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01.10.2024
Akshay Sadiora
In this new futuristic world, humanity is facing a global issue which is air pollution. This problem is increasing at a rapid pace and that is a reason to worry. This issue has to be stopped otherwise going outside will become difficult and dangerous. In this kind of situation, people will think that living indoors for most of the time is safe because in the COVID-19 pandemic staying at home saved many lives. Staying indoors sounds like a good idea but according to the US EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency), indoor air is 2 to 5 times more polluted than the outside. To tackle the problem of poor indoor air quality air filters were invented.
An air filter is an equipment and one of the important parts of an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. The filter acts as a medium between indoor air and the HVAC system, the air passes through the filter, and airborne contaminants. This process increases the quality of indoor air and makes it safe and healthy. To identify the efficiency of an air filter MERV ratings were created and MERV 8 and 10 are one of the most used filters in residential places. In this blog, these two filter ratings will be discussed in detail.
Overview Of MERV Ratings
The word MERV stands for minimum efficiency reporting value, it is an air filter efficiency rating system that was created by the ASHRAE (American Society Of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers) in 1987. After its creation, every filter has been assigned a rating that shows its capacity to filter particles from air. The ratings are given to a filter by checking the size of airborne particles the filter can capture. The size of particles is measured in micrometers. The MERV ratings are given in numbers and range from 1 to 20 and with the increase in number the efficiency of capturing small particles also increases. Here is the chart that will show you every MERV rating efficiency:
| MERV Range | Captures Contaminants | Application | Size of Particles Removed | Air Filter Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Pollen, Dust, Dust Mites, Sanding Dust, Textile & Carpet Fibers | Residential | Removes 65% to 80% of particles of size more than 10 microns. | Disposable Filters, Electrostatic Filters |
| 5-8 | Mold Spores, Pet Dander, Hair Spray, Fabric Protector, Cement Dust | Better Residential, Commercial, Industrial Workplaces | Eliminates 20% to 70% of particles of size 3.0 to 10.0 microns. | Pleated Filters, Electrostatic Filters |
| 9-12 | Auto Emissions, Lead Dust, Humidifier Dust, Welding Fumes | Superior Residential, Better Commercial, and Hospital Laboratories | Captures 35% to 90% of particles of size between 1.0 and 3.0 microns. | Pleated Filters |
| 13-16 | Bacteria, Tobacco Smoke, Droplet Nuclei (Sneeze), Insecticide Dust | General Surgery Rooms, Hospital Inpatient Care | Terminates 50% to 95% of particles of size 0.3 to 1.0 microns. | Pleated Filters |
| 17-20 | Viruses, Carbon Dust, All Combustion Smoke | Radioactive & Carcinogenic Materials, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | Removes 99.97% or more airborne particles of size 0.3 microns or less | HEPA Filters |
Types Of Air Filters
Air filters come in many types and understanding each of them is important because every type of filter comes with different MERV ratings. Each filter is made with different materials and manufacturing processes. Every type of filter has its features, so here are some of the best air filters on that market:
HEPA Filters
The HEPA filters are considered the top-ranked air filter because they remove up to 99.97% of airborne particles of size 0.3 microns or less. These filters have the highest MERV ratings which range between MERV 17 to 20. Because of their higher ratings, they can easily capture bacteria, viruses, smoke, and other microscopic particles efficiently. These filters are mostly used in highly contagious places and areas where a sterile environment is highly crucial.
Pleated Filters
The pleated filters are one of the best filters that are used in residential places. These filters are made of paper or cloth that are folded in small series of pleats that allow them to increase their surface area. Their design lets them capture high amounts of airborne particles. The ratings of these filters range between MERV 8 to 12 but some of them can range from 13 to 16 also.
Activated Carbon Filters
The activated carbon filters are also known as activated charcoal filters because the main ingredient for filtration of these filters is charcoal’s activated form. This filter uses adsorption which is different from absorbing airborne particles. These filters attract airborne contaminants to them and the particles stuck on their surface. The MERV ratings of these filters range between 8 and 13.
Washable Filters
The washable filters get their name because these filters can be used many times. These filters are usually made of woven polypropylene media and are charged electrostatically for better filtration. The main benefit of a washable filter is that they are eco-friendly because of their reusability. These filters have MERV ratings that range between 1 and 4 which can provide decent filtration in homes where high air filtration is not required.
What Is A MERV 8 Air Filter?
An air filter that is rated 8 according to the scale of the MERV ratings is known as the MERV 8 air filter. These filters are made of fully synthetic media like polyester, polypropylene, and fiberglass. There are many advantages and disadvantages of these filters and here they are:
Advantages
- Budget-Friendly: The price of a MERV 8 filter ranges between $5 to $20, so people who want a budget-friendly option can go for this air filter.
