MERV 13 Filters
MERV 13 or higher filters are highly recommended wherever super-clean air is desired or required.
Get a QuoteImproved Air Quality
Removes a wide range of airborne contaminants from the air, such as viruses, bacteria, dust, mold spores, pollen, smoke, and more
Protection Against Airborne Pathogens
Including COVID-19 and other viruses and diseases
Longer filter life
Longer lifespan than lower-rated filters
MERV 13 Air Filters
The COVID-19 pandemic increased the need for buildings to protect occupants from infection due to airborne pathogens. To help protect against COVID-19, ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) changed its recommendation from MERV 8 filters to a MERV 13 filter and above. R.P. Fedder sells a full range of MERV 13+ filters and can help you determine what filter types and efficiency ratings you need.
MERV Rating Chart – Click to See Enlarged Version
What are MERV ratings?
Understanding MERV ratings is important when selecting an air filter. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and is a rating system developed by ASHRAE. All filters have a MERV rating that falls between 1 and 20. The rating describes a filter’s effectiveness at removing particles from the air. The higher the MERV rating, the more a filter can capture and the cleaner the air will be. Filters with high MERV ratings are recommended wherever super-clean air is desired or required.
MERV 13 filters are able to remove particles as small as 0.30 microns from the air, making them an excellent choice for protecting against airborne pathogens like COVID-19.
MERV Ratings Aren’t Standard
It’s important to know that MERV ratings are not standard. They will vary from one brand to the next. One filter with a MERV rating of 14 may be able to remove volatile organic compounds such as formaldehyde from the air, while another MERV 14 filter may not. Reasons include:
- Filter frames and gaskets inside HVAC systems can negatively impact filter efficiency
- Synthetic, charged coarse-fiber filters drop in MERV rating as they’re used
- Some manufacturers claim MERV ratings that their filters simply don’t have
The only way to know for sure is to check the product specifications. To counter this, we carry and recommend the complete line of Rensa premium filters for facilities looking to upgrade their filter efficiency. Contact us to learn more.
Types of MERV 13+ Filters
Our MERV 13+ filters are available in a variety of different types, including pleated air filters, panel filters, and cartridge filters:
- Pleated air filters are the most common type of MERV 13 filter and are available in a wide range of sizes to fit any HVAC system. Pleated filters have a large surface area that allows them to capture more particles than other types of filters.
- Panel filters are another type of MERV 13 filter that can be used in HVAC systems. Panel filters are less common than pleated filters but offer some advantages, including being easier to install and having a longer lifespan.
- Cartridge filters are another option for MERV 13+ filtration and are available in a variety of sizes, efficiencies, and styles.
What do MERV 13 filters protect against?
MERV 13 filters provide excellent protection against a wide range of airborne contaminants, including:
- • Dust mites
- • Mold spores
- • Pollen
- • Smoke
- • Viruses
- • Dust
- • Bacteria
- • Cigarette smoke
- • Smog
- • Germs
What are the benefits of using MERV 13 filters?
One benefit of MERV 13+ filters is the points they provide toward earning LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building certification in the air-filtration efficiency criteria portion of the certification. LEED was created by the U.S. Green Building Council as a way to encourage builders and developers to create more sustainable, energy-efficient buildings.
The MERV 13 air filter standard is just one of many that fall under the LEED green building certification program. Some of the other standards are:
- Energy efficiency
- Water conservation
- Indoor environmental quality
- Materials and resources
- Location and transportation
- Innovation in design
MERV 13 Filters Also Offer a Number of Other Benefits
- Improved air quality: MERV 13 filters improve indoor air quality by removing a wide range of airborne contaminants from the air.
- Protection against airborne pathogens: MERV 13 filters are effective at capturing small particles, including viruses and bacteria. This makes them an excellent choice for protecting against COVID-19 and other airborne diseases.
- Longer filter life: MERV 13 filters have a longer lifespan than lower-rated filters, depending on the brand you buy. This means you won’t won’t have to replace them as often.
