When buying an air filter, you may find the various acronyms associated with them to be confusing. To simplify things, you mainly need to know about HEPA and MERV filters: HEPA meaning High Efficiency Particulate Air filter and MERV standing for Minimum Efficiency Rating Value. Read on to learn more about the differences between HEPA and MERV filters.
MERV Filters
MERV is the industry standard for rating how dense a filter is; how efficient it is in trapping airborne particulates. For most residential purposes, you want a filter rated between 8 and 11 MERV. Any lower and it won’t do much to trap smaller particles. Any higher and the filter may impede airflow, making it harder for your system to work. It won’t cool as well, and parts may even be damaged by straining to reach set temperature points.
However, if you live in an area that is heavily polluted or there are smog and wildfires, you may want to opt for a MERV 13 filter. MERV 13 filters can also trap airborne viruses.
MERV 8-13 filters are generally recognizable because they are made of dense, pleated materials, while lower-rated filters are flimsy and made of fiberglass.
You may notice some filters with ratings for FPR, which is the Home Depot’s rating system, and MPR, created by 3M. This can be confusing, but just know that the rating systems are all about the same kind of filters.
HEPA Filters
HEPA filters are made of a dense mesh that traps pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and tobacco smoke. HEPA filters are not normally used in residential HVAC systems, although they are found in air purifiers. A residential HVAC system must be modified extensively to accommodate a HEPA filter. HEPA filters are too large for most residential HVACs, and the fan can’t overcome the added static pressure the HEPA filter would bring.
Sometimes, persons with respiratory issues require the addition of a HEPA filter to the HVAC to keep the air free of harmful particulates. The modification to accommodate the HEPA filter can be quite expensive.
Want to know more about HEPA and MERV filters? Contact Ace Hardware Home Services of Dayton to learn more about the differences between HEPA and MERV filters and how to decide which is best for your home.
