MERV Ratings
What is a MERV Rating?
Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) is a scale designed to rate the effectiveness of air filters.
| MERV | Min. particle size | Typical controlled contaminant | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17–20 | < 0.3 μm | Virus, carbon dust, sea salt, smoke | Electronics & pharmaceutical manufacturing cleanroom |
| 13–16 | 0.3–1.0 μm | Bacteria, droplet nuclei (sneeze), cooking oil, most smoke and insecticide dust, most face powder, most paint pigments | hospital & general surgery |
| 9–12 | 1.0–3.0 μm | Legionella, Humidifier dust, Lead dust, Milled flour, Auto emission particulates, Nebulizer droplets | Superior residential, better commercial, hospital laboratories |
| 5–8 | 3.0–10.0 μm | Mold, spores, dust mite debris, cat and dog dander, hair spray, fabric protector, dusting aids, pudding mix | Better residential, general commercial, industrial workspaces |
| 1–4 | > 10.0 μm | Pollen, dust mites, cockroach debris, sanding dust, spray paint dust, textile fibers, carpet fibers | Residential window AC unit |
Source:Â http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/residair.html#table%202