MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value)

MERV, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, measures how effectively an air filter captures particles of different sizes. The scale ranges from 1 to 20, with higher numbers indicating better filtration. For example, a MERV 1 filter catches large dust and debris, while a MERV 13 filter can trap tiny particles like bacteria and smoke. In general, higher MERV ratings improve indoor air quality but may restrict airflow more. Choosing the right MERV depends on your needs—lower for basic filtering, higher for allergy or asthma relief, and compatibility with your HVAC system.