Air filters in your air conditioning system are responsible for clearing and cleaning the air in your indoor living environment. As air circulates through the cooling system, it passes through the filters, where dirt, pollen, mold spores, bacteria and other contaminants are captured and held. Without the right filter, these irritants will make their way back into your home where they can harm you and your family.
The efficiency of air conditioner filters is indicated by the filter’s MERV rating. MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) is a commonly accepted standard throughout the HVAC industry. MERV numbers tell you how effective a particular filter is at removing airborne particles from 0.3 to 10 microns in size.
For residential uses, MERV numbers range from 1 to 16. The higher the MERV number, the smaller the particles the filter can trap and hold. In the following list, each MERV range can capture the particles mentioned, plus everything the lower-rated filters can capture.
- MERV 1-4: Low-cost, low-efficiency filters have MERV ratings of 1 to 4. They are most effective at trapping particulates of 10 microns or larger, such as pollen and dust. Their main purpose is to keep your A/C components clean.
- MERV 2-8: These are medium-quality filters usually made of a pleated material that presents more surfaces for capturing particles. They are best at trapping particles of 3 microns or larger.
- MERV 9-12: High-quality filters such as these will remove contaminants of 1 micron and larger, such as bacteria.
- MERV 13-16: These are the highest-quality standard filters that can be used in most air conditioning systems. They effectively remove particulates of 0.3 micron and larger, including tobacco smoke.
HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters offer even higher levels of filtration at a MERV level of 17 to 20. They usually require specialized mountings and are installed where air quality is vital, such as medical and industrial settings. HEPA filters are not commonly used in residential settings since they can impede airflow and damage your air conditioning system.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning has been providing HVAC sales, maintenance and repairs to customers in Lorain, Erie and Cuyahoga counties for more than three decades. Contact us today for more expert advice choosing the right filter for your cooling system.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about choosing the right filter and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area