If you're looking to understand what a MERV rating is and how to choose the right one for your home, you've come to the right place. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, and it's a system used to measure the effectiveness of air filters in trapping particles of different sizes. A higher rating means that the filter can trap smaller air particles. When it comes to selecting the right air filter for your home, the MERV rating is essential.
A fiberglass filter is not as effective as a pleated filter, as finer particles will pass through it with ease. The pressure drop is also lower for fiberglass filters due to their high porosity. If you want to ensure that more particles are removed from the air, you may want to consider using an air filter with a higher MERV rating. MERV 8 is known to be effective at filtering out contaminants such as pollen, dust mites, sawdust, mold spores, and lint.
The frequency at which you need to change your air filters depends on factors such as your home location, activity level, and the presence of pets. To obtain a specific MERV rating, the filter must operate at a minimum threshold. Finding the right balance between your HVAC system's capabilities and the indoor air quality you want to achieve is key when selecting a MERV rating. Additionally, make sure that you install the filter in the correct direction so that it works properly.
For example, if an air filter has a MERV rating of 8, it means that 81.5% of the dust particles introduced into the filter were successfully filtered out of the air. The MERV rating system is designed to determine how well an air filter can remove particles from the air. Regularly changing your air filters has many benefits, such as increased system efficiency, longer system life, and a cleaner home environment. Air filters trap and pick up large and small particles like dust, allergens and microorganisms as air moves through a building's HVAC system.
However, just because an air filter has a higher MERV rating doesn't necessarily mean it's the best option for your oven.