Indoor air pollution is now considered one of the world’s top five environmental risks, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In fact, every year, 3.3 million people die from indoor air pollution–more than from malaria and tuberculosis combined.
The sources of indoor air pollution include:
- Tobacco smoke.
- Emissions from cooking indoors using polluting fuels such as wood or kerosene.
- Chemical pollutants from a wide range of home products (including paints, solvents, adhesives, and cleaning products).
These pollutants can cause the reasons of various health problems, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, stroke, cancer, and early death.
Data from the EPA shows that indoor air pollution is one of the top health risks Americans face. Therefore, having a good quality air filter is essential for protecting your health.
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What Does MERV Rating Mean and Its Importance?
The MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating is the industry standard for measuring the effectiveness of air filters. This MERV rating system was developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). The MERV rating range scale is from 1 to 16, with higher numbers indicating a greater ability to remove smaller, harmful particles from the air.
While the MERV rating is the standard by which air filters are measured, it is essential to note that not all air filters are created equal. When choosing an air filter, it is vital to select one that is appropriate for the specific needs of your home or business. The MERV rating is important because it allows consumers to compare the relative efficiency of different air filters. Filters with a low MERV rating will not effectively remove smaller, harmful particles from the air. Most residential air filters are rated between MERV 8 and MERV 13.
When selecting an air filter, it is essential to consider all available options to make the best decision for your specific needs. The MERV rating helps determine the relative efficiency of different air filters, but it is only one factor to consider. Other factors, such as FER and ARR, should also be taken into account when making your decision.
What Is FER?
FER, or Fine Dust Recovery, is the percentage of dust particles a filter can capture and hold on to. The higher the FER rating, the more effective the filter will be at capturing dust particles.
It’s important to note that FER ratings only apply to dust particles and do not consider other pollutants such as smoke or fumes. For this reason, it’s essential to choose an air filter that has both a high FER rating and also filters out other pollutants.
What Is ARR?
ARR is an air filter rating that stands for Arrestance Rating of Rubber. This measures how well a filter can capture larger airborne particles and is especially important in industrial settings where there might be a lot of smoke or other coarse contaminants in the air. A higher ARR rating means the filter captures these larger particles more effectively.
