AIR FILTERS / E.A.C

AIR FILTERS/AIR CLEANERS

A MERV rating is a numerical value ranging from 1 (lowest efficiency) to 20 (highest efficiency) and tells the consumer how well the filter captures and holds dirt and dust of a specified size range, the MERV ratings, corresponding particle size ranges, and efficiency level as measured by the percentage of particles captured.

Generally, the higher the MERV, the better the filter will perform at removing smaller particle sizes. MERV 1 through 4 is designed to remove large particles. These filters are used primarily to protect equipment and are used in light industrial and residential applications. For these values, the average particle size efficiency from 3 to 10 micron is less than 20%. Because of this, average arrestance, which is a measure of a filters ability to remove coarse particulate, is used to determine MERV 1 through 4.

MERV 5 through 16 filters removes finer particles and are used in applications where it is important to protect individuals or processes from airborne contaminants that could otherwise affect health and productivity. The average particle size efficiency has three ranges: E1 (0.3 to 1 micron), E2 (1 to 3 micron) and E3 (3 to 10 micron) will determine MERV for these products.

We recommend Merv 8 filters as our "better" filter" and Merv 11 filters as our "best filter." For people with pets or otherwise desiring superior odor management, we offer a "best for pets" in some sizes. This is a carbon activated Merv 8 filter. We do not recommend higher than Merv 12 or Merv 13 filters, because these filters may negatively affect certain HVAC systems.

typical applications for the major MERV value ranges are:
MERV 1 – 4
•Minimum filtration, used almost exclusively in residential buildings
MERV 5 – 8
•Most commercial applications and better residential buildings
MERV 9 – 12
•Superior residential buildings and better commercial buildings
MERV 13 – 16
•Hospital inpatient and general surgery; found in superior commercial buildings
MERV 17 – 20
•Clean rooms and pharmaceutical manufacturing