MERV 16 vs HEPA: Which Filter is Best for You?

When it comes to air filtration, HEPA filters are the gold standard. With a rating equivalent to a MERV 17 or higher, these filters are able to capture 99.97% of air particles that are 0.3 microns in size, as well as a larger percentage of particles both smaller and larger than that size. This is because the 0.3 micron particle is the most difficult to trap, so they test HEPAs with this particle size. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) determines the MERV rating for air filters.

The ratings range from 1 to 16, with higher ratings trapping small particles more effectively than lower ratings. A filter with a MERV rating of 13 to 16 is considered a high-quality filter and can remove up to 75 percent of all airborne particulates of 0.3 microns or larger from the air. Due to logistical problems and the high cost of installing a higher MERV filter in an existing HVAC system, both the CDC and ASHRAE recommend adding commercial quality portable HEPA air purifiers with the ACH (hourly air change) suitable for the space. When it comes to changing your filter, MERV 13 filters should be changed every three to six months, MERV 14 and MERV 16 filters should be changed every two to four months, and HEPA filters should be changed every one to two years. So which filter is better for you? It really depends on your needs. If you're looking for a more robust filtration, a MERV 10 or a MERV 13 might be good improvement options to consider. However, if absolute cleaning is required, then a HEPA filter is your best bet. The team of experts at P Fedder is always available to answer any questions you may have about MERV 13 versus HEPA filters or any other air quality questions you may have.

What Is HEPA?

HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air and is considered the most effective type of air filter available on the market today.

HEPA filters are designed to capture 99.97% of all particles that are 0.3 microns in size or larger from the air passing through them.

What Is MERV?

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and is used by ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers) to rate the effectiveness of air filters.

Which Filter Is Better: MERV 16 or HEPA?

When it comes down to it, both MERV 16 and HEPA filters offer excellent filtration capabilities. However, if absolute cleaning is required then a HEPA filter is your best bet.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a more robust filtration option then a MERV 10 or 13 might be good improvement options to consider. The team of experts at P Fedder is always available to answer any questions you may have about MERV 13 versus HEPA filters or any other air quality questions you may have.