In the current climate of the virus outbreak, everyone is doing their best to stay healthy. Washing hands with warm water and soap for at least 30 seconds, getting vaccinated if possible, and avoiding sick people are all essential precautions. But what about air filters? Can MERV 13 filters help protect against bacteria and viruses?A MERV 13 filter is a step in the right direction and captures more particles than a typical MERV 8 filter. However, it's not as effective at capturing small virus-sized particles as HEPA filters.
A MERV 13 will trap less than 75% of air particles that are 0.3 to 1.0 microns in size (the coronavirus measures 0.1 microns). It is also difficult for many existing HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems to adopt a MERV 13 because of the increased load on the fan due to the finer filter medium, which can reduce airflow if the system is not designed to support that type of filter. On average, many installations are limited to a MERV 8 or MERV 9 type filter. While a MERV 13 filter can help protect against bacteria that are spread by the virus, it is not a guarantee against airborne viruses such as COVID-19, the flu, or the common cold. To ensure maximum protection against airborne pathogens, it is best to use a 13-rated MERV filter in combination with other air quality solutions. MERV 13 filters must be changed every three to six months, depending on the brand of the filter, the level of contaminants in the air and the amount of use the air conditioning system receives.
In most homes and commercial buildings, filters with a MERV rating between 8 and 13 will sufficiently filter the air. The MERV 13 air filter standard is just one of many that are included in the LEED certification program for green buildings. An effective way to reduce bacteria, virus-carrying droplets and other contaminants that could spread disease or illness in your space is to use Second Nature's 13-inch Health Shield MERV pleated filter. MERV 13 filters also don't restrict airflow as much as HEPA filters, so they can be used in a wider variety of air conditioning systems. A MERV 13 air filter will also remove large viruses, mold spores, and pet dander from the air, helping you avoid inhaling harmful particles and at the same time preventing them from spreading through facilities. Many people suffer from seasonal allergies, and MERV 13 air filters are often an effective solution.
While some sites on the Internet talk about MERV 17-20 filters, the EPA and ASHRAE only rank them on the MERV scale from 1 to 16. MERV 13 filters are frequently used in museums and libraries to improve air quality and protect artifacts from airborne contaminants. This means that it takes more energy to pass air through a MERV 13+ filter than through a MERV 12 filter. MERV 13 filters are commonly used in manufacturing plants to improve air quality and protect workers from airborne contaminants. In conclusion, using a MERV 13 filter is an effective way to reduce bacteria, virus-carrying droplets and other contaminants that could spread disease or illness in your space. It is important to remember that while these filters can help protect against bacteria that are spread by viruses, they are not a guarantee against airborne viruses such as COVID-19, the flu or the common cold. To ensure maximum protection against airborne pathogens, it is best to use a 13-rated MERV filter in combination with other air quality solutions.
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