MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, a rating system initiated by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). MERV ratings signify an air filter’s effectiveness at decreasing airborne particles and pollutants, determined by the smallest particle it’s capable of trapping (measured in microns). As filters become more adept at improving indoor air quality, their MERV rating goes up, ranging from 1 to 20.
This chart, along with our free consultation, can help you find the recommended MERV rating for your needs.
| MERV Range | Controlled Contaminants | Typical Application | Air Filter Types |
| 1 – 4 | Pollen, Dust, Spray Paint, Dust Mites, Sanding Dust, Textile & Carpet Fibers | Residential, Window AC Units | Disposable Electrostatic |
| 5 – 8 | Mold Spores, Pet Dander, Hair Spray, Dusting Aids, Fabric Protector, Cement Dust, Pudding Mix | Better Residential, Commercial, Industrial Workplaces | Pleated Filters |
| 9 – 12 | Legionella, Auto Emissions, Lead Dust, Humidifier Dust, Welding Fumes | Superior Residential, Better Commercial, Hospital Labs | Pleated Filters |
| 13 – 16 | Bacteria, Droplet Nuclei (Sneeze), Tobacco Smoke, Insecticide Dust | General Surgery, Hospital Inpatient Care | Bag Filters Box Filters |
| 17 – 20 | Viruses, All Combustion Smoke, Carbon Dust | Cleanrooms, Radioactive & Carcinogenic Materials, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | HEPA Filters Specialized Filters |
Understanding Other Measurement Systems
Knowing about MERV ratings may not be enough to help you pick the best furnace filter. For example, some big retailers use the filter performance rating (FPR), which goes from 1–10 and is another scale to measure a filter’s ability to trap particles. You might also see the microparticle performance rating (MPR) system, which ranges from 300 to 2200 and only measures a filter’s effectiveness at capturing the smallest particles on the MERV scale (0.3–1 micron in size).
We’ve included this chart to help you see how filters ranked with FPR and MPR stack up to the more conventional MERV rating system.
| MERV Rating | FPR | MPR |
| MERV 1 – 5 | Below Minimum FPR | Below Minimum MPR |
| MERV 6 | Below Minimum FPR | MPR 300 |
| MERV 8 | FPR 5 | MPR 600 |
| MERV 11 | FPR 7 | MPR 1000 – 1200 |
| MERV 13 | FPR 10 | MPR 1500 – 1900 |
| MERV 14 – 20 | Above Maximum FPR | MPR 1900+ |
Need Recommendations for Your Furnace Filter’s MERV Rating?
Air inside your home can be more polluted than what’s outside—often two to five times more, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Selecting the ideal MERV rating for an air filter is a delicate balance between your HVAC system’s capabilities and the indoor air quality you’re comfortable with.
For example, a better MERV rating won’t necessarily mean that a filter is the right option for your furnace. In fact, as MERV ratings increase, air flow goes down, forcing your HVAC system to work harder to move air through your furnace and increasing the possibility of a potential breakdown. Before purchasing a new furnace filter, make sure to check if your HVAC system has a MERV rating limit. If it does, be sure to get a furnace filter with a MERV rating below that limit.
If your family member has allergies or serious respiratory problems like asthma, you may want filters with higher MERV ratings. Then again, there are other methods to improve your indoor air quality if your system can’t accommodate the MERV ratings you need.
As a rule of thumb, we recommend MERV ratings for furnace filters from 6 to 8 for a great balance between top furnace efficiency and home comfort.
Choosing the best MERV rating for your furnace filter has a major impact on your indoor air quality, your HVAC system, and most importantly, your family’s safety and future. Ask Service Experts to help you make the best decision. We have a wide line of air filtration solutions plus our Expert knowledge and service—and we’re ready 24/7 for emergencies. Contact us at (866) 963-7996 to hear your free indoor air quality consultation in Jacksonville today!
