Dealing with degraded air quality due to current fires.
Dr. John McKeon, a medical doctor and CEO of the international standards certification company Allergy Standards Limited, recommends looking for HVAC filters with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value rating of 13 or above ― which you’ll see listed as “MERV 13” in product descriptions.
“These filters have been independently tested and confirmed to effectively remove air pollution and other asthma triggers,” McKeon said. “Additionally, we advise seeking filters that carry the ‘CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly’ mark, as they meet specific standards for allergen reduction.”
To earn this certification, McKeon explained, HVAC filters must meet strict standards that assess their effectiveness in removing allergens and irritants from the airflow, monitor fiber shedding during use, and analyze the quality of the seals.
