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Akshay Sadiora
A lesser-known fact is that the air inside your home is more polluted than the air outdoors. Because of this, it is considered extremely important that you use a high-quality air filter in your home or office. An air filter will be able to maintain clean indoor air quality which is essential for protecting your health and well-being. When you use an air filter then it helps in trapping dangerous airborne particles like dust, pollen, dirt, debris, mold spores, and even pet hairs or furs. All of these pollutants can be quite harmful to your health.
When there is poor air quality then it can lead to multiple health problems causing respiratory diseases such as irritating the lungs, rapid coughing and sneezing, pain in the chest area, and shortness of breath. It can also increase the risk of strokes or heart attacks. This can also lead to life-threatening problems like lung cancer, breast cancer, and blood cancer. Using an air filter is especially important when there are individuals who suffer from health issues like allergies and asthma. However, there are so many different types of air filters that choosing between them can be quite an overwhelming task.
The two most popularly used air filters are MERV and HEPA as they both are highly effective in capturing airborne particles. So, now the question is which air filter will be the right one for you? So, in this blog, we will discuss essential information like what MERV air filters are along with a full explanation of HEPA air filters. The major differences between them and the pros and cons for both the filters. Lastly, some important things to consider while choosing between MERV and HEPA air filters. All of the information given below will help you make your decision.
Everything About MERV Filters
MERV is the short form for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This helps in measuring the effectiveness of an air filter. This allows a person to know how well that particular air filter will be able to trap the airborne particles. There are multiple air filters with different MERV ratings. The ranking of MERV ratings is from 1 to 20, the higher the MERV ratings are the better it will be at filtration. If you choose to use an air filter with a lesser MERV rating that only ranges from 1 to 4 then this type of MERV air filter can only be used in residential areas as it will only be able to capture large particles like dust and dirt.
When you choose to use an air filter with a MERV rating of 5 to 8 then it will provide you with medium-level filtration and will be able to trap smaller particles like pet dander and mold spores. Choosing a MERV air filter that has 9 to 12 ratings then it can trap even smaller particles which include bacteria and some kinds of viruses. MERV ratings between 13 to 16 are mostly commonly used in industrial places as they can trap even the smallest of particles. Lastly, if your MERV air filter MERV ratings are between 17 to 20 then they are designed specifically to provide you with the highest level of filtration.
HEPA Filters Explained
HEPA air filter is the short form for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. This air filter holds quite a reputation because of its extraordinary ability to trap airborne particles effectively. HEPA air filters are manufactured with a design that helps in trapping the contamination that is circulating in the air. Because of their amazing design, it helps in capturing the particles with an efficiency of 99.97 percent. It traps even the smallest of particles that size is about 0.3 microns or larger than that. These particles include debris, dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and even bacteria and some viruses.
Because of their amazing filtration efficiency, these HEPA air filters are mostly used in places that require a high level of cleaning like hospitals and laboratories. HEPA air filters have a thick web of fibers that allows it to force the air to pass through it. During this process, this air filter is able to trap the airborne particles. This air filter operates by using a combination of different kinds of mechanisms that block the particles in it when they have an impact on the air filter. The excellent design of HEPA air filters allows it to remove even the tiniest of pollutants from the air you breathe. This helps in improving the air quality in your home or office.
Differences Between MERV And HEPA Explained
There are several differences between MERV air filters and HEPA air filters. To help you better understand you can see the table that is given below in which you will get the information to help you better compare between these air filters.
| Factors | MERV Air Filters | HEPA Air Filters |
|---|---|---|
| Filtration Efficiency | This air filter can trap particles that size is about 0.3 microns with the efficiency percentage of 85 percent. However, the efficiency and percentage depend on the MERV-rating air filter you choose to use. | This air filter has one of the highest efficiency of filtration. It can capture airborne particles that size 0.3 microns or larger with an efficiency percentage of 99.97 percent. |
| Applications | The MERV air filter is most commonly used in places like schools, homes, offices, and other commercial spaces. MERV ratings that range between 13 to 16 are used in hospitals. | HEPA air filters are used in spaces that require high-quality air with maximum purity like hospitals, clean rooms, laboratories, and other industrial settings. |
| Airflow | It can cause restrictions in the airflow in your HVAC system when the MERV rating air filter is too high. This can also cause higher energy bills. | It might reduce the airflow in your HVAC system. Because of this, it requires more usage of energy to maintain the circulation of air in your space. |
| Cost | MERV air filters are quite an affordable option with a massive variety of options available. It also costs quite less in maintenance. | HEPA air filters are expensive because of their high level of efficiency. Because of this, the maintenance is also quite costly. |
Pros And Cons Of MERV Filters
Before you decide to choose MERV air filters. You should know about the pros and cons that you will get from this air filter.
