sAir Filters for COVID-19 Prevention: Understanding Your 16x25x1 Air Filter MERV 13
Coronavirus infections mainly occur at shorter distances when someone coughs or sneezes. However, the World Health Organization has also warned that transmission can potentially occur via airborne means when small droplets containing the virus remain suspended in the air.
As a result, ASHRAE shared detailed guidelines to keep the virus from your interiors. One of the recommendations involves installing an air filter such as the 16x25x1 air filter MERV 13. As you get ready to implement this recommendation, you are advised to follow the guideline of an HVAC engineer. An efficient filter can lead to reduced air pressure, while the air handling unit may not have enough capacity.
About Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV)
The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, initialized as MERV, is a scale used to measure the effectiveness of your air filter. The scale was developed by ASHRAE in 1987, starting from zero to 16. The higher the number, the more efficiency, hence the increased ability to capture the smallest particles.
MERV 13 falls within the scope of the most efficient air filter. In this category, it can capture particles of 1.0 to 3.0 microns. That accounts for 95 to 99 percent of airborne particles.
There are various applications for the MERV 13 16x25x1 air filter, including commercial buildings, residential buildings, hospital laboratories, and industrial workspaces.
Why install a 16x25x1 air filter?
Installing a 16x25x1 air filter goes beyond just protecting against airborne pathogens. The filter can also inorganic pollutants such as particulate matter. In the long run, the air filter improves your indoor air quality as it keeps you safe. You may even get better results when combining the air filter with an air purification method.
Health authorities recommend air filtering as an effective measure against COVID-19. It complements other approaches like personal protective equipment (PPE), handwashing, and social distancing. Even if your air filter operates most effectively, you cannot afford to overlook these measures.
How the 16x25x1 air filter MERV rating was done
Various laboratory tests are normally conducted to determine the MERV rating of a specific filter. The tests are done following ASHRAE Standard 52.2.
What is used during the test, you may wonder? The engineers normally use synthetic dust and aerosol generator. The particle counts are measured upstream to determine those that managed to go through the filter.
The testing is done using six measurements and 12-size particles. Thus, the result comprises 72 data points.
What MERV rating for COVID-109 protection
MERV 13 is considered the standard air filter rating if you want to fight against coronavirus. You can install this in your HVAC system to guarantee that you filter the air entering your spaces. And in cases where you have portable air cleaners, ensure to include a MERV 13 filter.
ASHRAE recommends that residential buildings with a 1-inch filter include MERV 13 filter while 2-inch filters incorporate MERV 16. However, do not forget to consult an HVAC engineer before making such major installations.