- Fewer repairs and maintenance issues: MERV 13 filters can help reduce the need for repairs and maintenance by preventing dirt and debris from building up in your HVAC system.
Which Commercial and Industrial Buildings Use MERV 13 Filters?
MERV 13 filters are commonly used in a variety of commercial and industrial buildings, including:
Office Buildings
Schools and Universities
Hospitals and Clinics
Manufacturing Plants
Museums and Libraries
Theaters and Concert Halls
Gyms and Fitness Centers
Office Buildings
MERV 13 filters are often used in office buildings to improve indoor air quality and protect against airborne diseases.
Schools and Universities
MERV 13 filters are commonly used in schools and universities to protect students and staff from airborne pathogens.
Hospitals and Clinics
MERV 13 filters are often used in hospitals and clinics to protect patients from airborne pathogens.
Manufacturing Plants
MERV 13 filters are commonly used in manufacturing plants to improve air quality and protect workers from airborne contaminants.
Museums and Libraries
MERV 13 filters are often used in museums and libraries to improve air quality and protect artifacts from airborne contaminants.
Theaters and Concert Halls
MERV 13 filters are often used in theaters and concert halls to improve air quality and protect audiences from airborne contaminants.
Gyms and fitness centers
MERV 13 filters are often used in gyms and fitness centers to improve air quality and protect athletes from airborne contaminants.
MERV 13 Filter FAQ
What Are Available MERV 13 Air Filter Sizes?
MERV 13 air filters come in a variety of sizes to fit most commercial and industrial HVAC systems. The most common MERV 13 filter sizes are:
- 20x20x12
- 24x24x12
- 16x25x12
A high-capacity filter is a MERV 13 filter that can capture a higher percentage of airborne contaminants than a standard MERV 13 filter. High-capacity filters are often used in commercial and industrial settings where there is a need to capture large amounts of airborne contaminants.
Some examples of high-capacity MERV 13 filters are:
- 20x25x12
- 24x30x12
- 48x24x12
What Is the Difference Between a MERV 13 and HEPA Air Filter?
HEPA filters typically have a MERV rating of 17-20 and are often used in hospitals and other settings where there is a need to capture small airborne contaminants.
MERV 13 filters are less expensive than HEPA filters and they don’t need to be replaced as often. MERV 13 filters also don’t restrict airflow as much as HEPA filters, so they can be used in a wider variety of HVAC systems.
What Is MERV 13+ Pressure Drop in Commercial Buildings?
MERV 13+ filters have a pressure drop of 0.45-0.55 inches of water column (wc). This means that it takes more energy to move air through a MERV 13+ filter than it does a MERV 12 filter. The increased pressure drop is due to the larger surface area of the MERV 13+ filter.
There are a few methods you can use to mitigate the pressure drop of MERV 13+ filters:
- Choose premium brand MERV 13+ filters, such as Camfil
- Install MERV 13+ filters in the supply side of your HVAC system: This will reduce the amount of energy your system uses and help keep the return side of your system clean.
- Increase the size of your HVAC system: A larger system will have more capacity to move air through the MERV 13+ filters.
- Reduce the number of MERV 13+ filters you use: This will reduce the pressure drop of your system, but it will also reduce the amount of airborne contaminants that are captured.
Which MERV Air Filter Should I Use for My Business?
The MERV rating you need will depend on the type of business you have and the level of airborne contaminants you need to capture.
If you have a business that generates a lot of dust, such as a woodworking shop, you’ll need a MERV 13 filter to capture the dust particles.
If you have a business that generates a lot of airborne contaminants, such as a hospital or laboratory, you’ll need a MERV 17-20 filter or HEPA filter to capture the small particles.
If you’re not sure what MERV rating you need, you can contact R.P. Fedder to help you determine the right MERV rating for your business.
Is It Important to Have a Regular HVAC Service and Repair Plan?
