Are you wondering if a Merv 13 filter is the right choice for your needs? With the recommendation of a Merv 13 or higher, it's important to understand how this type of filter works and if it can effectively capture coronavirus particles. A Merv 13 filter is a step in the right direction and captures more particles than a typical MERV 8 filter. However, it's not as good at capturing small virus-sized particles as a HEPA can. A MERV 13 will trap less than 75% of air particles that are 0.3-1.0 microns in size (coronavirus is 0.1 microns).
It is also difficult for many existing HVAC (HVAC) systems to adopt a MERV 13 because of the greater fan load of finer filter media, which can actually cause more harm than good and reduce airflow if your system is not designed to handle that type of filter. On average, many installations are limited to one type of MERV 8 or MERV 9 filter. RP Fedder sells a full range of MERV 13+ filters and can help you determine what types of filters and efficiency ratings you need. Therefore, a filter with a Merv rating of at least 13 would efficiently capture COVID-19 virus particles and could help reduce the spread of COVID-19 indoors.
These filters capture 10.0 micron sized particles, including pollen, dust mites, and carpet fibers. If your HVAC system cannot handle a high-efficiency filter, you can use a portable air purifier while upgrading to the highest possible MERV rating with existing capacity. Many ventilation systems are not designed for HEPA, but these filters are available as portable air purifiers or vacuums. With a portable air purifier through Sanalife, you can access easy-to-use air filtration systems with Merv 13+ ratings. A filter with a MERV rating of 14 may be able to remove VOCs* from the air, while a different filter with the same rating may not be able to. Another concern about the box fan and filter approach is the resistance of the filter in the fan motor.
MERV 13 and above can be used as a final filter in cleanrooms, operating rooms, inpatient hospital care, and smoking rooms. MERV 16 is the tallest filter you can buy, but your air conditioning system may not be able to do it. To help protect against the COVID-19 virus, ASHRAE changed its recommendation from MERV 8 filters to MERV 13+. One way to measure the resistance and also the performance of the “Box Fan with MERV 13″ filter device is to measure air flow.
The problem is that a HEPA filter media is too thin to implement in existing HVAC systems and the only way to add one to an installation is through a standalone or portable HEPA air filtration system with its own dedicated fan designed to increase the resistance of this type of filter.