Get the Edge on MERV Filter Ratings with Help from Gorman Mechanical
When your air conditioner starts struggling to keep up or if you notice a decrease in indoor air quality, it’s common knowledge to check and see if your air filter needs to be changed. But did you ever consider the problem has something to do with the MERV filter ratings your unit is designed to handle? If you’re not even sure what MERV filter ratings are, you may be surprised to learn how big of a role they play in the performance of your AC system. Read on to learn what MERV is, how to determine your rating, and what each rating means.
What’s a MERV Rating?
MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and measures how effectively a filter removes the particles from the air that pass through it. Higher MERV filter ratings indicate that more particles will catch, whereas lower ratings mean that not as much particulate will be blocked.
Determine Your Unit’s Max Rating
One caveat to MERV ratings is that higher-rated filters are made from denser material, which requires more force to push air through the filter. The highest rated filters require extremely powerful fans to effectively circulate air through the filtration material. As a result, machines that take filters on the high end of the MERV scale are rarely found in homes.
To determine the MERV rating for your personal HVAC system, check the system’s documentation for a maximum MERV limit. If you can’t find this information, our technicians at Gorman will gladly help you locate the details. Once you’ve found the max MERV rating, check the filters you’ve been using. If you can increase the rating of your filters, you’ll find that indoor air quality and AC efficiency will increase. If you’re above the maximum rating, you’ll also be having potentially severe problems because your system will be overworking itself.
As always, if you have any questions about appropriate MERV filter ratings, we at Gorman will guide you.
Basic Breakdown of Filter Ratings
MERV filter ratings run 1 to 20, with the highest level rated filters being used in pharmaceutical and electronics manufacturing plants. Typically, you will never use above an 8 in your own home.
MERV 1 through 4 catch large particles, such as dust, dust mites, carpet fibers, and insects. Filters within this rating are most commonly used in homes. For MERV filters rated 5 through 8, these can catch finer dust particles, mold spores, aerosol spray particles, and pet dander. You’d find these filters in some homes, especially those requiring more allergen control, and in most commercial and industrial settings.
Ratings 9 through 12 are rarely used in residences, but are typically in commercial buildings and some hospital labs. These filters can capture car emissions, welding fumes, lead dust, and larger bacteria. Above 12, you can expect these heavy-duty filters to only be found in hospital surgical centers and other places where pristine filtration is absolutely imperative.
Once you understand MERV filter ratings you have more control over the care and maintenance of your HVAC unit. For more information on MERV ratings and the best equipment for your home or business, contact us through our website today.
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I had an issue with my A/C unit not cooling properly. The technician, Stacy, arrived during the time frame I was given, and I received a phone call about 30 minutes prior to his arrival, letting me know he was on his way. He was very professional and conscientious in figuring out and explaining the issue to me. He work was complete in a little over an hour and my house is cool once again! I will definitely refer Gorman Mechanical to others.
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A Gorman technician came over to set us up with a new A/C unit and he did a phenomenal job. He was very up front with any cost and got our install scheduled in one day. He did a great job at getting me the unit needed without running the price through the roof.
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I met with Gorman Mechanical’s Sales Manager. When he came out I had a bad taste in my mouth due to some misrepresentations made by another company that happened to be A rated on Angie’s List. Because of this I’m certain I was on the defensive and asked a million questions. He was very patient and took plenty of time answering all my questions. He was very knowledgeable and helped educate me on my options and the advantages/shortfalls of each. When I came to the actual bid, I felt it was very competitive compared to other bids I’d received. I felt so well informed and confident at that point I cancelled two other appointments I’d made for that day and signed up with Gorman Mechanical. He was able to promptly arrange a great deal on financing the bulk of the cost, leaving me to pay out of pocket for a couple last minute additions (extended warranty/Reme Halo). They did not want this until installation was complete. A couple days later they installed my new system and I’ve been very happy with it. Shortly after installation I had several other questions about maintenance and a small amount that was overcharged upon installation. He was very responsive answering my questions and arranging for a prompt refund check to be sent. Fortunately, it isn’t often that I need to spend so much money on an important purchase like this, but I felt very confident with my decision and going through the process with him and Gorman Mechanical made it painless. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Gorman Mechanical to friends and family.
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The repairman, Tim H., was prompt and courteous. I explained that he was a second opinion for our 21-year-old AC. The first company said that I would need 2 parts totaling $600 plus a coil that they would have to send a salesman out to quote me a price. Also first company was suggesting that I really needed whole new system. After inspection, Tim showed me how a part was wired the wrong way and he replaced a compactor and repaired a burnt wire. 2 lbs Freon were added. Total cost was retail: $217.75. I had a warranty so I paid less but what a difference in $600.00+ and $217.75! AC is working fine now. And we didn’t have to buy a new system. Thanks, Gorman Mechanical and Tim H.! The world needs more honest repairmen like you!
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