The Benefits of Using an Air Filter with a High MERV Rating

Having a high-quality air filter in your home or business premises is essential for ensuring good indoor air quality. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, and it is a nationally recognized measurement system used to qualify all air filters. This classification is based on the filter's ability to trap particles of a specific size, and the higher the rating, the better the filter is at trapping smaller air particles. A filter with a MERV rating of 7 or 8 is a good balance between air conditioning performance and indoor air cleaning. It can remove mold spores, hairspray, dust mites, and animal dander without restricting airflow.

A mid-range filter will also help eliminate odors, so you'll have less dust and the air will smell cleaner. For domestic use or high-quality commercial filters, you should look for filters with a MERV rating of 8 to 13. Even if you choose a filter with a lower MERV index, it will still be effective at fighting larger particles. The MERV rating scale was designed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers in 1987 to provide a more accurate picture of an air filter's capabilities. When you understand how the MERV leaderboard works, you can choose the right MERV-rated air filters for your needs. Investing in the right MERV filters for your home will ensure that your residential air conditioning system operates at a high level and that any bacteria that may bother your air conditioning system is eliminated.