HEPA vs MERV-13 What air filter to use in your HVAC system?

"What air filter should I use in my HVAC system?” is a question that probably does not cross too many people’s minds; not until they hear someone cough or sneeze, at least. This has escalated since the start of COVID-19, and optimal indoor air quality (IAQ) is now essential in every business space. While regular maintenance of your HVAC system aids in cleaner air circulation, installing the right air filter can help prevent airborne transmission of bacteria and viruses. HEPA and MERV-13 are the two most widely used. More on them below.?

MERV-13 Filters?

MERV, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, is a system that rates a filter's ability to capture particles based on their size.??

1. The rating is set on a scale of 1 to 16 and denotes whether the filter can trap particles from 0.3 to 10 microns.?
2. MERV-13 filters can capture 90%+ particles of these sizes and provide adequate protection against airborne transmission of many viruses and bacteria, especially through droplets.??

However, the size of COVID-19 is 0.1 microns and cannot be captured by MERV-13 filters; that’s where HEPA filters come into play.?

HEPA Filters?

HEPA, or High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters, provide superior performance compared to MERV-13 filters.??

1. They capture 99.97% of particles with a minimum diameter of 0.3 microns; larger and smaller particles including bacteria, viruses, pollen and dust are captured too.??
2. All HEPA filters must meet this standard. 0.3 microns is scientifically known as the most penetrating particle size or MPPS.??

These filters are twisted and turned and made up of interlaced glass fibers.??

So, what air filter should you use in your HVAC system??

An HVAC system’s main function is to filter and distribute clean air within a building; temperature control is another feature. The pandemic has changed the way things work within commercial spaces; social distancing, masking up, and proper ventilation is essential. While using MERV-13 filters would have done the job before 2020, it is now advisable to install HEPA filters to minimize COVID-19 transmission risk indoors. This, however, makes your HVAC system work harder as it forms a barrier against particles with a diameter as small as 0.1 microns. Keep in mind that HVAC system solutions can also help increase the IAQ. We’ll tell you how below.?

HVAC System Solutions for Optimal IAQ?

HVAC system solutions better your existing system’s performance with added controllability and automation. This helps lower energy bills up to 50% and reduce GHG emissions too. HVAC system solutions include:?

1. Building Automation Systems (BAS)?
2. Variable Frequency Drives (VFD)?
3. Boiler Replacement Units?
4. Chiller Replacement Units?
5. Booster Pumps?
6. Fluid Pumps?

It is important to know that every HVAC system does not require to be retrofitted with these solutions. An energy management company can inspect and guide you through this. But which one??

EnerSavings – Your Trusted Energy Advisors?

EnerSavings is Canada’s leader in providing HVAC system solutions for business spaces. Our partner – PL Energy – is a market leader in this field, and we can provide you with cutting-edge solutions and white glove service. This makes your business energy efficient, sustainable, and future- ready. To know more, send us an email on [email protected] or visit www.enersavings.com/hvac.??