MERV 8 filters are 90 percent efficient on particles that are 3 to 10 microns in size.
Merv
1 to 4 are effective at controlling larger particles, such as sanding dust, spray paint dust, lint and carpet fibers. To be classified as a Merv 8 filter by the NAFA (National Air Filtration Association), a filter must filter at least 70% of E3 particles (3.0-10.0 µm) and 20% of E2 particles (1.0-3.0 µm). In addition to 70% of E3 particles, it also filters 30% of E2 particles and 1.9% of E1 particles (0.3-1.0 µm).After performing standard dust tests, Essential was found to have a stop rate of 81.5%. This means that 81.5% of the dust particles introduced into the filter were successfully filtered out of the air. The Merv rating is a system used to measure the efficiency of air filters in trapping particles of certain sizes. Pleated filters with ratings from MERV 8 to 13 are more effective than fiberglass filters in trapping small particles while also decreasing pressure drop.
It is important to note that using an oven filter with a MERV rating higher than necessary can have adverse effects on the system's performance. MERV 13 filters are capable of trapping bacteria, tobacco smoke, car fumes, insecticide dust, pet dander, and more. MERV 8 air filters are almost as affordable as less efficient products, making them good value for money. Therefore, it is important for homeowners to analyze the MERV rating system and determine what rating would be right for their air filtration needs.
For most Canadian homes, oven filters with MERV ratings between 8 and 13 are sufficient to filter most airborne impurities. MERV 11 air filters can filter a large percentage of fine particles, but a MERV 8 air filter cannot.
