. How to Mitigate Pressure Drop Caused by MERV 13 Filters It shows particle size ranges. The higher the number, the more restricted the airflow. What Are All Those Gadgets On A Multitool? Our price is lower than the manufacturer's "minimum advertised price." Most current household HVAC units/handlers can handle a MERV 6-13 pleated filter with ease." LakeAir provides discounts to Veterans, First Responders, and the Elderly. A: There is evidence that HVAC operations may help decrease people's exposure to airborne pathogens that spread COVID-19 and other illnesses. should be helpful in determining the MERV rating of the filter once the particulate size has been determined. An air filters pressure drop is the measurement of resistance to air that passes through the filter. Do I Really Need to be Concerned with the MERV/Pressure Drop Issue? A filters pressure drop directly corresponds to a filters air flow rate. "@type": "Answer", There seems to be a lot of misunderstanding about the MERV rating of HVAC air filters and its effect on the pressure drop within the system. Particles that are larger or smaller are trapped with even higher efficiency. } A MERV rating of between 6 and 13 generally meets the needs of most residences. 1994-2021, W.W. Grainger, Inc. All Rights Reserved. "name": "How does filter pressure drop affect flow rate? Commercial Buildings. In 2020, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommended switching from MERV 8 filters to MERV 13+ filters in order to help protect against the COVID-19 virus. To get the right HVAC product and suitable MERV-rated air filter, you should know the area you want to use. The US Department of Energy recommends at least a MERV 8. Thickness of the filter. Average particle size efficiency for 1 size range (0.3-1.0 micron, to be exact). Additionally, some brands drop their MERV rating almost immediately upon first use (e.g., a so-called MERV-13 becomes a MERV-9 as its used it cant hold its efficiency). On the other hand, a merv 13 filter can sift all the particles that a. From ASHRAE Journal Newsletter, December 8, 2020 . Need more details? MERV rating ranges between 10 and 12 are suitable for removing a broad range of particles. Merv-ratings But before you update the filter, make sure it's specific. Pressure drop directly corresponds to a filters air flow rate. Final filters may be used alone in a single-filter system, or they may be used in combination with one or more pre-filters. "acceptedAnswer": { But before you update the filter, make sure it's specific. This part is common to the three previous studies. The test results are then used to give a filter its MERV rating. As an air filter manufacturer, we are uniquely positioned to custom make any and all types of air filters. },{ Before we look at the MERV rating chart (1-20 rating for 0.3 10 micron particles), lets answer this question: Do you know why HEPA filters are called HEPA? They generally allow enough air to flow through a furnace filter to allow the blower to stay cool. Filters with higher MERV ratings trap small particles more effectively than filters with lower MERV ratings. ASHRAE no longer recognizes MERV 17-20 values. Our filtration specialists can help you determine the right air filter strategy for your facility. "@type": "Question", The mid-MERV is twice as much and the high-MERV is three times as much. They remove pet dander and most allergy causing air particles. Conclusions Drawn from the MERV 13 Pressure Drop Chart $3,834 will be saved annually per AHU in reduced fan energy by using 5-Star air filters. "acceptedAnswer": { They remove the bulk of dust we see in homes and offices. The ASHRAE paper reviewed studies suggesting that: Use the MERVrating chart below to understand which filters are best for which applications. Since MERV 13 filters (https://www.rpfedder.com/filtration/merv-13-filters/) are on the higher end of the rating scale, they can be susceptible to excessive pressure drop. (Don't worry, we will have a full comparison chart at the end of this . Firing Ranges. "@type": "Question", This also means that as the MERV rating goes up, the more particles and contaminants the filter can capture. Its and apples and oranges kind of thing. Tankless Water Heater Breaker Size Calculator: What Size Breaker? Pre filters are rated MERV 2. About Us | Contact Us | Privacy Policy| Cookie Policy| Terms of Use| Do Not Sell My Info. So, whatever air filtration you choose, be sure it includes a carbon filter. Yes, really! They may negatively affect certain HVAC systems. },{ It is measured in Pascals in the SI system. Will it burn up your HVAC system? They are usually reserved for superior commercial applications. If the light is significantly blocked, install a new filter. I know that filter may look pretty dirty, but the light . } This is an industry standard rating system. in the Inch-Pound system of measurement. Its actually based on the MERV rating. Standard 52.2 establishes a testing protocol. