MERV 13 filters are more efficient at removing large particles from the air, while HEPA filters are more efficient at removing small particles from the air. MERV 13 filters can remove up to 99.97% of particles from the air, while HEPA filters can remove up to 99.99% of particles from the air. More recently, homeowners and business owners are increasingly concerned about the quality of air filtration systems and their ability to trap viruses. When it comes to MERV 13 vs.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using an air purifier with a HEPA filter.3 In the case of an air conditioning system, a MERV 13 filter would lean towards the upper end of the scale and would perfectly filter small particles suspended in the air. Commercial HVAC systems can be designed to fit higher-efficiency air filters, including HEPA filters. In conclusion, both MERV 13 and HEPA filters effectively improve indoor air quality, but they have different advantages and disadvantages depending on the configuration and level of air purity required. MERV 13 filters are more affordable and easier to find and effectively eliminate a wide range of contaminants.
HEPA filters are extremely effective at removing contaminants, but they are more expensive and can be harder to find. The problem is that a HEPA filter is too fine a filter medium to be incorporated into existing air conditioning systems and the only way to add one to an installation is to use a portable or stand-alone HEPA air filtration system with its own specific fan designed to increase the resistance of this type of filter. If the HEPA test were used on a 95% ASHRAE air filter, it would have an efficiency of approximately 50% with 0.3 micron particles once loaded with dust. However, informally, if HEPA filters received a MERV rating, they would get approximately a MERV rating of 17 or higher.
In the world of air filters for homes and offices, there can be some confusion when it comes to MERV, and since most residential HVAC systems don't support a HEPA filter, if that's the level of filtration you're looking for, consider using a portable air purifier with a HEPA filter. All traditional air filters are differentiated according to their MERV rating (nominal minimum efficiency value). A HEPA filter is a type of pleated mechanical air filter that, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, “can theoretically remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria and any airborne particles with a size 0.3 microns (µm). MERV 13 filters can filter particles as small as 0.3 microns in size, including contaminants such as pollen, mold, dust, bacteria, pet dander, smoke and virus carriers.
HEPA filters: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using an air purifier with a HEPA filter. In addition, many existing HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems struggle to adopt a MERV 13 due to the increased load on the fan because the filter medium is thinner, which, in fact, can cause more harm than good and reduce airflow if the system is not designed to withstand that type of filter. MERV 17+ filters are also preferred in operating rooms, clean rooms and interior spaces that require significant air filtration. Therefore, HEPA air filters are at least 50% more effective at removing airborne particles of breathable size than any of the ASHRAE air filters previously available on the market.
HEPA air filters are tested with DOP, mineral oil, and other materials that generate a monodispersed particle, which is the same thing. Because HEPA filters are so efficient, they cause a greater pressure drop than the MERV-rated filters.