MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. It is a standard rating system used to measure the effectiveness of air filters in trapping airborne particles, including pollen, pet dander, dust, and other contaminants. The MERV rating scale ranges from 1 to 20, with a higher number indicating a more efficient filter in capturing smaller particles.
The two most common filters for HVAC systems are Poly Wire / Wire Panel Filters and Pleated Filters.
Poly wire filters have a lower MERV rating than Pleated filters as they allow for greater air flow.
Pleated filters range in MERV ratings. The price of the filter varies depending on the size of the filter and the MERV rating. Pleated filters generally start at a MERV rating of 5+ and higher MERV ratings are special order as they are custom made by the manufacturer. The manufacturer also requires a minimum quantity for custom orders.
We have some Pleated filters in stock. Sizes vary and usually have a MERV 5 rating. For sizes that are not in stock or request for higher MERV rating, please contact our Service Department as we will need to reach out to the supplier for price, ETA and minimum order quantity.In general, filters with a rating of MERV 16 or lower are considered to be for residential, commercial and general hospital use. MERV 17 through MERV 20 filters are typically used in surgical operating rooms, clean rooms and other contexts that require absolute cleanliness. Filters that are MERV 17 and higher are not available.
MERV Filter Ratings and Efficiency
When selecting the right filter for your application, higher is not always better. Using an air filter with a MERV rating higher than what your furnace or air conditioner manufacturer recommends can actually impair its performance.
The smaller pores in more highly rated air filters create resistance to air flow, and if the filter is used in an HVAC system that is not designed to handle this resistance, such as a Heat Pump system, it can lower the system's efficiency, decrease indoor air quality, and put strain on the system's fan.
Most Heat Pump manufacturers recommend using Pleated filters rated between MERV 8 to MERV 11 as they will provide optimal filtration but will require more frequent filter changes (every 1 - 2 months. Higher rated 1- inch filters (MERV 12, 13+) may reduce airflow and affect unit heating and cooling performance
Use the MERV rating chart below to understand which filters are best for which applications.
MERV Rating Chart
Application | Contaminants | Particle Size | |
MERV 2 MERV 3 MERV 4 | Pre-filter in commercial building Residential furnaces Window air-conditioning units
| Pollen Dust mites Sanding dust Textile/carpet fibers | Filters down to 10.0 micron particle size |
MERV 5 MERV 6 MERV 7 MERV 8
| Pre-filters or final filters Commercial buildings Better residential Buildings Industrial workplaces Paint booth inlets
| Pollen Dust mites Sanding dust Textile/carpet fibers Mold/spores Dust lint Cement dust
| Filters down to 3.0–10.0 micron particle size |
MERV 9 MERV 10 MERV 11 MERV 12 | Pre-filters or final filters Hospital laboratories Better commercial buildings Superior residential buildings
| Pollen Dust mites Sanding dust Textile/carpet fibers Mold/spores Dust lint Cement dust Legionella Lead dust Humidifier dust Coal dust Nebulizer dust | Filters down to 1.0–3.0 micron particle size |
MERV 13 MERV 14 MERV 15 MERV 16 | Final filters General surgery Superior commercial buildings Hospital inpatient Care Smoking lounges
| Pollen Dust mites Sanding dust Textile/carpet fibers Mold/spores Dust lint Cement dust Legionella Lead dust Humidifier dust Coal dust Nebulizer dust Bacteria Tobacco smoke Auto fumes Sneeze nuclei Insecticide dust Copier toner Pet dander Face powder | Filters down to 0.3–1.0 micron particle size |
MERV 17 MERV 18 MERV 19 MERV 20
| Final filter Clean rooms Radioactive raterials Pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities Carcinogenic materials Orthopedic surgery room
| Pollen Dust mites Sanding dust Textile/carpet fibers Mold/spores Dust lint Cement dust Legionella Lead dust Humidifier dust Coal dust Nebulizer dust Bacteria Tobacco smoke Auto fumes Sneeze nuclei Insecticide dust Copier toner Pet dander Face powder Virus carriers Carbon dust Sea salt Combustion smoke Radon progeny Odor Microscopic allergens | Filters down to less than 0.30 micron particle size |
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