|
MERV
Filter Media, Relative Air-Cleaning Abilities:
|
media |
MERV * |
3 - 10µ |
1 - 3µ
|
0.3 - 1µ |
odor removal with Carbonized Basal Planes ** |
|
glass |
1 |
< 20 |
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
< 20 |
|
|
|
|
panel / pleated
|
3 |
< 20 |
|
|
complete |
|
|
4 |
< 20 |
|
|
|
|
|
5 |
20 - 35 |
|
|
|
|
|
6 |
35 - 50 |
|
|
|
|
|
7 |
50 - 70 |
|
|
|
|
electret, 1 ply |
8 |
> 70 |
|
|
complete |
|
|
9 |
> 85 |
< 50 |
|
|
|
|
10 |
> 85 |
50 - 65 |
|
|
|
|
11 |
> 85 |
65 - 80 |
|
|
|
electret, 2 plies |
12 |
> 90 |
> 80 |
|
complete |
|
|
13 |
> 90 |
> 90 |
< 75 |
|
|
|
14 |
> 90 |
> 90 |
75 - 85 |
|
|
|
15 |
> 90 |
> 90 |
85 - 95 |
|
|
|
16 |
> 95 |
> 90 |
> 95 |
|
*
MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) - a number from a test method
designed by ASHRAE
(American Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air
Conditioning Engineers) to help compare particulate filter
efficiencies.
-
Chemist’s Note:
I welcome the improved particulate standards, however it is well to
remember that most indoor air problems are caused
by unfilterable molecules, not particles.
molecules are roughly 0.001 to 0.01 microns
viruses are approximately 0.2 microns
bacteria range from 0.3 to 4 microns
allergens such as pollen and fungal spores are at least 3 to
20
microns
plant or animal cells are 10 to 30 microns
human hair is approximately 80 microns
Richard Kunz, chemist
719 635-1325
|