Pros:
- MERV air filters have lots of different options for you to choose from. This quality makes it a universal option that allows you to have the flexibility of picking the right filter according to your needs.
- This air filter is considered perfect for most places like residential, industrial, and commercial spaces. MERV air filters work quite effectively with your HVAC system to offer proper filtration.
- MERV air filters are more budget-friendly than HEPA filters. This makes it a convenient and cost-effective option for your homes and offices.
- It is also considered to be quite energy-efficient when working with certain HVAC systems especially when selecting a lower MERV rating air filter.
Cons:
- MERV air filters are not considered as efficient as HEPA air filters because they cannot trap small particles like microdust and viruses.
- When you choose a MERV air filter with a high rating then it will reduce the flow of air in your HVAC system which will eventually require frequent replacements and high maintenance.
Pros And Cons Of HEPA Filters
There are some advantages and disadvantages of using a HEPA air filter. Below you will get complete knowledge of the pros and cons of this air filter.
Pros:
- HEPA air filters provide you with superior filtration as they can trap airborne particles that are as small as 0.3 microns with an excellent efficiency of 99.97 percent.
- Because of its extraordinary efficiency HEPA air filters are considered the best option for improving indoor air quality, especially in the home and office.
- It offers great air quality which makes it perfect to be used in sensitive environments like hospitals and laboratories.
Cons:
- HEPA air filters are quite expensive and cost more than MERV air filters. The expenses of the maintenance of this air filter are also quite costly.
- It can reduce the airflow in your HVAC system which eventually results in the consumption of more energy and getting higher energy bills.
- Even though HEPA air filters are great to be used in specific environments. However, using them in normal residential areas can decrease the level of filtration.
Important Factors When Choosing MERV Or HEPA Filters
There are some essential factors that you need to know about when making the decision to choose MERV air filters or HEPA air filters. Read on to discover the important factors to be considered.
- Health Circumstances: HEPA air filters are considered perfect for people who constantly suffer from allergies and asthma as they help trap airborne particles such as mold spores and pollen. MERV air filters that have a rating between 8 to 13 can work great for offering general air quality.
- Budget Controls: MERV air filters are a more affordable option and can be quite cost-effective in the long run. HEPA air filters are more costly but they do provide you with better air filtration.
- Type Of Environment: MERV air filters are best suited to be used in places like homes, offices, and other commercial spaces. HEPA air filters are considered ideal for places like labs, hospitals, and other areas that require superior air quality.
- HVAC System Compatibility: MERV air filters can fit many different types of HVAC systems. While HEPA air filters do require a specific type of system for maintaining proper airflow.
Conclusion
Here, you have gained complete knowledge about MERV air filters and HEPA air filters. You have learned everything about MERV air filters and understood what HEPA air filters are. You also discover the major difference between these two air filters in terms of efficiency, airflow, cost, and applications. In addition, you also understood the pros and cons of both MERV air filters and HEPA air filters. Lastly, the vital factors that you should consider while choosing between whether you want a MERV filter or a HEPA filter. The information that you get here will help you make the right decision that will be able to suit perfectly with your specific needs and requirements.
If you are looking for the perfect air filter that will help you to improve your indoor air quality then we at Custom Filters Direct can help you with that. We have a wide variety of MERV air filters and HEPA air filters that are designed specifically to fulfill your desires. So, if you want an excellent air filter that will be good for your health while not being available in your budget and can be compatible with your HVAC system, then it has the ideal air filter for you. If you need some expert advice while choosing the air filter you can connect with us by sending us an email at info@customfiltersdirect.com or give us a call at 877-958-5612. Put your trust in Custom Filters Direct for better air quality in your home or office.
