Furnace Filter Merv Rating

Ranging from 1 to 20 the larger the number the better the filter is at catching small particles.

Furnace filter merv rating.

If the rating is too low potentially dangerous or damage causing particles can easily slip by. Below is a table grouping merv ratings by particle size. Read our blog for more information on how to choose the right filter for your furnace. Merv filter ratings and efficiency.

Merv 17 through merv 20 filters are typically used in surgical operating rooms clean rooms and other contexts that require absolute cleanliness. The rating indicates the size of particles the air filter is designed to capture. Merv ratings indicate how effective a filter is at keeping different particles out. Every furnace filter has a minimum efficiency reporting value merv rating which measures how efficiently the filter captures particles of specific sizes that pass through it as your furnace operates.

The higher the merv rating on a filter the fewer dust particles and contaminants can pass through it. Merv stands for minimum efficiency reporting value which is a rating system designed by the american society of heating refrigerating and air conditioning engineers. Merv ratings range from 1 least efficient to 16 extremely efficient. Filters within a merv rating of 17 20 are almost never necessary in a residential home.

In general filters with a rating of merv 16 or below are considered to be hvac system grade filters for residential commercial and general hospital use. At the very lowest merv rating 1 4 your filter will still capture pollen dust mites cockroach debris sanding dust spray paint dust textile fibers and carpet fibers.