Discover the Difference between Mechanical and Electrostatic Air Filters: Understanding the MERV Rating

Are you confused about what air filter to use in your home or office? Mechanical and electrostatic air filters can both improve indoor air quality, but they function differently. Plus, there is the MERV rating to consider. What's the difference between these types of filters, and how can you choose the right one to protect your health?

Mechanical filters use a physical barrier to trap airborne particles, while electrostatic filters use an electrical charge to attract and capture pollutants. Both approaches have their benefits and limitations, but the MERV rating is a universal standard that can help you make an informed decision.

In this article, we'll explain the basics of mechanical and electrostatic filters, compare their effectiveness, and explore the factors that affect their MERV ratings. Whether you're a homeowner, a facilities manager, or an HVAC professional, this guide will help you discover the difference between mechanical and electrostatic air filters and choose the best one for your needs.

Mechanical Air Filters: How Do They Work?

Mechanical air filters, also known as screen or media filters, work by capturing airborne particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander on a physical filter material. The filter material is typically made up of densely packed fibers, or a pleated material to increase the surface area and capture more particles.

As air flows through the filter, the trapped particles become stuck on the fibers, leaving behind cleaner air to be circulated back into the room. Mechanical filters can capture particles in a wide range of sizes, from larger debris like bugs and lint to finer particles like smoke and bacteria.

One of the key advantages of mechanical filters is their effectiveness in capturing larger particles. This makes them a great choice for pet owners or households with allergies to larger particles like pollen and dust. Mechanical filters also tend to be relatively affordable and simple to install, without the need for additional power sources.

However, mechanical filters do have limitations in their ability to capture very fine particles and pollutants like viruses or gases. In addition, they require regular maintenance and replacement to ensure optimal performance. Consult the MERV rating on the filter to determine its effectiveness in capturing various particle sizes.

Overall, mechanical air filters offer a straightforward and effective option for improving indoor air quality, with a range of options to fit different needs and budgets.

Electrostatic Air Filters: How Do They Work?

Electrostatic air filters use electrostatic charges to capture and trap air pollutants such as pet dander, pollen, and dust. These filters are designed with two plates that are charged with electricity. One plate is negatively charged, and the other is positively charged.

As air enters into the filter, the particles are charged with static electricity, causing them to stick to the plates. This process is called electrostatic precipitation. The charged particles and pollutants remain trapped within the filter until the plates are cleaned or replaced.

One of the benefits of electrostatic air filters is that they are washable and reusable, which means that they can last anywhere from three to six months, depending on the level of pollutants in the home. Plus, these filters can capture smaller particles than mechanical filters, hence resulting in better air quality in your home.

However, it is important to note that electrostatic air filters require regular cleaning to maintain their effectiveness. Over time, the plates become dirty and clogged with captured pollutants, and the filter loses its efficiency. Therefore, it's essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions on cleaning and replacing the filters.

Electrostatic air filters have a MERV rating, just like mechanical filters. It is essential to select a filter with an appropriate MERV rating for your home's needs, as too high of a rating can cause your HVAC system to work harder, resulting in higher energy costs.

Overall, electrostatic air filters are a useful and cost-effective way of improving indoor air quality. These filters are easy to install, washable, and can trap smaller particles, making them a great option for allergy sufferers, pet owners, and those looking for healthier indoor air.

Which Type of Filter Is More Effective?

When it comes to the effectiveness of air filters, many factors must be considered. However, in general, electrostatic air filters tend to be more effective than mechanical air filters due to their ability to attract and capture smaller particles.

While both types of filters can capture larger particles such as dust and pollen, electrostatic filters have an added advantage in that they use an electrostatic charge to attract and trap smaller particles such as bacteria and viruses.

Additionally, electrostatic filters are typically washable and reusable, which can save money in the long run compared to continually replacing mechanical filters.

However, it is essential to note that the effectiveness of any air filter ultimately depends on its Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating. A higher MERV rating means that the filter can capture smaller particles and is more effective.

Therefore, when deciding between mechanical and electrostatic air filters, it is important to consider both the type of filter and its MERV rating to ensure the most effective filtration for your home or business.

Understanding the MERV Rating: What Does It Mean?

The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value or MERV rating is a measurement scale that indicates the effectiveness of an air filter. MERV rating system ranges from 1 to 20, and the higher the rating, the better the filter can capture small particles from the air. For instance, a MERV 1 filter can capture only particles larger than 10 micrometers, while a MERV 20 filter can capture particles as small as 0.3 micrometers.

