How to Pick the Proper Air Filter?

Curious C: How to pick the proper air filter?

Designer: there are two primary types of air filter in the market. One is MERV, the other is HEPA.

Curious C: What does MERV mean?

Designer: MERV stands for “minimum efficiency reporting value.” It is an effectiveness scale for air filters that ASHRAE established. The scale ranges form 1 to 16, and you can see from this table.

Curious C: How to read this table?

Designer: For example, a MERV 10 filter needs to be 80% more efficient in filtering particles between 3 and 10 microns. When the virus becomes contained in droplets smaller than five micron, known as aerosols, it can stay suspended for about a half hour. Therefore choose MERV 13 grade or higher can effectively filter 90% of aerosols.

Curious C: Where do we normally place the MERV filter?

Designer: If you have conventional heat pump system at your home, definitely choose the MERV grade air filter for your place.

Curious C: Thanks! I am satisfied.