It is obvious that the performance curves could even cross, as for the MERV 12 and MERV 13 filters in Figure 4, since the MERV rating does not truly define the entire performance curve, but only a single point on the curve. Many schools have a lower-strength filter, around a MERV-8 or 9. "Filtration or air cleaning is not magic," says Siegel. Here’s what you probably don’t know: HEPA filters are not for everybody. In comparison, an N95 mask goes a step further and must filter out at least 95% of particles smaller than 0.3 µm. That’s helpful because clean coils keep your system running effectively and efficiently, and can decrease the cost of ongoing maintenance. Air purifiers with HEPA filtration efficiently capture particles the size of (and far smaller than) the virus that causes COVID-19, so the answer is yes. If you are concerned about indoor air quality above and beyond preventing COVID transmission, we recommend MERV 13 filters. Use a portable HEPA air cleaner Make your own air cleaner using a MERV 13 filter over a box fan. Here are four steps for improving your company's air quality and more. MERV 13 filters offer some protection and can capture 50% of particles in the size range of COVID particles. It is suggested to have the fan run continuously and change filters every 30 days. While a filter with a higher MERV rating can remove more The higher the MERV rating value on a filter, the smaller the particle it can capture, and with greater efficiency. MERV filters with a minimum rating of 8 to 12 are ideal for filtering out pollen and mold spores. 2. Some light commercial and residential air conditioning systems are designed to use much thinner filters, and the filter housing may not be able to accommodate a thicker filter. Chances are, you have been hearing a lot about HEPA AC filters and HVAC filters as a solution for preventing the transmission of COVID. 246 products. Offices, schools and restaurants may opt to install these filters in ventilation systems. A certified HEPA air … PEF to Cuomo: Install COVID-blocking air filters for all state workers ... and buildings owned and managed by the Office of General Services are already using MERV-13 rated filters… Standard HVAC air filters used in most commercial and residential properties are rated at MERV 8. And because they remove more dust and debris from the air, you’ll need to change them more often. Yes, to get good filtration, you need to be thinking about MERV-13 as a minimum. A more restrictive option, the HEPA filter, catches 99.97 percent of 0.3 micrometer particles. No, it can’t. Aprilaire air filters are an integral part of your HVAC system. If you are concerned about indoor air quality above and beyond preventing COVID transmission, we recommend MERV 13 filters. So you’ll need modifications to your system if you want to install them, which can be expensive (especially for commercial systems with multiple filters). What is recommended now by the standard setting body for HVAC is a MERV 13 filter." And there are other reasons why installing HEPA AC filters is not an appropriate solution for COVID: Depending on the type of AC system you have, a HEPA AC filter may be much thicker than a standard one. Installing MERV 13 filters also poses additional challenges for maintenance staff. This advice is based on recommendations from the CDC and ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers). Experts say a standard air filter has a MERV rating around eight. Considering the threat that the spread of COVID-19 poses, an upgrade of a building’s air filter to a HEPA is a far more effective step than just to a MERV 13 considering the small size of the virus (0.06-0.12 microns), the more efficient the filter is, the better. Read this article to get the answers to common questions about COVID transmission and HVAC mitigation strategies. Of all the unknowns still surrounding the transmission of the coronavirus, one thing is for sure: Being indoors with lots of people in cramped conditions is a major no-no. The filter's density can be problematic, however. Standard HVAC air filters used in most commercial and residential properties are rated at MERV 8. That sobering fact has put industries that rely on in-person and high-density interactions--from wedding and concert venues to hotels and restaurants--in incredible distress. While an HVAC system handles a building's heating, cooling, and ventilation, the system's filter can be limited in terms of air purification; it might catch big particles but not smaller air pollutants. It will need to run longer to reach set temperature. A: Although ASHRAE does not recommend a specific MERV filter rating for preventing COVID-19 transmission, the organization suggests that upgrading systems in non-healthcare facilities to MERV-13 or the highest achievable level can be a worthwhile step in emergency response plans.