MERV 9 rigid cell air filters provide between 70% and 75% efficiency for filtering particles between 3 and 10 microns in size (such as mold spores, dusting aids, and cement dust).
What is the highest MERV filter available?
Well, MERV ratings range from 1 to 20, with 1 being the lowest level of filtration, and 20 being the highest. Filters that are MERV 16 through 20 are usually only found in hospitals, cleanrooms, and nuclear power plants. The home air filters you're looking for are rated anywhere between MERV 5 and 13.
Is MERV 9 good enough?
MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, and it's used to tell you how well an air filter can catch particles in your home's air. The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient the air filter is at catching harmful pollutants in your home's air. ... MERV 9–12 (better): The best option for residential use.Jun 26, 2017
The basic recommendation for furnace filters replacement is every 3-4 months for MERV 8, every 6 months MERV 10 and 11 and every year for MERV 16.
Is MERV 9 filter good?
MERV 9-12 Filters: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency advises that filters with MERV ratings of 9 to 12 are almost as effective as true high-efficiency particulate absorption, or HEPA, filters when it comes to removing particles from indoor air that are hazardous to your health, which makes them ideal for homes ...Mar 21, 2014
What MERV rating is best for Covid 19?
What kind of filter should I use in my home HVAC system to help protect my family from COVID-19? Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, or MERV, reports a filter's ability to capture particles. Filters with MERV-13 or higher ratings can trap smaller particles, including viruses.Jan 12, 2021
Are pleated air filters bad for AC unit?
Pleated filters are bad for your system because they block too much air, forcing the HVAC motor to work harder to pull in the air it needs and burning it out faster. ... A decent amount of those pollutants cycle back through the system into your home so that you breathe them in.
Is a pleated filter better than a non-pleated filter?
A pleated filter is made up of different sizes, and readily captures pathogens as small as 0.3 microns, filtering out even the tiniest of bacteria. They are overall more effective in capturing very tiny particles than non-pleated air filters; 99.97% of airborne particles are trapped with a pleated air filter.
Are more pleats in an air filter better?
Catch more debris: Pleated air filters have more surface area, so they capture more – and smaller – debris. Depending on the MERV ratingMERV ratingMinimum Efficiency Reporting Value, commonly known as MERV, is a measurement scale designed in 1987 by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) to report the effectiveness of air filters in more detail than other ratings.https://en.wikipedia.org › Minimum_efficiency_reporting_valueMinimum efficiency reporting value - Wikipedia, they may filter out pollen, pet dander, bacteria, and some viruses. This makes a pleated air filter a much better choice for anyone with allergies, asthma, or similar sensitivities.
What's the difference between pleated and non-pleated air filters?
The biggest difference from pleated air filters is that the non-pleated alternatives are made to catch large particles. The dust and debris can add up quickly on the non-pleated filters. On the other hand, pleated air filters are designed to catch smaller particles, which is why they tend to last longer.Nov 11, 2021
What MERV rating removes mold?
MERV Rating A rating between 1 and 4 will protect your HVAC system, but will not improve air quality. A rating between 5 and 13 is useful in fighting mold, pet dander, bacteria, and some viruses. Anything rated at a 14 or higher has the highest efficiency. This includes True HEPA Filters.
Does MERV 13 filter mold spores?
MERV 13 Air Filter While a MERV 13 filter can catch dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria, it can also filter out smoke, smog, and even virus carriers. ... However, for common household airborne particles such as pet dander and mold spores, a MERV 13 air filter is an excellent option for many homeowners.Jun 28, 2021