Micron
A micron, or micrometer, is a tiny measurement equal to one-millionth of a meter. This unit is often used to describe the size of airborne particles like dust, smoke, and pollen in air filtration.
What Is a Micron and Why Is It Important in Air Filtration?
A micron is one-millionth of a meter, which helps measure the size of dust particles, pet dander, pollen, and other pollutants. For perspective, a human hair is about 50 microns in diameter. Air filters are designed to capture these tiny particulates, with higher-rated filters being more efficient at capturing small allergens and pollutants before they can enter your HVAC system.
Understanding MERV Ratings
MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) ratings range from 1 to 16, with higher numbers indicating better filtration. Filters rated above MERV 16 are considered HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) performance.
MERV Rating Chart
| MERV Rating | Particle Size | Common Uses | Particles Filtered |
|---|---|---|---|
| MERV 8 | 3-10 microns | Basic filtration for residential HVAC systems | Pollen, dust, dust mites, mold spores, lint |
| MERV 11 | 1-3 microns | Improved IAQ for homes with allergies | Pollen, dust, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, skin flakes, hair |
| MERV 13 | 0.3-1 microns | Superior IAQ; captures finer particles | Bacteria, smoke, smog, some airborne viruses, and cooking smoke |
Choosing the Right MERV Rating
- MERV 8: Good for general filtration, but may not filter out smaller particles that can irritate respiratory systems.
- MERV 11: Suitable for homes with pets or those dealing with allergies, as it captures finer particles such as pet dander and dust mites.
- MERV 13: Ideal for households with sensitive respiratory needs, as it filters out even smaller particles like viruses, smog, and smoke.
Note: Not all HVAC systems can accommodate high MERV filters due to potential pressure drop issues. An HVAC professional can recommend the best filters for your system.
MPR Rating and What It Means
In addition to MERV, some filters come with an MPR (Microparticle Performance Rating), which measures a filter’s ability to capture particles from 0.3 to 1 micron specifically. Filters with a high MPR rating, usually pleated and electrostatic, capture more particles than standard fiberglass filters.
Trane Air Cleaner Options
- Trane QuikBox™ Air Cleaner: Available in MERV 11 and MERV 13, effective at trapping a range of particulates.
- Trane CleanEffects® Whole-Home Air Cleaner: Filters out 99.8% of airborne particles, ideal for those seeking comprehensive air purification.
Maintaining Indoor Air Quality
Regularly changing your air filter helps maintain good indoor air quality and efficiency of your HVAC system, as clogged filters can exacerbate asthma and allergies and put extra strain on the system.
For convenience, consider setting up an auto-delivery of filters with Trane’s partner, Filter Time, which provides Trane Comfort Performance filters with an MPR of 1000 and a MERV rating of 9.
