Most Practical MERV Rating for Furnace Filters
With the wide variety of furnace filters, confusion comes easy in choosing which is best to buy. Add to the many model identification numbers the digits indicating size, efficiency ratings and MERV ratings and any buyer becomes even more confused. It’s time MERV ratings get simple and clear so that you become a wise buyer.
MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) was developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers to help translate filter efficiencies into numbers from 1 to 16. Here are the distinctions of these numbers. These distinctions start with the MERV rating and includes the types of filters, the efficiency in % and the pollutants and contaminant elements used to test the filters. Ratings of 1 to 4 among disposable fiberglass filters, permanent metal filter and panel filters mean 20% efficiency in catching dust from any construction work, fabrics, carpets, rugs, dust mites, moss and pollen. Ratings of 5 to 7 among pleated panel filters, ring panel and synthetic media filters mean 20% to 30% efficiency on restricting the passage of particles from powder, snuff and dust. MERV 8 to 11 of extended surface pocket filters signify 40% to 60% filtration of mold spores, lead and coal dusts, harmful emissions and fumes. 12 to 14 ratings of pleated filters and HEPA pure pleated filters mean 80% to 90% efficiency on powder, dust, smoke and pigments. MERV 15 to 16 among rigid cell and extended surface pocket filters mean 90% to 95% efficiency on trapping bacteria and smoke.
To make buying even simpler, get a Honeywell furnace filter that is rated 12 for your home or office. MERV 12 indicates an honest and most reliable balance between the energy-efficiency and optimum performance of the furnace, and the filtration and cleaning done by the filter. You end up improving the quality of your indoor air while promoting the performance and life of your furnace. Even many professionals in the heating industry use and recommend MERV 12 furnace filters for homes.
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