Business Advantages of High MERV Filters | Enhanced Air Quality

02.05.2025

Akshay Sadiora

This modern world is moving pretty fast, and lots of new businesses are establishing and reaching new heights in success. One of the most unnoticed things in commercial buildings is the indoor air that everyone breathes. It is extremely important to keep the air clean and healthy so that your employees can work comfortably, focused, and healthy. So, the first step that you can take is to use high-quality air filters in your HVAC system. Air filters are designed for capturing dust, pollen, dirt, debris, pet dander, and other kinds of pollutants from the air. When you do not have proper air filtration, then the indoor air in your office will be contaminated, and particles will freely circulate in your workspace. This will eventually lead to poor air quality, which can be quite dangerous for your health.

Poor indoor air quality can lead to multiple health-related problems like asthma, allergies, lung infection, sneezing, coughing, headaches, and many more. It can also become the reason for life-threatening diseases like lung cancer, breast cancer, and blood cancer. The technology of air filters is not something brand new; in the early times, there were simple filters that were used to stop air pollution, like dirt and dust. However, with the passing of time, this technology has upgraded. Now, there are multiple types of air filters, like fiberglass filters, electrostatic filters, carbon filters, HEPA filters, pleated filters, and MERV-rated filters. In the beginning, these air filters were only used in homes, but now they are an important part of commercial HVAC systems.

In this blog, you will get a proper understanding of the MERV ratings and why they are so important for businesses. You will also get to learn about how businesses can get amazing benefits by installing high MERV-rated air filters. The advantages include having better air quality in the workspace, keeping the employees healthy and safe, maximizing the efficiency of your HVAC system, and keeping up with the industry standards with MERV air filters. By reading below, you will discover the best commercial uses for high MERV air filters and, lastly, some of the most important factors to consider when you are upgrading to high MERV air filters.

Understanding MERV Ratings And Their Importance For Businesses

MERV is the short name for “Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values”. The MERV rating air filters help not only homes but also businesses. It traps the harmful airborne particles and provides you with better air filtration and better indoor air quality. For commercial HVAC systems, it is the best option to choose the right MERV rating air filters, as it will help in creating a cleaner and healthier working environment. When your business has safe ventilation, heating, and efficient air conditioning, it will also be more energy efficient.

The MERV rating chart that you will see below will show you how different ratings of MERV air filters work and which one will be the best suited for you.

MERV Rating Chart
MERV Rating	Particle Size Efficiency in Microns (µm)	Particle Types Filtered
MERV 1 - 4	3.0 – 10.0 µm < 20%	Pollen, dust mites, carpet fibers.
MERV 5	3.0 – 10.0 µm ≥ 20%	Mold spores, dust lint.
MERV 6	3.0 – 10.0 µm ≥ 35%	Pet dander, larger dust.
MERV 7	3.0 – 10.0 µm ≥ 50%	Hair spray particles, fabric dust.
MERV 8	1.0 – 3.0 µm ≥ 20% 3.0 – 10.0 µm ≥ 70%	Dust, mold spores, lint.
MERV 9	1.0 – 3.0 µm ≥ 35% 3.0 – 10.0 µm ≥ 75%	Fine dust, allergens.
MERV 10	1.0 – 3.0 µm ≥ 50% 3.0 – 10.0 µm ≥ 80%	Lead dust, auto fumes.
MERV 11	0.30 – 1.0 µm ≥ 20% 1.0 – 3.0 µm ≥ 65% 3.0 – 10.0 µm ≥ 85%	Smog, pet dander, and some bacteria.
MERV 12	0.30 – 1.0 µm ≥ 35% 1.0 – 3.0 µm ≥ 80% 3.0 – 10.0 µm ≥ 90%	Smoke, fine dust particles.
MERV 13	0.30 – 1.0 µm ≥ 50% 1.0 – 3.0 µm ≥ 85% 3.0 – 10.0 µm ≥ 90%	Bacteria, tobacco smoke, and viruses.
MERV 14	0.30 – 1.0 µm ≥ 75% 1.0 – 3.0 µm ≥ 90% 3.0 – 10.0 µm ≥ 95%	Very fine particles, sneeze droplets.
MERV 15	0.30 – 1.0 µm ≥ 85% 1.0 – 3.0 µm ≥ 90% 3.0 – 10.0 µm ≥ 95%	Airborne viruses, smoke.
MERV 16	0.30 – 1.0 µm ≥ 95% 1.0 – 3.0 µm ≥ 95% 3.0 – 10.0 µm ≥ 95%	Bacteria, viruses, and microscopic allergens.

