A commercial air filter plays an important role in the indoor air quality of your business and the energy efficiency of your HVAC equipment. Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value is a measurement of how well an air filter can remove airborne particles. Here are three important factors to know about using MERV ratings to find the best filters for your commercial needs.

What You Need to Know About MERV Ratings and Commercial Air Filters

1. MERV Ratings Range From 1 to 16

A MERV rating tells you how effectively a filter can trap particles ranging in size from 0.3 to 10 microns. MERV ratings of one to four are generally not well suited to commercial HVAC systems. Ratings from two to eight are designed to remove materials of three microns and larger. 

A MERV rating of nine to 12 indicates a high-quality filter appropriate for most commercial environments; these filters trap particles of one micron or larger. But the best protection comes from filters with a MERV 13 to MERV 16 rating, as they can remove particles of 0.3 microns or higher.

2. Higher MERV Ratings Mean Better Filtration

The more filtration your business requires, the higher your filter's MERV ratings should be. This is because higher rated filters are better able to remove smaller, sub-micro size particles. Just bear in mind that filters with higher MERV ratings tend to be thicker, so your business's HVAC system should be powerful enough to push air through them without sacrificing performance.

3. Be Sure to Consider Your Air Filtration Needs

Not every business is going to require the same size filter. You need to consider your filtration needs. If you need to maintain healthy indoor air quality for workers and customers, filters with a MERV rating of 13 or higher will offer the best results. But if your goal is only to keep HVAC equipment running cleaner and more efficiently, a lower MERV rating is perfectly acceptable.

Start shopping for commercial air filters by contacting Dayton Reliable Air Filter. Since 1971, they have been serving customers in Dayton and throughout Ohio and Northern Kentucky. Their HVAC technicians provide filter sales and installations, duct cleaning, and air quality testing. Call (800) 699-0747 to schedule a free onsite evaluation or visit them online to browse their products.