Our HVAC system is now equipped to have healthier and higher airflows to support MERV 14 level air filters designed for hospital surgery rooms.

Geeking out on air filters??!!

Ok, I never thought I would get so excited over air filters. But nowadays, I think we're all spending a crazy amount of time studying hand sanitizers, masks and for me, air filters!

There are so many things to consider when it comes to figuring out the best air filters for a dental office during this COVID-19 time. First, I had to learn all the terms, like MERV, HEPA, MPR, FPR, etc!!! What about energy efficiency? What level of a filter can our HVAC system actually handle? And what brand is trustworthy? Then, is it even available??

First, the terminology

MERV It stands for minimum efficiency reporting value. It's the industry standard and is used for rating the ability of a furnace filter to capture and hold particles and pollutants. Basically, the higher the number, the finer the filtration. The levels go from 1 to 20, level 15 and above filters are used in electronics manufacturing clean rooms.

MPR It stands for Microparticle Performance Rating, developed by 3M. It rates the filters on the ability to capture airborne particles smaller than 1 micron. The MPR Rating numbering system is a scale of 0 – 2700, with their highest published furnace filter equaling the MERV 13.

HEPA It uses an electrostatic filter, which uses an electrical charge to help trap particles. They're made from either plastic (PP+PET) or fiberglass.

We installed four MERV Level 14 air filters

We bought a new HVAC system and installed on the roof of our building. It's a giant and it's powerful. We then bought new MERV Level 14 air filters to replace the factory ones. We decide on Level 14 because it will filter over 80% of airborne microorganisms smaller than 0.3 micrometers, which includes Coronovirus. And in addition to the MERV level 14 air filters, we also have added HEPA compliant hospital grade air purifier through out our office.

We installed Nordic Pure Merv Level 14 air filter because it was The Wirecutter #1 choice and I feel they have always done very thorough research in their reviews.