It is essential to note that higher MERV ratings do not automatically mean better air quality. Filters with higher MERV ratings can contribute to pressure drops in HVAC systems and affect airflow, leading to increased energy consumption or possible equipment damage. Experts recommend checking your HVAC manual or consulting your HVAC technician to determine the correct filter MERV rating.

For residential settings, most HVAC systems can accommodate filters with MERV ratings ranging from 5 to 13. Filters with MERV ratings of 7 to 13 can provide excellent air filtration, trapping pollen, pet dander, and dust mites. However, some households with pets, asthma or allergies may need higher-rated filters that can trap even finer particles.

Ultimately, choosing the right air filter is critical in maintaining good indoor air quality. Understanding MERV rating systems can help homeowners make informed decisions when choosing filters for their HVAC systems. Furthermore, don't forget to check your air filter regularly to ensure that it is functioning correctly and replace it according to the manufacturer's instructions for optimal efficiency.

Factors That Affect MERV Ratings: Which Filter Should You Choose?

When choosing an air filter with a MERV rating, it's essential to consider various factors that can affect its effectiveness. Here are some crucial factors to consider when selecting the perfect air filter:

1. Type of Filter Material

The type of material used in the filter affects its MERV rating. Generally, filters with denser materials, such as pleated or HEPA filters, have higher MERV ratings than those made from fiberglass.

2. Filter Thickness

The thickness of a filter's pleats or other filter media can have a significant impact on its efficiency. If the filter is too thin, it may not capture small airborne particles effectively. Choosing a thicker filter can enhance its performance and improve your indoor air quality.

3. Airflow Resistance

While a high MERV rating indicates that the filter can effectively trap harmful particles, this may come at the cost of airflow. Filters with high MERV ratings and dense materials may cause your HVAC system to work harder than usual, reducing its efficiency. Therefore, it's crucial to choose a filter with a MERV rating that balances the need for high-quality air with proper airflow.

4. Indoor Air Quality Needs

Another crucial factor to consider when choosing an air filter is your indoor air quality needs. If you live in a busy urban area, have pets, or a family member with allergies or respiratory issues, you may need a filter with a higher MERV rating to capture small particles of dust and other pollutants. However, if you live in a rural area with clean air, a filter with a lower MERV rating may suffice.

By assessing these factors, you can choose the right air filter to improve your home's indoor air quality and protect your family's health. Remember to replace your filter regularly to ensure it performs effectively and prolong its lifespan.

Conclusion: Choose the Air Filter that Meets Your Needs

Choosing an air filter for your home is an important consideration for maintaining good air quality and preventing respiratory issues. Whether you opt for a mechanical or electrostatic air filter, it’s essential to understand the MERV rating to ensure you select the right filter for your needs. Mechanical filters are great for trapping large particles and are an excellent option if you have pets or allergies. Electrostatic filters, on the other hand, offer superior filtration and are a smart choice if you’re concerned about indoor pollutants.

In summary, both types of air filters have their benefits, and the right one for you will depend on your household's unique needs. Remember to look for a high MERV rating and make sure to replace your filter regularly to maintain indoor air quality. Now that you understand the mechanical versus electrostatic air filter debate, you can make an informed decision when it comes to choosing the right air filter for your home!

Frequently Asked Question

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value - a scale created by ASHRAE to measure the effectiveness of filters in removing different sized particles. For example, a MERV-13 filter is designed to catch 90% of particles 3-10 µm in size, 85% of particles 1-3 µm in size (PM2.5), and 50% of particles 0.3-1 µm in size. Generally, filters with higher MERV ratings are better at catching higher percentages of particles, including the smaller ones.


When you install a filter in the airstream, it will create resistance. The amount of resistance depends on the type of filter material and the amount of area it covers. Standard fiberglass filters don’t generate much resistance, though it increases as the filter gets dirtier. To remove more pollutants from the air, you can use a filter with a different material such as a high MERV filter. These filters have smaller pores, which allow them to catch more pollutants, but also create higher resistance.


The problem with this is that the blower and furnace are only designed to handle a certain amount of pressure drop. Too much resistance means the air flow is low, making the heat exchanger get hotter and potentially crack. On the plus side, low air flow can result in better dehumidification in humid climates, as long as the air flow isn’t so low that it turns the condensate to ice.