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. However, if you are trying to filter out COVID-19 virus, they call for a MERV 13 or as high as your system can accommodate. For a product to be called Made in USA, the product must be all or virtually all made in the U.S. Follow manufacturer's recommendations on maintenance and replacement. What if they cause too much pressure drop? Pros. The blowers in HVAC units rely on a good air supply to keep them cool. Remembering to change your air filter is key to reducing the risk from pressure drop. "text": "An air filters pressure drop is the measurement of resistance to air that passes through the filter. The air filter's efficiency has an indirect impact on airflow. A numerical chart with values from one through 20 from 1 to 20 measures how effectively the filter stops dust and other contaminants from merv merv rated merv rating merv ratings merv stands minimum efficiency reporting value microparticle performance rating mpr minimum efficiency reporting value mpr mpr ratings range from 1 20 rated rating ratings signify an air filter's effectiveness at reducing airborne particles and contaminants standard 52 5 minimum the minimum efficiency reporting value. Camfil makes the best filters on the market: they are the most energy-efficient, have a longer and more effective service life than other filters, and feature a lower pressure drop than competing brands. He holds an HVAC associate degree from Lone Star College and EPA & R-410A Certifications. 1.0-3.0 greater than or equal to 80% It's quite interesting that the MERV rating itself is a metric used as a factor in the FPR rating. When choosing a filter, remember that airflow (pressure drop) is just as important to consider as filtration (MERV rating). Each air filter has its own unique pressure drop. A MERV 8 filter can remove particles down to 3 microns in size at an efficiency of 70% or greater (1 micron is about 0.04 thousandths of an inch). This results in lower air pressure on the side of the filter from which the air exits. When your HVAC system is running the filter slows and limits the air that is being pulled through your vents and ducts. When you air filter is installed, it is a barrier between your HVAC and your ducts/vents. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2014-2023, PICKHVAC All Rights Reserved. Estimated energy savings from 5-Star filters per AHU, extrapolated to annual basis (assuming 24/7 AHU operation, 34,235 cfm airflow per AHU): ($0.463/cfm $0.575/cfm) x 34,235 cfm = $3,834 annual electric energy savings per AHU. They offer good airflow. "text": "As dirt and debris gets trapped by the filter, there is less space for air to pass through, causing the pressure drop to rise throughout the filters life. This rating system reports how well the filter captures and holds dust. We do not recommend M 12 or higher 13 filters. MERV rating. Spun fiberglass almost always has a lower IR than other materials. ", },{ The Back pressure from this filter is 0.22 WG. Well also look into how high a MERV rating an air purifier should have to best filter out different air contaminants (pollen, mold spored, smoke, dust, etc.). The majority of residential HVAC systems use a 1 thick filter, but filters are available at 2, 4 and 5 thick. This level of filtration does fall into the MERV system but they are shown here to add continuity to the overall filter picture. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. "@type": "Answer", The range is from 1 (lowest efficiency) to 20 (highest efficiency). A MERV 13 pleated air filter, the highest quality offering from Second Nature and most other filter companies, has a pressure drop of around 0.25. Browse a full list of industry terms to better choose your filters. These dust particles fall into three size groups. E2 arrestance is for the middle size particles. It is a rating system incorporated into the test specification of ASHRAE 52.2. Efficiency is measured by the percentage of particles captured. Frequent filter changeouts will help minimize risks from pressure drop. Dust Mites. Depending on the design [] Receive our full product catalog via email. . Tankless Water Heater Wire Size Calculator: What Gauge Wire (AWG)? Hot or cold spots throughout your home? This could be because your system is moving too much or not enough air through its ductwork. } Has the lowest pressure drop of any fine fiber 4 deep mini-pleated filter. "@type": "Question", The amount of E1, E2 and E3 dust particles that are captured and missed is calculated. The performance is based on particles that are 0.3-10 micron in diameter. "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Question", Once the filter is fully loaded the filter will reach its final pressure drop. They specify a minimum MERV of a filter to use, but not the IR. Do a quick search online using MERV in your question and youll see statements such as, Higher MERV means higher pressure drop. OR Higher MERV filters can destroy your HVAC system. These statements are presented as set-in-stone, hard facts that are not to be refuted. Extended Surface Pleated Filters Standard and high capacity MERV 8, MERV-A 8-A Low Initial Resistance for energy savings . DC Wire Gauge Calculator: What Gauge Wire (12V, 24V, 48V)? They usually have the lowest MERV of all filters as well. Always refer to your air handler manufacturers guide before changing your air filter. Woodhead Publishing, 2017. ", What are 'Dark Factories,' and Do They Really Exist? Brown and Christopher L. Cox, eds. It is 75% efficient on particles 0.3 -1.0 microns, 85% efficient on particles 1-3 microns and 95% efficient on particle larger than 3 microns. What