The detailed MERV rating chart will help you compare your HVAC air filters and their capability of trapping air particles. Lower MERV ratings offer basic air filtration and can be suitable for some homes. However, business requires strong air filtration and trustworthy indoor air quality. This makes higher MERV ratings the best choice for places like hospitals, office towers, shopping centers, and commercial buildings.

Business Benefits Of Installing High MERV-Rated Filters

There are plenty of great advantages that you, as a business owner, will get by installing high MERV-rated air filters. These air filters help in enhancing air filtration and support better HVAC performance. By reading below, you will get to learn about the benefits that these high MERV-rated air filters bring to your business.

1. Better Air Quality In Your Workplace

The very first benefit that your business gets from installing high MERV-rated air filters is that it will make a big difference in the indoor air quality. These high-quality air filters help in removing tiny airborne particles like dust, allergens, pollen, and other kinds of harmful pollutants. This quality helps in creating a much cleaner and healthier indoor space while reducing the discomfort of constant sneezing and coughing because of airborne irritants. When you have better air purification, it will help your staff to be more productive and focused on their work throughout the year.

2. Keeping Employees Healthy And Safe

Another great benefit that you get by using a high MERV-rated air filter is that it will help in keeping your employees healthy and safe. If you choose to use a low-quality air filter, it will not be able to provide you with proper air filtration. This will cause the harmful particles to circulate in your workspace. Using a high MERV-rated air filter will remove pollutants like dust, pollen, mold spores, and bacteria. This quality helps in supporting better respiratory health and reduces the chances of sickness. Having clean air to breathe also means that your employees will be healthier and there will be fewer leaves due to illness.

3. Maximizing HVAC System Efficiency

It is also important to use the right MERV-rated air filter in your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system. This will allow your HVAC system to run smoothly and will be better at energy efficiency. These types of air filters also help in controlling the airflow, preventing pollutants like dust, dirt, and debris from staying out of your HVAC system. It will also protect you from costly repairs, as you will have fewer breakdowns. This will also help in extending the overall lifespan of your HVAC system. A high-efficiency HVAC system with an ideal air filter will also consume less energy.

4. Meeting Industry Standards With MERV Filters

The last benefit of using high MERV-rated air filters on this list is that this type of commercial air filter helps in meeting the industry standards. Every building has to stick to the air quality rules and health standards. These types of air filters control indoor air pollution and make it easy to meet the building standards like the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and WELL (The WELL Building Standard) certifications. By using the right MERV rating air filters, you showcase that you care about air quality and the well-being of your workers.

Best Commercial Uses For High MERV Filters

There are multiple commercial applications where high MERV-rated air filters are quite helpful. Below, you will learn about some of the best uses of these air filters in different places that require to have clean air quality.

