What is Merv 8 and How Does it Impact Air Filtration?

MERV 8 pleated filters are made of 100% synthetic media to capture common air pollutants 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. The Minimum Efficiency Report Value (MERV) is a system used to measure the efficiency of air filters.

It tells you the filter's lowest performance level, and the ratings range from 1 to 20, with 1 being the lowest level of filtration and 20 being the highest. A Merv 8 filter is classified as such by the National Air Filtration Association (NAFA) if it filters at least 70% of E3 particles (3.0-10.0 µm) and 20% of E2 particles (1.0-3.0 µm). In addition, it also filters 30% of E2 particles and 1.9% of E1 particles (0.3-1.0 µm). These filters are 90% efficient at trapping particles 3 to 10 microns in size, making them a popular choice for homes, commercial buildings, paint booths, and industrial workplaces.

After performing standard dust tests, Essential was found to have a stop rate of 81.5%, meaning that 81.5% of the dust particles introduced into the filter were successfully filtered out of the air. The thickness of the filter material in a MERV filter 11, for example, is greater than that of a MERV filter 8.Therefore, it is in the best interest of every homeowner to look at the merv rating system, what it entails and what rating would be right for their air filtration needs. All air filters require regular cleaning and filter replacement to function properly. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for maintenance and replacement.

To ensure optimal performance, it is important to choose an air filter with an appropriate MERV rating for your system's design specifications. The bottom line is that the higher the MERV rating, the smaller the pores for air to flow through, causing more resistance to the airflow than your system could be designed to handle. Well, air filters with such a high rating, MERV 16 to MERV 20, are generally only found in hospitals and nuclear power plants where air filtration is essential. Pleated filters that are MERV 8 to 13, unlike fiberglass, can effectively filter small particles and decrease pressure drop (this is the closest thing to MerVana you can find). To determine the MERV, the performance of an air filter is determined by measuring the particle counts upstream and downstream of the filter being tested. Therefore, it is important to understand how Merv 8 works and how it impacts air filtration in order to make an informed decision when selecting an air filter for your home or business.