The Role of MERV Ratings in Your Home’s Air Quality

At Paradigm Plumbing, Heating & AC, we often get questions about the best ways to improve indoor air quality. One crucial aspect of maintaining clean air in your home is understanding MERV ratings for HVAC filters.

What is MERV?

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. It’s a rating system developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) to evaluate the effectiveness of air filters.

MERV Rating Scale

The MERV scale ranges from 1 to 20, with higher numbers indicating better filtration:

• MERV 1-4: Basic filtration for window AC units
• MERV 5-8: Residential and light commercial use
• MERV 9-12: Superior residential and better commercial filtration
• MERV 13-16: Hospital and general surgery level filtration
• MERV 17-20: HEPA filters for cleanrooms and specialized environments

Choosing the Right MERV Rating

For most homes in Hooksett, NH, Manchester, NH, and surrounding areas, we recommend filters with MERV ratings between 8 and 13. These provide excellent air quality without putting excessive strain on your HVAC system.

Impact on Energy Efficiency

While higher MERV ratings offer better filtration, they can also restrict airflow, potentially reducing your system’s efficiency. It’s essential to balance air quality with energy efficiency when selecting a filter.

At Paradigm Plumbing, Heating & AC, we’re committed to helping you maintain optimal indoor air quality and HVAC performance. Whether you need AC repair in Concord, NH, or HVAC installation in Bedford, NH, our team of experts is here to assist you in making the best choices for your home’s comfort and air quality.