Understanding MERV Ratings and Their Role in Reducing the Spread of COVID-19

The spread of COVID-19 has caused a lot of concern and confusion among the public. While social distancing, face masks, and hygiene are all important measures to reduce the spread of the virus, many people are unaware of the role that air filters can play in reducing airborne transmission. MERV ratings are a way to measure the effectiveness of air filters, and understanding them can help you make an informed decision when it comes to protecting yourself and your family from the virus.MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, and it is a rating system used to measure the effectiveness of air filters. The higher the MERV rating, the more effective the filter is at trapping particles like dust, pollen, mold spores, and other airborne contaminants.

MERV ratings range from 1 to 16, with 1 being the least effective and 16 being the most effective. MERV 8-13 filters are considered to be medium efficiency filters, while MERV 14-16 filters are considered to be high efficiency filters.When it comes to COVID-19, MERV 13 filters are recommended for most residential applications. These filters are capable of trapping particles as small as 0.3 microns in size, which is small enough to capture most respiratory droplets that contain the virus. While higher MERV rated filters may be more effective at trapping particles, they can also reduce airflow and cause HVAC systems to work harder.

This can lead to higher energy bills and decreased efficiency.In addition to using high efficiency air filters, there are other ventilation interventions that can help reduce the spread of COVID-19.Portable filter units can be used to increase airflow in a room or space, while fans can be used to create cross ventilation. Increasing ventilation by opening windows or using air conditioning or heat can also help reduce airborne transmission.When it comes to protecting yourself and your family from COVID-19, understanding MERV ratings is an important step. High efficiency air filters with a MERV rating of 13 or higher can help reduce airborne transmission by trapping particles that contain the virus. In addition to using high efficiency air filters, other ventilation interventions such as portable filter units, fans, and increased ventilation can also help reduce the spread of COVID-19.