ANSI/ASHRAE 52.2 (MERV)

American test standard for air filters

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 52.2 is an important standard developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). This standard serves as a basic guideline for evaluating the performance of air filters and plays a critical role in improving indoor air quality.
The goal of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 52.2 is to provide an objective method for evaluating the efficiency of air filters. The assessment is based on “Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values” (MERV values), which cover a scale from 1 to 16. The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient the air filter is at removing particles from the air.
By adhering to this standard, consumers, building owners and professionals can objectively compare the performance of different air filtration systems and select the most appropriate filters for their specific needs.

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 52.2 takes into account a wide range of particle sizes, ensuring that filter efficiency is evaluated realistically. This standard is recognized within the industry and is widely used by heating, ventilation and air conditioning professionals.

Overall, ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 52.2 plays a critical role in promoting indoor air quality and human well-being by providing an objective basis for selecting and using effective air filtration systems.

A direct conversion between ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 52.2 and ISO 16890 is not possible because both standards use different rating systems and differ in terms of particle sizes and efficiency criteria. Nevertheless, the table can serve as a rough guide to compare filter performance and select the right filters for different applications.

Comparison of filter classes ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 52.2 and ISO 16890

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