MERV 13 vs HEPA Filter (What Are The Differences?)

MERV 13 vs HEPA Filters: The Differences Explained

As the world deals with the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most important ways to protect your commercial or industrial business is by having a healthy indoor air quality. Two of the most popular air filters are MERV 13 and HEPA filters. But which one is better for you? We’ll explain the differences between MERV 13 vs HEPA filters and answer all of your other questions about air filters. We’ll also tell you why the premium filters offered by R.P Fedder are the leading solution for air quality control.

How do air filters work?

Air filters are designed to capture airborne particles, which can be anything from dust and pollen to mold spores and bacteria. The filter works by drawing air through itself and trapping the particles in the web of fibers that make up the filter.

What are the types of air filters?

There are many different types of air filters available on the market. The type of filter you need will depend on the specific needs of your facility. Some common types of air filters include MERV, HEPA, activated carbon, and ultraviolet (UV) germicidal irradiation.

• MERV: MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. MERV ratings range from MERV-0 to MERV-16. The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient the filter is at capturing particles ranging in size from 1.0 – 0.30 microns. (Click here to view a MERV rating chart and see the % efficiencies)
• HEPA: HEPA stands for “high efficiency particulate air”. HEPA filters are a type of air filter designed to capture at least 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 – 1.0 microns. Typically, filters with a MERV rating in the 17-20 range are considered to be HEPA.
• Activated carbon: Activated carbon filters are designed to remove gases and odors from the air.
• UV germicidal irradiation: UV germicidal irradiation is a type of light that is used to kill bacteria and viruses.

There are pleated filters and panel filters. MERV 13 filters are pleated, while MERV 16 filters can be either pleated or panel. Pleated filters have more surface area because they are made up of multiple layers of filter media. The pleats create more space for the air to flow through, and the more layers of filter media there are, the more particles can be captured.

HEPA filters are usually pleated, but they can also be panel.

We also offer:

• Box/Rigid Cell Filters.
• Cartridge Filters.
• Fan Filters: Designed to prevent the accumulation of lint and other large particles around the motor and fan.
• Filter Mat: Filters made of fibers that trap particles entrained in the flow of air or gas.
• Panel Filter: Designed to prevent the accumulation of lint and other large particles in and around heating and ventilation systems.
• Pre-Filter: Positioned before the main filter in a filtration system to reduce particulate loading in the system and allow the filter to operate more efficiently.

What are the differences between MERV 13 vs HEPA filters?

While MERV 13 and HEPA filters both remove particles from the air, they work in different ways.

• MERV 13 filters trap at least 85% of particles sized 1.0 micron and larger, and at least 50% of particles in the 0.3 – 1.0 micron range. HEPA filters capture 99% or better of particles sized 1.0 micron and larger, and 99.97% of particles in the 0.3 – 1.0 micron range.
• MERV 13 filters are often used in commercial and industrial settings, while HEPA filters are often used in hospitals and other medical settings.
• MERV 13 filters are less expensive than HEPA filters, and they can often be used in a wider variety of settings.

How to select the best filter for your business

The best filter for your business will depend on the type of particles you need to remove from the air, the size of the particles, and the MERV rating you need.

• If you need to remove large particles from the air, such as dust or pollen, then a MERV 13 filter is a good option.
• If you need to remove small particles from the air, such as viruses or bacteria, then a MERV 14 or MERV 16 filter is a good option.
• If you need to remove very small particles from the air, then a HEPA filter is a good option.

A surefire way to choose a filter that meets the needs of your business is to consult with an expert. An expert can help you determine the specific needs of your facility and recommend the best type of filter for your situation. R.P Fedder’s team of experts are always available to answer any questions you may have about MERV 13 vs HEPA filters or any other air quality concerns you may have.

How to incorporate air quality controls in your facility?

There are many ways to incorporate air quality controls into your facility. Some common methods include using MERV 13 filters, HEPA filters, activated carbon filters, and UV germicidal irradiation.

The type of filter you need will depend on the specific needs of your facility. If you are looking for a filter that can efficiently capture large particles, then MERV 13 is a good option. If you are looking for a filter that can efficiently capture smaller particles, then HEPA may be a better option.

• MERV 13 filters are designed to trap at least 85% of particles sized 1.0 micron and larger, and at least 50% of particles in the 0.3 – 1.0 micron range. These include dust, pollen, and other large particles. MERV 13 filters are often used in commercial and industrial settings.
• MERV 14 filters are designed to trap at least 90% of particles sized 1.0 micron and larger, and at least 75% of particles in the 0.3 – 1.0 micron range. These include viruses, bacteria, and other small particles. MERV 14 filters are often used in hospitals and other medical settings.
• MERV 16 filters are designed to trap at least 95% of particles sized 0.3 micron and larger and are often used in industrial settings.
• HEPA filters are the most efficient type of air filter, and they are designed to trap at least 99.97% of particles from the air that are 0.30 microns and larger. These may include viruses, bacteria, and other small particles. HEPA filters are often used in hospitals and other medical settings.

Advantages of MERV 13 filter

MERV 13 filters are less expensive than HEPA filters, and they can be used in a wider variety of settings. MERV 13 filters efficiently remove large particles (greater than 3.0 microns) from the air.

Advantages of HEPA filter

HEPA filters are the most efficient type of air filter, and they are designed to remove at least 99.97% of particles between 0.30 and 1.0 microns from the air. These may include viruses, bacteria, and other small particles. HEPA filters are often used in hospitals and other medical settings.

Can MERV 13 and HEPA filters stop COVID-19?

While the size of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) ranges from 0.07 μm to 0.09 μm, MERV 13 and HEPA filters can help to minimize the spread of the virus by removing other larger particles from the air that can act as carriers for it.

How often should commercial and industrial air filters be changed?

Depending on the brand, MERV 13 filters should be changed every three to six months, MERV 14 and MERV 16 filters should be changed every two to four months, and HEPA filters should be changed every one to two years.

The best way to tell if a filter needs to be changed is to check the pressure drop. If the pressure drop is high, then it means that the filter is clogged and needs to be replaced.

Other ways to tell:

• If the filter is visibly dirty.
• If there are more dust particles in the air than usual.
• If the energy bills have increased.

What happens if you don’t change air filters?

If you don’t change air filters, then the HVAC system will have to work harder to circulate air. This will lead to:

• Increased energy bills: The HVAC system will use more energy to circulate air through a dirty filter.
• Reduced efficiency: A dirty filter will reduce the efficiency of the HVAC system.
• Poor indoor air quality: A dirty filter will lead to poor indoor air quality.

Why premium filters offered by R.P Fedder are the leading air quality solution

RP Fedder sells Rensa premium air filters, as well as filters made by Camfil. Rensa’s Endurex filters, in particular, are some of the best you can buy. They are among the most energy-efficient, durable and longest lasting filters on the market. Both Rensa and Camfil test their filters individually to ensure quality, as opposed to batch-testing, which is what some other companies do.

If you’re interested in learning more about our air filtration solutions, or if you have any questions, please contact us today. We would be happy to answer any of your questions and help you find the best air filtration solution for your business.