Offices: Using high MERV air filters in the office can help improve air quality for your employees. It helps in reducing allergens and provides better focus and comfort in shared office spaces.
Healthcare Facilities: This type of air filter is extremely important as it eliminates the harmful particles and makes sure that both the patients and the staff members are safe from germs and infections.
Schools: In places like schools, it is incredibly important to have clean indoor air to keep the students safe and healthy. By using high MERV-rated air filters, you can prevent the spread of dust and illness.
Retail Environments: It is important to have clean air in retail environments. It helps people come shopping to be comfortable and protects the indoor products from dust and other kinds of harmful particles.
Food Processing Areas: Places where people process food, using high MERV-rated air filters in mandatory. This will keep the food space clean and free of dust, bacteria, and other pollutants that can contaminate food.
Laboratories: Laboratories require high-quality air filters to protect both the experiments and workers by keeping the indoor air clean and free of any risks of contamination.
Clean Rooms: These rooms manufacture products like medicines and electronics, so it is vital to have a high level of air cleaning, and pollutants should be kept out.
Data Centers: MERV air filters help in preventing dust mites from getting inside the computer equipment. This will keep the computer systems safe from overheating or system failures.

Important Factors To Consider When Upgrading To High MERV Filters

If you are thinking of switching to a high MERV-rated air filter, then it is important that you first check whether your current HVAC system supports the new air filter. Read on to discover the important factors that you should consider when upgrading to high MERV air filters.

HVAC Compatibility: It is important for you to remember that not all HVAC systems will be able to handle the extra pressure of MERV air filters. You need to check your system's manual or ask the technician to make sure that the air filter is a good fit.
Filter Replacement: When you are using a high-rated air filter, it can get dirty pretty quickly. So you will be required to replace the air filter more frequently to make sure that your HVAC system is working smoothly.
Maintenance: You need to make sure that you make a regular schedule of checking and cleaning. This will help you avoid many problems, like reducing the airflow while keeping your HVAC system running properly.
Cost Implications: These high MERV-rated air filters are quite costly and might become the reason for you to get higher energy bills, especially when your HVAC system is facing restrictions in maintaining the airflow.
Fit And Size: When you are upgrading to a high MERV-rated air filter, you need to make sure that you are choosing the right fit and size. If the air filter is not fit, then it will not be able to block the unfiltered air, which will eventually reduce indoor air quality.
Airflow Balance: Sometimes, when you are using a high MERV-rated air filter then it can cause problems with the airflow. Using an air filter that is not compatible with your HVAC system can cause blockage in the airflow, which will become the reason for less cooling or heating in your space.
Noise Levels: If your HVAC system has to work extra hard because of a tight air filter, then you will be hearing noises like whistling, banging, or rattling.

Conclusion

It is a smart decision to upgrade to a high MERV rating air filter to get better indoor air quality and a healthier environment. Here, you have learned about what MERV ratings are and why they are considered important for your business. You also gained knowledge about the amazing benefits that you get by using MERV-rated air filters, like better air quality, keeping your staff members safe and healthy, enhancing the efficiency of your HVAC system, and meeting the industry standards with MERV air filters. These types of high-quality air filters are mostly used in places like hospitals, offices, schools, and other locations where having clean air is mandatory. Having clean air not only keeps everyone safe but can also help with increasing productivity.

If you are seeking high-quality MERV-rated commercial air filters, then we at Custom Filters Direct can help you with your quest. Whether you are looking for air filters for your office, school, hospital, or any other kind of commercial space. We have a wide variety of trustworthy air filters that will support your HVAC compatibility. Our air filters will not only help you improve air quality, but will also be able to meet the industry standards. If you are confused to choose which air filter is the best option for your HVAC system, then you can connect with us by sending an email to info@customfiltersdirect.com, or you can give us a call at 877-958-5612. We have experts with years of knowledge and friendly behavior who will be happy to help you in every way possible.

MERV 8 Air Filters

MERV 11 Air Filters

MERV 13 Air Filters

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does MERV Stand For, And How Is It Different From HEPA?

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. It is a simple way to rate how well an air filter is able to catch dust and other harmful particles from the air. The higher the MERV rating is, the better the air filter will be at trapping more and even smaller particles. HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air and is a type of air filter that can trap even the tiniest of airborne particles, ones that are smaller than what many MERV filters can catch. While MERV filters are great for most homes and businesses, HEPA filters are often used in hospitals or labs where the air needs to be extremely clean. HEPA filters are more powerful, but they also need stronger systems to push the air through them.

