MERV

Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value

A 1–20 rating for air filter effectiveness — used for HVAC and air purifier filters.

Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value is a 1 to 20 rating from ASHRAE for how well an air filter captures airborne particles. MERV 8 to 13 are typical for residential HVAC and air purifiers, capturing pollen, dust mites, mould spores and most particulates. MERV 13+ captures bacteria and smoke particles. MERV is the American standard most commonly cited on Australian filters; the European equivalent is ISO 16890 / EPA / HEPA classification.