MERV Rating is one of the most significant considerations when you are selecting air filters. You should know what it means, how it impacts your indoor air quality and affects the performance of your HVAC system. So let’s explore.
What Is Meant By MERV?
MERV stands for ‘Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value.’ It tells about the effectiveness of the air filter. This rating ranges from one to sixteen. A higher MERV rating means that your air filter is better at capturing airborne particulates from your indoor air.
How It Affects the Quality of Your Indoor Air
Several airborne particulates are present in your indoor air, such as pollen, bacteria, smoke, dust mites, spores, pet dander, and many others. A quality air filter helps in removing most of these air contaminants. The air filters with a rating between seven and twelve are capable of removing most air pollutants from your inside air. On the other hand, the filters with thirteen and above ratings are generally used within medical facilities for cleaner air.
How MERV Rating Impacts the Performance of Your HVAC System
While selecting the air filter, it is significant to consider how it impacts your HVAC system’s performance. All kinds of heating and cooling systems require continuous airflow to operate smoothly and efficiently. A good quality air filter allows clean air to pass through the system.
The air filters with higher MERV rating have very fine pores from which air passes. They trap the tiny microscopic particulates, such as dust particles and other contaminants and clean air. However, the use of air filters, having a higher MERV rating can create a problem in your HVAC system. It has tiny pores that filter even the smallest particles from the air. This can create resistance in airflow. However, there are some situations in which the ability of extra filtering and reduction in HVAC efficiency is acceptable; for example, if you suffer from severe allergy.
The conventional residential heating and cooling systems are not designed to deal with high resistance levels. This can place excessive pressure on the blower fan of your HVAC system resulting in lowering its efficiency and performance. Continuous resistance can entirely clog your system, hindering airflow and eventually leading to system failure.
When choosing an air filter, you need to see whether the MERV rating is suitable for your HVAC system or not. It is better to check with the expert to determine the MERV rating that best suits your exact requirements.
Bottom Line
Before selecting an air filter with the right MERV rating, you need to ensure that it allows enough airflow through your HVAC system while improving the quality of your indoor air. You need to understand your system’s specifications and seek professional guidance in selecting the most suitable air filter that should not hinder airflow and enhance your indoor air quality.
