Air MERV Efficiencies
The Air MERV Efficiency Guide is used to help determine the proper Air Filter and Cleaner Type that is necessary to use based on the Application it is being used in and the Efficiency needed to complete the task at hand.
| Standard 52.5 Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value | Dust Spot Efficiency | Arrestance | Typical Applications | Air Filter Cleaner/Type |
| 20 | N/A | N/A | Clean Rooms | ≥ 99.999% Efficiency on 0.10-0.20 pm Particles |
| 19 | N/A | N/A | Radioactive Materials | ≥ 99.999% Efficiency on 0.10-0.20 pm Particles |
| 18 | N/A | N/A | Pharmaceutical Maintenance | ≥ 99.999% Efficiency on 0.10-0.20 pm Particles |
| 17 | N/A | N/A | Carcinogenic Materials | ≥ 99.97% Efficiency on 0.30 pm Particles |
| 16 | N/A | N/A | General Surgery |
Bag Filter - Nonsupported Microfine Fiberglass or Synthetic Media, 12-36" Deep, 6-12 Pockets Box Filter - Rigid Style Cartridge Filters 6-12" Deep. May use lofted or paper media |
| 15 | ≥ 95% | N/A | Hospital Inpatient Care |
Bag Filter - Nonsupported Microfine Fiberglass or Synthetic Media, 12-36" Deep, 6-12 Pockets Box Filter - Rigid Style Cartridge Filters 6-12" Deep. May use lofted or paper media |
| 14 | 90-95% | ≥ 98% | Smoking Lounges |
Bag Filter - Nonsupported Microfine Fiberglass or Synthetic Media, 12-36" Deep, 6-12 Pockets Box Filter - Rigid Style Cartridge Filters 6-12" Deep. May use lofted or paper media |
| 13 | 80-90% | ≥ 98% | Commercial Buildings |
Bag Filter - Nonsupported Microfine Fiberglass or Synthetic Media, 12-36" Deep, 6-12 Pockets Box Filter - Rigid Style Cartridge Filters 6-12" Deep. May use lofted or paper media |
| 12 | 70-75% | ≥ 95% | Superior Residential |
Bag Filter - Nonsupported Microfine Fiberglass or Synthetic Media, 12-36" Deep, 6-12 Pockets Box Filter - Rigid Style Cartridge Filters 6-12" Deep. May use lofted or paper media |
| 11 | 60-65% | ≥ 95% | Better Commercial Buildings |
Bag Filter - Nonsupported Microfine Fiberglass or Synthetic Media, 12-36" Deep, 6-12 Pockets Box Filter - Rigid Style Cartridge Filters 6-12" Deep. May use lofted or paper media |
| 10 | 50-55% | ≥ 90% | Hospital Laboratories |
Bag Filter - Nonsupported Microfine Fiberglass or Synthetic Media, 12-36" Deep, 6-12 Pockets Box Filter - Rigid Style Cartridge Filters 6-12" Deep. May use lofted or paper media |
| 9 | 40-45% | ≥ 90% | Hospital Laboratories |
Bag Filter - Nonsupported Microfine Fiberglass or Synthetic Media, 12-36" Deep, 6-12 Pockets Box Filter - Rigid Style Cartridge Filters 6-12" Deep. May use lofted or paper media |
| 8 | 30-35% | ≥ 90% | Commercial Buildings | Pleated Filters - Disposable Extended Surface area, Thick with Cotton/Polyester Blend Media with Cardboard Frame |
| 7 | 25-30% | ≥ 90% | Better Residential | Cartridge Filters - Graded Density Viscous Coated Cube or Pocket Filters, Synthetic Media |
| 6 | 20% | 85-90% | Industrial Workplace | Throwaway Filters - Disposable Synthetic Media Panel Filters |
| 5 | 20% | 80-85% | Paint Booth Inlet | Throwaway Filters - Disposable Synthetic Media Panel Filters |
| 4 | 20% | 75-80% | Minimal Filtration | Throwaway Filters - Disposable Synthetic Media Panel Filters |
| 3 | 20% | 70-75% | Residential | Throwaway Filters - Disposable Synthetic Media Panel Filters |
| 2 | 20% | 65-70% | Residential | Washable Filters - Aluminum Mesh |
| 1 | 20% | 65% | Window/AC Units | Electrostatic - Self Charging Woven Panel Filters |