Yes, you should have a service and repair plan that outlines when and how you will maintain the HVAC system in your facility. This plan should include a schedule for regular maintenance in addition to which tasks will be completed. You should also include a set of steps to follow when an issue arises during maintenance or otherwise.
Some of the advantages of a service and repair plan are:
- They keep you and your facility teams organized: Facility managers already have a lot to keep track of. Having a plan in place removes the burden of having to create new procedures on the fly to address emergencies.
- You control interruption of HVAC during repairs: Several types of maintenance require all or part of the HVAC system to be shut off. Controlling when these outages occurs will allow smooth operation of your facility, whether it contains product, people, or both.
- Service and repair plans lower operating costs: By regularly servicing your HVAC system, you will enjoy lower operating costs. A well maintained HVAC system will have improved energy efficiency, lower need for expensive emergency repairs, and an extended life span which lowers its overall cost per year.
How Can I Upgrade to MERV 13 Filters?
If you’re using MERV 12 filters, you can upgrade to MERV 13+ filters by doing one of the following:
- You can install MERV 13+ filters in your existing HVAC system.
- You can replace your air filter with a MERV 13+ filter.
There are a few issues to consider before installing a higher MERV rating filter in your business:
- The increased pressure drop of MERV 13+ filters can reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system.
- MERV 13+ filters can restrict airflow if they’re not installed properly.
- MERV 13+ filters should be changed more often than MERV 12 filters.
If you need help upgrading to MERV 13 filters, you can contact R.P. Fedder for assistance. We sell a full range of MERV 13+ filters and can help you determine what filter types and efficiency ratings you need. We also offer HVAC maintenance services to keep your system running efficiently.
What Should You Look For in a MERV 13 Filter?
When shopping for MERV 13 filters, look for filters that:
- Have a MERV rating of 13 or higher.
- Are designed for your specific HVAC system.
- Are the right size for your HVAC system.
- Have a low pressure drop.
- Are easy to change.
How Do You Choose the Best Merv 13 Filter for Your Business?
When choosing a MERV 13 filter for your business, you should consider:
- The type of business you have.
- The level of airborne contaminants you need to capture.
- The efficiency of the MERV 13 filter.
- The cost of the MERV 13 filter.
If you’re not sure what MERV rating you need, you can contact R.P. Fedder to help you determine the right MERV rating for your business. We sell a full range of MERV 13+ filters and can help you determine what filter types and efficiency ratings you need.
Is There a Higher Demand for Merv 13+ Filters Because of the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an increased demand for MERV 13+ filters because MERV 13+ filters can help capture small particles that may contain the virus. There is currently a global shortage of MERV 13+ filters because of the increased demand for these filters. R.P. Fedder has a limited supply of MERV 13+ filters, but we may be able to source them from our suppliers if you need them. Contact us if you need help finding MERV 13+ filters.
MERV 13 filters are worth it because they can help capture small particles that may contain the virus. MERV 13 filters are also more efficient than MERV 12 filters, so they can help improve the efficiency of your HVAC system.
Why choose R.P. Fedder for your MERV 13 filters?
MERV 13 filters are an excellent choice for protecting against COVID-19 and other airborne pathogens. In addition to MERV 13 filters, R.P. Fedder sells a full range of MERV 14 and MERV 16 filters. MERV 14 and MERV 16 filters are the highest efficiency filters available and are designed for use in cleanrooms and other applications where ultra-clean air is required.
You need to understand that MERV 13 filters can damage your HVAC system if they’re not installed properly. MERV 13 filters can also restrict airflow if they’re not installed properly. If you’re not sure how to install MERV 13 filters, you can contact our experienced team for assistance. We can help you determine what filter types and efficiency ratings you need. We also offer HVAC maintenance services to keep your system running efficiently.
If you have any questions about our MERV 13+ filters or which type of filter is right for your application, please contact us. Our team of experts will be happy to help you select the right filter for your needs.