What MERV Rating Restricts Air Flow?

The MERV 11 air filter isn't the best choice for people who don't have pets or respiratory issues, as it can limit air flow. Filters with higher ratings can also have a negative impact on air conditioning components. The higher the filter rating, the smaller the particles it captures and the higher the percentage of particles it captures. Low-efficiency filters are usually within the MERV 1-4 range, while high-efficiency filters are those of the MERV 13 and higher. The MERV scale is not linear; the difference between a MERV 6 and a MERV 8 is almost double in terms of the percentage of particles captured.

Keep in mind that as the MERV rating increases, the filter becomes more restrictive and more pressure and energy will be needed to expel air. Generally, a filter with a higher MERV rating will reduce airflow. However, there are many other factors at play, such as the size of the filter and the type of fan motor in your air conditioning system. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The MERV rating indicates a score of 1 to 16 for residential air filters sold in the United States and 17 to 20 for commercial air filters.

The scale measures how well a filter removes fine particles from incoming air. The higher the MERV rating, the more particles the filter will remove. On average, it's recommended that most homes and commercial spaces in general have a filter with a MERV rating of at least 5 to 12 on the higher end. However, for someone with breathing problems, a specialist might recommend a different filter. Hospitals use air filters with a MERV rating of 13 to 16. Here's what you need to know to make sure you have the right MERV rating compared to the right airflow filter for your space. For example, a general filtration with a MERV of 8 will filter down to approximately 10 microns, while a MERV filter of 13 will only have about 0.3 microns through. As an expert in SEO, I can tell you that when it comes to selecting an air filter for your home or business, it's important to understand how different MERV ratings can affect airflow.

A higher MERV rating means that more particles will be filtered out of your air, but it also means that your system will need more energy and pressure to push air through. This can lead to reduced airflow and increased energy costs. It's important to consider all factors when selecting an air filter, including size, type of fan motor, and desired level of filtration. When selecting an air filter for your home or business, it's important to consider all factors including size, type of fan motor, desired level of filtration and how different MERV ratings can affect airflow. A higher MERV rating means that more particles will be filtered out of your air but it also means that your system will need more energy and pressure to push air through which can lead to reduced airflow and increased energy costs.

Make sure you select an appropriate filter for your space so you can enjoy clean air without sacrificing comfort or efficiency.

Heidi Oertel
Heidi Oertel

Wannabe explorer. General web ninja. Certified travel fan. Amateur tv scholar. Infuriatingly humble social media scholar.

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