MERV filter is recommended for preventing the transmission of airborne illnesses such as COVID-19? Also, just because a filter fits with a system, that doesn't mean it's the best filter for the system. "name": "Does air filter pressure drop change? } As dirt and debris gets trapped by the filter, there is less space for air to pass through, causing the pressure drop to rise throughout the filters life. Guaranteed against media pack failure to 5.0 w.g. The higher the pressure drop the more restrictive the filter is to air flow. They are available for the home and business. Weve also posted one of the popular Pick HVAC FAQ guides on Signs the Filter Needs to be Changed that addresses related topics. Learn more about these recommendations here. This could be because your system is moving too much or not enough air through its ductwork." It is not recommended to continue to use your filter beyond its final pressure drop point. However, we use a pleated accordion style media, that allows us to effectively increase the filters surface area without having a high pressure drop or restricting air flow. As the MERV rating increases the media typically becomes loftier and thicker, to capture more air pollutants, with this you could see slightly more air restriction. For facility managers this has provided a variety of challenges, including considerations around increased pressure drop in HVAC systems due to the more restrictive nature of filters with higher MERV ratings. You can also reach us by phone at (585) 288-1600 or send an email to hello@rpfedder.com to get started. In addition, poorly designed and installed duct systems already have external static pressures that are too high. Frankly, that can happen with about any filter higher than a MERV 5 if it gets dirty and clogged. } The wasted energy (and associated energy bill costs) required to push air through a higher MERV-rated filter to overcome the increased pressure drop shocks some owners. They are not Minimum efficient. "@type": "Question", The truth is, there are many differences between HVAC filters that make statements like these tantamount to comparing apples with oranges they are both fruits, but thats where the similarities end. in the Inch-Pound system of measurement. The FPR system goes a step further and also rates filters based on the amount of pressure drop they introduce and their dust holding capacity. } ", Estimated energy cost reduction from high capacity air filters, normalized for airflow: ($0.463/cfm $0.575/cfm) / $0.575/cfm = -19.5%. Air conditioning air ducts air filter air filters air filtration air purifier air purifiers air quality airborne particles airfilters airflow asthma dust filter filters filtration filtration and disinfection filtrete flu heating and air conditioning hepa filter hepa filters history of merv indoor air quality made in the usa merv microparticle performance rating. "acceptedAnswer": { The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of an air filter (from 1 to 20) measures how much dust, pollen, mold spores, and other contaminants pass through that filter to enter the indoor airstream. ", The dirty MERV-8 filters had lower pressure drops than the clean MERV-13s. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Cookies Policy. filtration helps provide healthier indoor air quality, Learn more about these recommendations here, recommendations for filtration, humidity set points, automation and more. Industrial Filtration Process: Why Its Important and Its Uses, How Often to Change a MERV 13 Filter: Everything You Need to Know, MERV 13 vs HEPA Filter (What Are The Differences? The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient the air filter is at removing particles. While it is true that the more the air filter traps the more effective it is at capturing more particles; it will eventually become too loaded, at which point, the airflow could be zero and extremely restrictive. If the house was comfy all over, but you upgraded your filter and now rooms distant from the furnace or air handler arent getting enough warm or cooled air, low airflow caused by a restrictive filter should be considered. Your HVAC equipment will give off a few clues that the filter is too restrictive and creating unacceptable pressure drop. } "@type": "Answer", "@type": "Question", Air filters with MERV ratings of 7 to 14+ can have pressure drops anywhere from 0.05 to 0.3 inch WC, depending on filter thickness and air flow velocity. Surface area of the filter. 3.0-10.0 greater than or equal to 80%, 0.30-1.0 greater than or equal to 35% MERV17 through MERV20 filters are typically used in surgical operating rooms, clean rooms and other contexts that require absolute cleanliness. "acceptedAnswer": { This is one way a higher MERV filter can have a lower pressure drop than one with a lower MERV rating. 