How Do I Know What MERV Rating Is Right For My Business?

To pick the right MERV rating for your business. You need to think about what kind of air problems you need to fix. If your workplace deals with things like dust, smoke, or strong smells, then it is best that you choose a stronger air filter. Places such as gyms, salons, or even bakeries often require having better air filters than a regular office. You should always remember to check if your heating or cooling system can handle a stronger filter without slowing down the airflow. A filter that is too strong might put extra pressure on your HVAC system. Most businesses choose air filters between MERV 8 to 13. However, the MERV rating depends on their specific needs. If you are not sure, it is a good idea to ask an HVAC expert who can check your space and guide you.

Can Using Higher MERV-Rated Filters Increase Energy Costs?

Yes, when you are using higher MERV-rated air filters, it can increase your energy bills, but not in every case. Air filters with high MERV ratings will be able to block more particles, but this quality also makes it harder for air to flow freely. This will eventually make your HVAC system work even harder, especially when your HVAC system is quite old or not built for handling strong air filters. However, if your HVAC system is in good shape, then you can replace the air filters from time to time, which will make a difference in energy use. It might be very small, but in many cases, cleaner air can even help your system run better. To be safe, it is best that you first have a conversation with an HVAC professional before switching filters.

How Often Should High MERV-Rated Filters Be Replaced In Commercial Buildings?

High MERV-rated filters in commercial buildings should usually be replaced every 3 to 6 months. However, the frequency of the replacement also depends on where the building is located and how clean the air is inside. Places with lots of dust, smoke, or grease, such as workshops or restaurants, will require new air filters every month. Cleaner spaces might get by with changing them less often. Some filters last longer than others, so it also depends on the type you are using. If your system runs all day, the filter will get dirty faster. A good way to tell when it is time to change the filter is by checking the air pressure going through it. A drop means it is getting blocked.

Are High MERV Filters Reusable Or Disposable?

Most of the high-MERV rated air filters are made to be thrown away after use and are not meant to be washed and reused. These air filters usually do a pretty amazing job of catching tiny, harmful particles like pollen, dust, dirt, and even some germs like bacteria. On the other hand, reusable filters are manufactured to be cleaned and used again, but they usually come with lower MERV ratings, and so they are not quite as good at catching very small particles. Even though reusable air filters can save you money in the long run, they may not be considered the best choice if you need stronger air cleaning. If you are looking for top air quality, a high MERV rating disposable air filter is a better option, even though it will need to be replaced more often.

Can MERV-Rated Filters Remove Viruses And Bacteria From The Air?

MERV-rated air filters are a great option to help clean the air. However, they are not built to remove viruses and bacteria. These air filters are great in capturing things like dust, pollen, and mold spores, but viruses and many types of bacteria are much smaller and can easily pass through. Some very high MERV filters, like MERV 16, may be able to trap a small amount of these microorganisms, but they are still not perfect. To better control germs in the air, you can use other tools like UV (Ultraviolet) lights or air purifiers along with HEPA filters. If you are worried about the spread of illness, it is highly recommended that you use a combination of good ventilation, air cleaning, and regular cleaning practices.

Do High MERV Filters Help Reduce Odors In Commercial Buildings?

High MERV air filters do a good job of catching small dust and dirt particles, but they are not made to get rid of smells. Odors usually come from the gases that are too small for these air filters to trap. To fix this, commercial buildings often use activated carbon air filters along with high MERV air filters. The carbon filters absorb the gases that cause bad smells. When both air filters are used together, they can improve the air and make it smell fresher. This setup works well in places like restaurants or hospitals where both clean air and less odor are important for comfort and health. It is a smart way to handle both particles and smells at the same time.

Custom Air Filters

How Businesses Benefit From Using Higher MERV-Rated Filters

Understanding MERV Ratings And Their Importance For Businesses