When it comes to choosing the right filter for your HVAC system, it can be difficult to decide between a HEPA and a MERV filter. Both types of filters have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to understand the differences between them before making a decision. MERV 13 filters are more effective at removing large particles from the air, while HEPA filters are better at removing small particles. MERV 13 filters can remove up to 99.97% of particles from the air, while HEPA filters can remove up to 99.99%.
However, HEPA filters are much more restrictive in terms of airflow, which is why they are not used as often in residential air conditioning systems. Adding an activated carbon prefilter to a MERV or HEPA filter can help remove contaminants such as VOCs, odors, smoke, formaldehyde, and gaseous vapors. The MERV standard makes it possible to compare the filtering efficiency of different air filters. You can also use MERV 13 filters in portable filtration systems to support an air conditioning system with HEPA filtration.
HEPA filters can capture up to 99.7 percent of all contaminants of 0.3 microns or more using a dense layer of fibers arranged in a specific configuration. Typically, these filters trap up to 90% of particles between 1 and 10 microns, and MERV 13 filters can even trap up to 75% of the smallest particles between 0.3 and 1 micron. If you're familiar with the differences between MERV and HEPA filters, you'll have a better idea of what type of filter will work best in your home in Atlanta and the surrounding metropolitan area. The MERV rating of an air filter describes its effectiveness as a means of reducing the level of particles from 0.3 to 10 microns in the air passing through the filter.
If the HEPA test were used on a 95% ASHRAE air filter, it would have an efficiency of approximately 50% on 0.3 micron particles once loaded with dust. One of the main issues to be addressed is filtration and the difference between MERV 13 and HEPA filters. While you can find HEPA filters in some air purifiers and vacuums, their use is actually very limited. An incredibly powerful air conditioning system is required to be able to properly draw air through a HEPA filter. In fact, it is extremely rare to find HEPA filters used, except in laboratories or in some surgical environments that require an extremely sterile environment. Although HEPA filters are not rated on the MERV scale, their filtration capacities are much higher than those of the MERV 16. Therefore, filtration systems with HEPA filters can be useful for those with severe allergies. In conclusion, when deciding which type of filter is best for your HVAC system, it's important to consider both the size of the particles you want to remove from the air as well as how much airflow restriction you're willing to accept.
If you're looking for maximum filtration efficiency, then a HEPA filter may be your best option. However, if you're looking for something that won't restrict airflow too much, then a MERV 13 filter may be your best bet.
