Question: What is the MERV Rating of the BoAir 5-Stage electrostatic filter?

The BoAir 5-Stage electrostatic filter like all electrostatic air filters doesn’t have a MERV rating. MERV ratings are only used to rate media types of air filters such as pleated filters and Hepa filters. But if you compare the Arrestance rating of the BoAir 5-Stage electrostatic filter, which is over 95%, the media type filters with similar Arrestance ratings it is equivalent to a Merv 6 or a Merv 8 filter.

A furnace filter with a Merv 8 rating is suitable for use in you air conditioning or heating system if you don’t suffer from allergies but if you require more efficient filtration to manage your allergies I would recommend a Merv 10 to 12 pleated filter.

Question: With regard to pleated air conditioner filters do you think I can go with a MERV 6 filter or do you think I will be better served going with a MERV 8 filter?

A MERV 8 filter will perform better than a MERV 6 filter but the difference will be minimal. If you are not too concerned about dust a MERV 6 filter will do a good enough job. If you are looking for a big improvement in dust control you may want to try a MERV 11 or 12 pleated filter.

Pleated filters in the MERV 5 to 8 range will stop particles of 3 to 10 microns such as some mold spores, fibers, dust mites, some bacteria and fiberglass among other things.

MERV 9 to 12 filters stop particles of 1 to 3 microns such as smoke, bacteria, spray, fumes, coal dust and auto emissions and many other things.