mechanical air filter. It is an acronym for "high efficiency
particulate air [filter]" (as officially defined by the U.S. Dept. of Energy). 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 0.3 microns (µm). The diameter
specification of 0.3 microns corresponds to the worst case; the most penetrating
particle size (MPPS). Particles that are larger or smaller are trapped with even
higher efficiency. Using the worst case particle size results in the worst case
efficiency rating (i.e. 99.97% or better for all particle sizes).

All air cleaners require periodic cleaning and filter replacement to function properly.
Follow manufacturer's recommendations on maintenance and replacement.

You might also like