If you oversee HVAC systems across a chain of retail stores, restaurants, banks, medical offices, malls, or other commercial locations, ensuring clean indoor air quality (IAQ) is a critical part of your job. One of the most impactful yet often overlooked aspects of HVAC maintenance is selecting the right air filter. You’ve likely heard of MERV ratings—ranging from MERV 8 to MERV 13—but what do these numbers mean, and which one is right for your facilities? Let’s break it down in simple terms and explain when and why to use each.
What Is a MERV Rating?
MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. It’s a standardized rating system that measures how effectively an air filter captures airborne particles. The higher the MERV number, the finer the filtration, meaning it captures smaller particles and improves air quality. However, a higher MERV rating also means more resistance to airflow, which can impact HVAC performance if not properly considered.
MERV 8: Basic Protection
Captures: Dust, pollen, mold spores and lint. Best for: General commercial spaces, retail stores, malls, and office environments with minimal air quality concerns
MERV 8 filters are the most common in retail and commercial spaces because they provide basic protection against large airborne particles. These filters work well for stores or locations with standard foot traffic and no special air quality requirements. They offer a balance between cost, airflow efficiency, and particle capture.
MERV 10 & 11: Enhanced Filtration
Captures: Everything MERV 8 does, plus pet dander, finer dust particles, and smog. Best for: High-traffic retail stores, restaurants, banks, and locations with moderate IAQ concerns
MERV 10 and MERV 11 filters offer better air quality than MERV 8 without significantly increasing HVAC strain. They are a great choice for locations with moderate IAQ needs, such as busy retail environments where customers and employees bring in outside pollutants. Banks and restaurants, where customers frequently enter and exit, may also benefit from these filters to capture higher levels of particulates. Depending on the amount of activity in the space, these filters may need to be changed more often.
MERV 13: Superior Indoor Air Quality
Captures: Everything MERV 11 does, plus bacteria, smoke, and virus carriers. Best for: Healthcare facilities, pharmacies, high-end retail, restaurants, and locations with high IAQ expectations
MERV 13 filters are highly effective at capturing airborne contaminants and are often required in medical and high-sensitivity environments. While they improve air quality significantly, they also create more resistance in HVAC systems, which means your system must be designed to handle the added strain. If your HVAC units are older or not optimized for high-MERV filters, using MERV 13 could reduce airflow and strain your system. As with Merv 10 & 11 filters, these filters may need to be changed more often.
How to Choose the Right MERV Rating for Your Retail or Commercial Chain
When selecting a filter, consider the following:
- Location & Environment – Stores in urban areas with high pollution may benefit from MERV 11 or 13, while suburban stores may function well with MERV 8 or 10.
- Customer & Employee Health – If your locations serve customers with sensitivities (e.g., pharmacies, medical offices, or high-end retail stores), higher MERV ratings may be necessary to provide a cleaner indoor environment.
- HVAC System Capacity – Not all systems are designed to handle MERV 13 filters. Using too high of a MERV rating in an older or weaker HVAC system can lead to restricted airflow, decreased efficiency, and higher energy costs. Always consult an HVAC professional before upgrading.
- Energy Efficiency & Costs – Higher MERV filters may increase energy costs due to airflow resistance. Balancing IAQ improvements with operational costs is crucial.
- Industry-Specific Needs – Restaurants, for example, may need better filtration to remove cooking-related contaminants, while malls with larger open spaces may prioritize filters that balance efficiency with airflow.
- Filter Costs & Maintenance – Higher MERV filters are more expensive and may need to be replaced more frequently. Choosing the wrong filter can lead to increased operational costs or inefficiencies.
Cost Considerations and Impact on Downtime
- Upfront Filter Costs – MERV 8 filters are generally the most cost-effective, while MERV 13 filters can be significantly more expensive. However, using a lower-cost filter in an environment requiring better filtration may lead to increased maintenance costs down the line.
- HVAC Wear & Tear – Using an overly restrictive filter (like MERV 13 in a system not designed for it) can lead to increased strain on your HVAC units, higher energy bills, and potential breakdowns, leading to unplanned downtime and costly repairs.
- Operational Disruptions – In commercial environments such as retail stores or restaurants, a poorly maintained HVAC system due to improper filter use can lead to equipment failures, uncomfortable indoor environments, and even temporary closures, all of which impact revenue.
- Productivity & Customer Experience – In banks, medical offices, and high-end retail stores, poor IAQ due to improper filtration can lead to an uncomfortable environment for customers and employees, potentially affecting business reputation and staff productivity.
Implications of Using the Wrong MERV Rating
Choosing the wrong filter can have unintended consequences:
- Using too low of a MERV filter may not adequately capture pollutants, leading to poor air quality, customer discomfort, and potential health concerns for employees.
- Using too high of a MERV filter can cause excessive strain on your HVAC system, leading to increased energy usage, higher maintenance costs, and even premature equipment failure if the system isn’t designed for the added resistance.
- Inconsistent filter changes can make even the best filters ineffective. Higher MERV filters trap more particles but may clog faster, necessitating more frequent changes to maintain efficiency.
Final Thoughts
Using the right MERV filter is a small but powerful step in maintaining healthy air quality for customers and employees across retail stores, restaurants, medical facilities, banks, malls, and other commercial locations. Selecting the correct filter not only affects indoor air quality but also plays a significant role in energy costs, equipment longevity, and overall business operations. Regularly changing filters and ensuring your HVAC system can handle the selected MERV rating will help optimize performance while keeping costs under control. If you’re unsure which filter is best for your specific locations, consult with an HVAC professional to assess your system’s capabilities and needs.
To learn more about Merv filters, read “What Is MERV Rating? Air Filter Rating Chart” by Grainger KnowHow, which provides a comprehensive overview of MERV ratings and their significance in HVAC systems. This article can be found at https://www.grainger.com/know-how/equipment/kh-what-is-merv-rating-air-filter-rating-chart?
