The MPR 2200 is equivalent to the MERV 13 rating, as is the MPR 2800. But does a MERV 13 filter meet your needs? 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 catching small virus-sized particles as a HEPA can. A MERV 13 will trap less than 75% of air particles that are 0.3 to 1.0 microns in size (coronavirus measures 0.1 microns).
It's also difficult for many existing HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems to adopt a MERV 13 because of the increased fan load due to the finer filter medium, which can actually cause more harm than good, as well as reducing airflow if the system isn't designed to support that type of filter. On average, many installations are limited to one type of MERV 8 or MERV 9 filter. The Minimum Efficiency Report Value (MERV) rating of an air filter measures how effectively the filter prevents dust and other contaminants from passing through the filter into the air stream. MERV ratings range from 1 to 16, and filters with higher MERV ratings trap small particles more effectively than filters with lower MERV ratings. In general, filters with a MERV rating of 16 or lower are considered filters suitable for air conditioning systems for residential, commercial and general hospital use. Although the ratings do not exceed those of MERV 16, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters trap the smallest particles at an even faster rate than MERV 16 and are generally used in operating rooms, clean rooms and other settings that require absolute cleaning.
When selecting the right filter for your application, higher isn't always better. Using an air filter with a MERV rating higher than that recommended by the boiler or air conditioner manufacturer may affect its performance. Researchers from India compiled a series of studies that considered the effect of air filtration on indoor air quality and the resulting positive health outcomes. Those studies found that filtering recirculated air improved microvascular function in healthy older people, improved other types of vascular function in healthy adults, and produced better lung function in indigenous communities, among other benefits. Use the following MERV ranking table to understand which filters are best for which applications: Pre-filter in commercial buildings - Filters with a particle size of up to 10.0 microns; Filters with a particle size of up to 3.0—10.0 microns; Filters with a particle size of up to 1.0—3.0 microns; Filters with a particle size of up to 0.3—1.0 microns; Pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities - Filters up to a particle size of less than 0.30 microns. Air filters can be used as final filters or prefilters. When used as final filters, they are the primary filters of an air conditioning system.
The final filters can be used alone in a single filter system, or they can be used in combination with one or more prefilters. When used in a multi-filter system, prefilters trap dirt and large particles before the air reaches the final filters downstream, which then remove the smallest particles. This multi-filter system extends the life of the most expensive final filters, resulting in overall cost savings. Although some online sites talk about MERV 17-20 filters, the EPA and ASHRAE only rate filters on the MERV 1-16 scale. A HEPA filter is essentially the ultimate solution in the world of air filters and far exceeds what a MERV 13 can do.
The difference between a MERV 8 and MERV 13 filter is that the latter includes stronger protection against airborne bacteria and viruses that spread through airborne droplets. Using a 13-rated MERV filter is the best thing to protect against bacteria that spread the virus, but you should also consider adding air quality solutions to your home. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, and the MERV rating is the main classification system used for air filtration. Considering the threat posed by the spread of COVID-19 and other germs, upgrading a building's air filter to a HEPA is a much more effective step than simply to a MERV 13, considering the small size of the virus (0.06 to 0.12 microns); the more efficient the filter, the better. In these cases, a MERV 11 air filter can provide additional benefits and capture a wider range of particles that would pass through a MERV 8 filter. Use a MERV 8 to 13 filter, depending on your family's needs and environment, and start using an indoor air quality monitor to help you determine if a separate air purification system is needed. Filters with a MERV rating greater than 13 are tightly intertwined to capture potentially harmful contaminants. A MERV 13 is a great choice if a healthy home is a priority for you, and it's also a good choice if you have respiratory problems such as asthma.
A higher MERV rating can mean slightly more restricted airflow; however, most current HVAC systems are capable of handling a MERV 11 air filter without additional stress to the system.
