When it comes to air filtration, the most efficient type of filter is the HEPA filter. It is capable of trapping up to 99.97% of particles between 0.3 and 10 microns in size, making it the ideal choice for residential or commercial use. However, informally, if HEPA filters received a MERV rating, they would have approximately a MERV rating of 17 or higher. Our patented high-efficiency MERV 16 filters have unique properties, as the filter medium removes most of the dirt instead of the particles embedded in the filter.
Anything above the MERV 16 is a real HEPA filter. While there are HEPA filters in some air purifiers and vacuums, their use is actually very limited. In fact, it's extremely rare to find HEPA filters used, except in the laboratory or in some surgical environments that require an extremely sterile environment. Part of the reason HEPA filters are so rarely used is that they are extremely restrictive in terms of airflow. An incredibly powerful air conditioning system is required to be able to properly suck air through a HEPA filter.
If the system isn't powerful enough, it simply won't be able to warm up or cool down properly, as it won't have enough airflow. 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. These filters usually trap up to 90% of particles between 1 and 10 microns, and MERV 13 filters can even trap up to 75% of smaller particles between 0.3 and 1 micron. When schools reopen after the coronavirus outbreak, ASHRAE also recommends a HEPA and UV portable air filter for each classroom, with at least two air rotations per hour. The problem is that a HEPA filter is too fine a filter medium to be implemented in existing air conditioning systems and the only way to add one to an installation is through a standalone or portable HEPA air filtration system with its own specific fan designed to increase the resistance of this type of filter. Many ventilation systems are not designed for HEPA, but these filters are available as portable air purifiers or vacuums. A logical conclusion is that if an air filter removes particles between 0.3 and 10 microns, it is certain that it is also at least as efficient in removing larger particles. These measures cannot be ignored, even if you have the best air filtration and disinfection systems on the market. If you're thinking about switching to a higher-efficient air filter, you might want to check with a local Carrier expert or HVAC professional to ensure that your home or office air conditioning system is capable of supporting that type of filter.
Contrary to what many people think, the main purpose of the air filter is to prevent dust and dirt from entering the system and damaging its components. In conclusion, while MERV 16 filters are highly efficient at removing dirt from your home or office's air supply, they are not considered true HEPA filters. A true HEPA filter has an efficiency rating of 99.97% for particles between 0.3 and 10 microns in size and requires an incredibly powerful air conditioning system for proper operation.