2. This one of the main reasons why it is so important to check, change, and clean your air filter every month to help ensure your air filters pressure drop does not get too high and cause strain on your air conditioner/handler. For instance, the most common cause of pressure drop is a dirty filter and some low-quality MERV 13 filters will clog more frequently, leading to increased pressure drop which requires more frequent filter replacements. "name": "What initial pressure drop vs. final pressure drop? JavaScript appears to be disabled on this computer. The filters initial pressure drop (initial resistance) will vary by the filter type, MERV rating, and size. Well look at MERV 1-20 ratings in the MERV rating chart (youll find the chart further on). MERV 12 filter, for comparison, will filter out 90% of the same particles. Click the button below to get your discount ! This one of the main reasons why it is so important to check, change, and clean your air filter every month to help ensure your air filters pressure drop does not get too high and cause strain on your air conditioner/handler. The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating indicates the effectiveness of an air filter (from 1 to 20) at trapping particles suspended in air. You can check the whole EPAs list of air pollutants here. Consider the following MERV 13 pressure drop chart, comparing a high quality Camfil MERV 13 filter vs. a lower quality MERV 13 filter. Restrictive filters are one of many causes for low airflow, but if youve just installed a high-MERV filter and now air isnt flowing very well, this is likely the reason in this instance. This helps improve indoor air quality and prevents the build up of contaminants in equipment and damaging it. The vertical axis shows system static pressure drop by 0.1 inch w.c., and across the horizontal axis it shows system air flow in cubic feet per minute (CFPM). 1-Inch vs 2-Inch vs 4-inch Furnace Filters: Which is Best? SIGN UP FOR EMAILGet more great content in your inbox. Inexpensive and energy-efficient. Filters with higher MERV ratings are more restrictive because they are capable of filtering more particles than filters with lower MERV ratings. Thats the size interval that includes most air pollutants smoke, dust, cooking oil smell, mold spores, and bacteria, to name just a few. LakeAir Commercial units have the ability to incorporate a MERV 14 High capacity media filter. Thats why air filter producers dont usually specify the MERV rating. } This also means that as the MERV rating goes up, the more particles and contaminants the filter can capture. There is still a common misconception that having a high MERV rated filter will be too restrictive and strain your unit. Thick and high-MERV filters can cause a significant drop in pressure inside your HVAC system from before to after the filter. "@type": "Question", Remembering to change your air filter is key to reducing the risk from pressure drop." "name": "What is static pressure? } Hi Nash, ASHRAE 52.2 is the source of all MERV effectiveness data. This article is not a substitute for review of current applicable government regulations, industry standards, or other standards specific to your business and/or activities and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. The pressure drop for highly efficient filters like HEPA, ULPA, and ASHRAE tends to be higher, they use a quality filter media that is excellent at capturing pollutants and fine particles. "@type": "Answer", Note that when the MERV 13 is added, it is more restrictive than either. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. When your HVAC system is running the filter slows and limits the air that is being pulled through your vents and ducts. While these numbers are fairly close, at least in this example the filter with a MERV of 11, which is more than twice the MERV 5, had a lower resistance to air flow. HEPA, ULPA, and ASHRAE filters are typically used in commercial and industrial environments or in applications. As the MERV rating increases the finer the filtration becomes. The chart below shows a detailed description for each merv rating 1 through 16. "@type": "Answer", Readers with specific questions should refer to the applicable standards or consult with an attorney. The more tightly woven or thick a filters media is, the more particles and contaminates the filter can trap. 99.97% of particles in the 0.3-micron range. If you dont have, or cant find, the owners manual for your HVAC system, here are the recommendations of three agencies. Their cost is often moderate and are within many budgets. ". Firstly, MERV ratings range between a 1 and 20 scale, which denotes the effectiveness and efficiency of filters to catch specific air-particle sizes. How efficient the filter is against all three size ranges is compared against a MERV chart and the final MERV value is the highest value where the filter meets all three requirements of MERV. MERV10, MERV 13, and MERV16) Pressure Drop Chart Static Pressures at variable CFM (in W.C.) Filter Number = 410 (MERV10), 413 (MERV 13), 416 (MERV16) CFM 400 = .03, .05, .07 CFM 800 = .07, .10, .13 The informed consumer is a powerful force in the marketplace. Thickness of the filter. How do I know if I need a higher MERV rating? The 3M Filtrete MERV 5 review concluded that this furnace filter is a good choice for any household as long as there are no allergy issues, pets such as dogs and cats, smokers in the house. Rene has worked 10 years in the HVAC field and now is the Senior Comfort Specialist for PICKHVAC. