All HEPA filters have a MERV 17 rating or higher. There are many different types of air filters available on the market, and the type you need will depend on the specific requirements of your installation. Common types of air filters include MERV, HEPA, activated carbon, and germicidal ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. There are various ways to incorporate air quality controls into your facilities. Common methods include the use of MERV 13 filters, HEPA filters, activated carbon filters, and germicidal UV radiation.
MERV stands for “minimum efficiency evaluation value” and is determined by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Depending on the brand, MERV 13 filters should be changed every three to six months, MERV 14 and MERV 16 filters should be changed every two to four months, and HEPA filters should be changed every one to two years. Informally, if HEPA filters received a MERV rating, it would be 17 or higher. For reference, filters with a MERV rating of twelve are around 95% effective at removing particulate matter from the air, and those with a MERV rating of thirteen are around 98% effective. But which one is better for you? We'll explain the differences between MERV 13 and HEPA filters and answer all your other questions about air filters.
In addition, MERV 11 or MERV 13 rated air filters are often beneficial for people with asthma and allergies, as well as for homes with pets.FPR 4 filters usually last about six months, while an FPR of six or more can last one to three years depending on the degree of air pollution. Due to logistical problems and the high cost of installing a higher-capacity MERV filter (such as MERV 1) in the existing air conditioning system, both the CDC and ASHRAE recommend adding commercial quality portable HEPA air purifiers with the appropriate ACH (hourly air change) for each space. The team of experts at P Fedder is always available to answer any questions you may have about MERV 13 versus HEPA filters or any other air quality questions you may have.