So, the answer to the question is: yes, higher MERV filters are better, but you need to find the right balance between air flow, resistance, and effectiveness.

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.


HEPA: HEPA filters are a type of air filter that is designed to capture very small particles. A true HEPA filter has a MERV rating of 17-20.

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.


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 are designed to remove particles that are larger than 0.30 microns, while HEPA filters are designed to remove particles that are smaller than 0.30 microns. 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 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.


MERV 13 filters are less expensive than HEPA filters, and they can be used in a wider variety of settings. However, HEPA filters are more effective at removing small particles from the air, and they can be used in settings where MERV 13 filters cannot.


MERV and HEPA filters both work to capture airborne particles, but they do so in different ways. MERV 13 filters are designed to capture particles larger than 0.30 microns, while HEPA filters are designed to capture particles smaller than 0.30 microns. MERV 13 filters are more efficient at removing large particles from the air, while HEPA filters are better at capturing small particles. 


MERV 13 filters are less expensive and can be used in a wider variety of settings, but they can only remove up to 99.97% of particles from the air. On the other hand, HEPA filters are more expensive but can remove up to 99.99% of particles, making them ideal for medical settings. In short, MERV 13 filters are great for everyday use, while HEPA filters are better for specialized environments.

Your HVAC system includes a furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump. It's essential to keep these systems clean and efficient by regularly replacing the air filters. To do this, you'll need to know about MERV ratings.


The air filter in your HVAC system serves two key functions: it protects your system from dust, and it helps clean the air in your home. When the filter is clogged, dust can build up in the system, and the equipment may overheat and fail.


How often the air filter needs to be changed depends on your home's size, where you live, and if you have pets. Inspect it every month, and replace it when you can't see the filter material through the dust.


When choosing an air filter, refer to the specifications of your HVAC system to determine the size. The MERV scale is used to measure the filter's ability to remove particles from the air, and ratings range from 1 to 20, with lower ratings meaning lower-quality filters.


Remember to balance air cleaning with air flow when upgrading your filter to a higher MERV rating. Too dense of a filter can cause air flow restriction and harm your system. Ask your HVAC technician for advice when in doubt.


Replacing the air filter is easy. Open the blower compartment located between the air return and the furnace or air handler. Put the used filter in a plastic bag, then insert the new filter with the arrows pointing in the direction of the airflow.

MERV 11 filters used to be thought of as air flow restrictors, but this is no longer necessarily the case. Home Energy's 2009 experimental test concluded that the pressure drop of high-MERV filters isn't as severe as it used to be. If you're renting and don't have any special needs, then a standard, cheap fiberglass filter with a cardboard frame is fine to use every three months. But if you own your home, then it's worth investing in a more durable filter.


Pleated filters with more pleats per foot are the better option and should be more effective at improving indoor air quality. However, the price can be an issue. A standard 16x25x1 11 MERV filter will cost around $5, but you can save a bit if you buy them in packs of 12. Filtrete, Purolator, and Nordic Pure are all trusted brands.


If you plan to buy washable filters, be aware that cheaper models may have loose filter media after washing and won't perform as well. Disposable filters are also more hygienic since they remove all the dirt from the air. Keep in mind that the more pleats per foot, the better the filter will be.


So, when it comes to MERV 11, the issue of air flow restriction isn't as big as it used to be. With the right filter, you can improve your indoor air quality without having to worry about a pressure drop. Make sure to replace your filter every three months for the best performance.

MERV ratings are used to compare filters to determine which is most effective for eliminating pollutants in a home or office. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) developed the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) system to measure how well an air filter captures common airborne particles. There are 16 MERV values, ranging from 1 to 16, and the efficiency increases with the MERV number.


Filters are tested against 12 size ranges of particles, with the smallest being around 0.3 microns and the largest around 10 microns. To give a sense of the size, a micron is one millionth of a meter and a strand of human hair is approximately 75 to 100 microns.


The MERV rating is determined by measuring the particle count upstream and downstream of the filter being tested over six intervals, beginning with a clean filter. Afterward, a special ASHRAE test dust is added for five additional measurement cycles. The filter’s performance is determined by calculating the particle density before and after passing through the filter, and then assigning a MERV rating.


The MERV 8 filter is the most common filter in the U.S. Understanding how MERV ratings work can help you understand why it's so popular and how to choose the most beneficial filter for your needs.