What is a Merv 8 Filter and How to Choose the Right One

MERV 8 pleated filters are made of 100% synthetic media to capture common contaminants in the air between 3 and 10 microns in size. These allergens include pollen, pet dander, lint, and dust mites. Upgrade to Merv 8 filters from your standard disposable filter at an economical price.

Merv ratings

allow you to make comparisons between filters to determine which is the most efficient for your specific application to eliminate annoying contaminants in a residence or workplace.In the U.

S., MERV 8 filters are popular due to their efficiency in trapping most indoor particles that could weaken people with asthma and allergies, or even cause long-term respiratory problems. They are also inexpensive and easy to maintain. To understand why MERV 8 is so popular, it is important to understand what MERV ratings are and how they work.The National Air Filtration Association states that there are 16 MERV values, from 1 to 16, and the efficiency of the tested filter increases as the number of MERVs increases. Filters are tested against 12 particle size ranges, with the smallest range being around 0.3 microns and the largest range around 10 microns.

To determine MERV, the performance of an air filter is determined by measuring the particle counts upstream and downstream of the filter being tested.Based on the defined calculations, as indicated in the Standard, a specific MERV is assigned to the air cleaner. MERV 1 to 4 filters are effective for controlling larger particles such as sanding dust, spray paint dust, lint and carpet fibers. MERV 5 to 8 filters are effective in controlling mold spores, hairspray, dust and are applicable to most commercial buildings, residences, industrial workplaces and paint booths. MERV 9 to 12 filters are effective for controlling humidifier dust, lead dust, vehicle emissions and welding fumes and applicable in residences with superior HVAC systems, hospital laboratories and commercial buildings.

Finally, MERV 13 to 16 filters are effective in controlling airborne bacteria, most tobacco smoke and pollutants released when sneezing and applicable in general operating rooms, smoking rooms and commercial buildings with superior HVAC systems.Most MERV 8 filters are two-inch pleated filters that have been popular in the U. S. They are 90 percent efficient on particles that are 3 to 10 microns in size and commonly used in American homes to remove basic pollutants present in most homes and to protect the performance and efficiency of the air conditioning system.The most important aspect of how to select an air filter for your home or workplace is knowing the quality of your air. Therefore, start by evaluating potential components that could affect air quality to determine the contaminants you need to remove.

Select an air filter based on these contaminants and then follow the manufacturer's recommendations for replacing or repairing the filter.If someone has an allergy or respiratory problem, choose a MERV 11 air filter or even a MERV 13 air filter. However, for particles common in home air such as pet dander and mold spores, a MERV 13 air filter is an excellent choice for many homeowners. To make sure you get the correct MERV rating, check if your oven manufacturer has a maximum rating that your oven model can use. Use a MERV 8-13 filter depending on your family's needs and environment and start using an indoor air quality monitor to help you determine if a separate air purification system is needed.But if you simply need a filter to trap pollen, dust mites, and hair, a Merv 8 filter should definitely do the job.

Each air filter has its advantages and disadvantages but both MERV 8 air filters and MERV 11 air filters are suitable for residential use.