- Decent Filtration: With the MERV ratings of 8 these filters can provide a decent level of air filtration and capture particles like dust, mold spores, pet dander, etc.
- Low Airflow Resistance: These filters have low airflow resistance which means air will not face high pressure while passing through the filter. This puts less stress on your HVAC unit.
- Availability: A MERV 8 air filter is widely available so they can be bought easily when the current filter needs a replacement.
Disadvantages
- Low Filtration Efficiency: The MERV 8 filters have low filtration efficiency because they may not capture small particles which can keep the indoor air quality low.
- Frequent Replacement: The MERV 8 air filters require replacement every 1 to 3 months and this can also depend on the environment where it is used.
- Doesn’t Provide Sterile Environment: These filters don’t remove allergens efficiently which can lead to severe symptoms in individuals who are allergy sufferers.
What Is A MERV 10 Air Filter?
The air filters that are rated 8 according to the MERV rating scale are called the MERV 10 air filters. These filters are made of synthetic fibers and have a pleated design which increases their filtration surface area. Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of the MERV 10 air filter:
Advantages
- High Filtration Efficiency: The MERV 10 air filters have high filtration efficiency because they capture small particles like auto emissions, humidifier dust, etc.
- Versatile Use: These filters are suited for both residential and commercial places so individuals who want an air filter in their office should go for MERV 10 filters.
- Provide Sterile Environment: A MERV 10 filter is effective at removing allergens and bacteria that can cause some people health issues like asthma and allergies.
- Protects HVAC Unit: By removing small airborne particles that can affect the components of the HVAC system the MERV 10 filter protects the unit.
Disadvantages
- High Cost: The MERV 10 filters come with a higher cost and their prices range between $10 and $30 which can be expensive for many individuals.
- Low Lifespan: The lifespan of a MERV 10 filter is low because this filter needs replacement every 1 to 3 months and this time can vary depending on its use.
- High Airflow Resistance: Due to the high MERV ratings of this filter it has a high airflow resistance which will allow the HVAC unit to work more for proper air supply.
| Aspect | MERV 8 Air Filters | MERV 10 Air Filters |
|---|---|---|
| Average Efficiency | Around 70% for particles in the range of 3.0 to 10 microns. | Over 85% efficiency for particles of size 3.0 to 10 microns. |
| Application | Best for residential uses like in houses or living places. | Suitable for both residential and commercial uses. |
| Particle Size Capture | Effective at capturing particles in the size range of 3.0 to 10 microns. | Good at capturing airborne particles of size 1.0 to 3.0 microns. |
| Filtration Efficiency | Effectively removes particles like dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander. | Eliminates fine airborne particles such as auto emissions, bacteria, and allergens. |
| Airflow Resistance | Low airflow resistance which allows the HVAC unit to work without much stress. | Creates high airflow resistance that may cause some stress to components of an HVAC unit. |
| Cost | More affordable compared to MERV 10 air filters. | Expensive because of their high filtration efficiency. |
| Ideal For | Places where moderate air filtration is required. | Places where high air filtration is required and areas where individuals have allergies or asthma. |
| System Compatibility | Supports most of the HVAC systems. | May not support most of the HVAC units because of high airflow resistance. |
When To Choose MERV 8 Or 10 Air Filters?
The MERV 8 filters are specially designed for residential uses because they provide a moderate level of filtration which is required in most homes. The price of a MERV 8 filter is very low around $5 to $20 which is affordable for most people. So people who want a budget-friendly decent indoor air filtration solution then they should invest in a MERV 8 filter. On the other hand, people who want to clean their indoor air with high filtration efficiency without thinking about their budget should buy a MERV 10 air filter. These filters can remove small airborne particles like allergens that can affect some individual's health and may give them asthma-like problems. So it is important to know your requirements before buying an air filter.
Conclusion
In a world, where people are facing a rapid decline in air quality, an air filter comes in handy. This amazing component of an HVAC system becomes a medium between air and the system. When the air passes through the filter all the particles and pollutants get captured by the filter. There are many types of air filters available in the market with different air filtration efficiency. People can understand the efficiency of an air filter with the help of a MERV rating. This is a rating system which was created by ASHRAE in 1987.
The MERV ratings range from 1 to 20 and it measures the efficiency of filters based on their ability to capture particles according to size. The particle sizes are measured in micrometers (microns). The MERV 8 and MERV 10 air filters are one of the most used filters in homes and commercial places. The MERV 8 is best for use in residential places because it provides moderate filtration efficiency which is required in most homes. If someone needs high filtration efficiency or has allergies or any kind of respiratory issue like asthma should choose a MERV 10 air filter. Here at Custom Filters Direct we provide customized MERV-rated air filters. So contact us today at (877) 812-7983.
