MERV Rating? What is that?

Above: Picture of Josue and a MERV 13 Pleated Filter

Two of the very first steps when trying to improve indoor air quality is to make sure you are using the most efficient filters on your equipment and the second is to make sure your filters are changed regularly.

First you need to find out which filters are the most efficient ones that will work with your equipment.  You do this by researching what the MERV rating is on the filters you are using. The MERV system, which stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, is an industry-standard system for rating the minimum efficiency of air filters. The MERV system rates the filters on a scale of 1-16, with one being the least efficient and 16 the most efficient. Many times the simple, cheap throw away filter you pick up at the grocery store only has a MERV rating of 1-4 which means it is only catching the largest of the airborne particles. For example a filter with a MERV rating of 3 traps larger particles  like dust mites, standing dust, and carpet fibers.  If you want your filter to catch 75% or more of the particles in the air then you will want to look for a filter that has a MERV rating of 14-16. A MERV 16 rated filter will trap things as tiny as bacteria and smoke.

Once you have found the most energy efficient filter for your home the second thing you must do is properly maintain your system. When you buy a filter with a higher MERV rating you must regularly change the filter. As the filter becomes loaded with particles, the available space for air to flow through becomes smaller. When this happens the result is cleaner air but also less air movement, which causes your furnace to have to work harder to move the air. The filters must be replaced on a regular basis in order to ensure proper air flow. Many companies offer a Planned Service program that you can enroll in. A technician will come to your house every few months and check and change your filters as well as clean all of your equipment.  We like to think of it as an”oil change” for your H.V.A.C. equipment. Just like a car needs an oil change and a tune up to run at its peak efficiency so does your heating and air conditioning equipment!