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. Typically, the higher the MERV rating, the higher the pressure drop and the more restrictive the air flow is. was at various amounts of airflow in cubic feet per minute (CFM). Most current household HVAC units/handlers can handle a MERV 6-13 pleated filter with ease. The higher the MERV rating the better the filter is at trapping specific types of particles. These air filters are great for people with pets. Higher pressure drop = less airflow . How to Tell if I Should Change Furnace Filter. This often coincides with a higher MERV rating; however, this also means that the filter is slightly more restrictive and the airflow rate through the filter is lower. This multi-filter system extends the life of the more expensive final filters, leading to overall cost savings. FPR 10 is the same as MERV Ratings 13; MPR vs. MERV Air Filter Ratings. WHEN YOU NEED THEM. Close pleats in 5" depth minimize pressure drop and extend filter life example: Source: www.merv8.com No representation is made that the information or references are complete or remain current. },{ What was their secret? Official websites use .gov Calculator + Chart (Natural Gas), Average Gas Bill For 1-Bedroom Apartment: State-By-State Cost Analysis, Average Electricity Bill For 4 Person Household (Survey Analysis), How Many kWh Per Day Is Normal? } It is a measure of a filters ability to trap particles in the air. MERV and Pressure Drop What Makes the Difference? What are they and why they matter? It isnt easy to navigate through 20 classes of MERV ratings. Weigh the test filter. Diagonal support members on both sides ensuring filter pack rigidity. Please click here to see any active alerts. ", ), CO2 Heat Pump Water Heaters Vs. Resistive Hot Water Heaters, MERV 13 Filter Pressure Drop: Guidance for Facility Managers, Free Tool to Measure the Air Changes Per Hour of Your Space, Mitigating the Impact of COVID-19 on Small Businesses By Improving Indoor Air, The In-Depth Guide to HEPA Filters in Hospitals, Medical Offices, & Clinics, Reopen Safely and In Compliance with NYS Mandates, Measure Your Spaces Air Changes Per Hour, https://www.rpfedder.com/filtration/merv-13-filters/. So, you just purchased some new filters for your home HVAC system. If U are going to use pleated filters U need a deep pleated filter to provide a lot more area; which would require new Return Air filter racks . Our Media Air purifiers use MERV 11 filters. The MERV rating is determined by the size of the particles that the air filter can remove, with the smallest particles being the most efficient at removing. Filters with a (M) value 5 through 8 remove finer dust particles. Resistance is measured in inches water gauge (w.g.) Other materials used for filters have different MERV and air flow (IR) properties. LakeAirElectrostatic Air Filterswork as well as a MERV 16 air filter. MERV-15: Not a common filter efficiency, MERV-15 will sometimes be called a 95%+ filter as that was it's label under 52.1 This filter tends to get overlooked as it is between two very common high efficiency air filter values and although the static pressure is more comparable to 14 than 16, and the pricing is typically not too much more than 14, But what is MERVrating, exactly? Fibrous Filter Media,Philip J. Rooms will be too hot or too cold: This is a symptom of low airflow. They used a 20 x 20 filter. But lets start with what kind of particles are between 0.3 and 10 microns: Lets look at examples of two filters with 10 MERV and 14 MERV ratings. air), Latent Heat (BTU/hr) = 0.69 x CFM x gr. Since it collects more particles, its likely to get dirty more quickly than some other filters. A filters pressure drop changes throughout its use. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. I normally see a product spec sheet with ASHRAE 52.2 testing, but I dont normally see Appendix J associated with it. "acceptedAnswer": { The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends a minimum MERV of 6 as their general rule for home HVAC systems. There are many benefits to having a higher MERV rating, including: If you have a high MERV rating, you should change your filter every 3 months. As air moves through a buildings HVAC system, air filters trap and collect large and small particles such as dust, allergens and microorganisms. },{ This Standard is what led to the creation of the minimum efficiency reporting value, or MERV. They also found that airflow in the high MERV filters decreased by 7% and 11% in the two HVAC systems compared to the low MERV filters. air), Sensible Heat (BTU/hr) = 1.1 x CFM x t (std. We are hiring! Manufacturers are in continual competition to try to provide the best of both worlds in this area. "acceptedAnswer": { When a filter is in use, it traps and gathers particles, the more particles that are trapped the harder it is for air to pass through; when this occurs the filters pressure drop rises. The filters initial pressure drop (initial resistance) will vary by the filter type, MERV rating, and size. This chart shows their stated resistance to air flow in inches of water column (IWC/i.w.c.) It holds 24X24 filters with a depth of up to 20. Want to work for Air Filters Inc.? We are here to make sure you select the right solution for your needs. 2/11/20 Most of them will specify using a certain size filter, and they may also suggest a minimum MERV and a maximum MERV or IR (resistance to air flow of a new filter). Take it out and run the system for a couple minutes.
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