Why Do Medical Center or Hospitals Need MERV 13 or Higher Filters?
MERV 13 or higher filters are essential in healthcare environments to capture PM2.5, bacteria, and viral aerosols, preventing cross-infection and meeting updated HVAC standards after the pandemic.
Why Is Indoor Air Quality So Important in Healthcare?
Airborne transmission is a major concern in hospitals and clinics. Without proper filtration, airborne pathogens and fine particles can circulate between wards, lobbies, and treatment areas, increasing infection risk and health hazards for patients and staff.
What Is MERV Rating and Why Choose MERV 13?
MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value), defined by ASHRAE, ranges from 1 to 16. The higher the number, the better the filtration.
| MERV Rating | Particle Size Captured | Efficiency (0.3–1μm) | Recommended Use |
| MERV 8 | >3μm | <20% | Offices, residential |
| MERV 13 | ≥1μm | ≈50–75% | ★ Minimum for healthcare |
| MERV 14 | ≥0.3μm | ≈75–85% | ICU, isolation zones |
| HEPA | ≥0.3μm | ≥99.97% | Surgical rooms, cleanrooms |
CDC, ASHRAE, and WHO recommend MERV 13 or higher filters for HVAC systems in healthcare settings to mitigate airborne transmission.
Common Airborne Pollutants in Healthcare Settings
| Pollutant | Source | Health Risks |
| PM2.5 / PM1.0 | Traffic, outdoor air, maintenance | Lung penetration, heart and immune system impact |
| Viral aerosols | Sneezing, coughing, surgery mist | Highly infectious, needs high-efficiency filters |
| Bacterial spores | Infected rooms, humid zones | Dangerous for immunocompromised patients |
| VOCs (volatile organics) | Disinfectants, cleaners, medication | Causes headaches, respiratory irritation |
Recommended Filters Setup by Area
| Area | Recommended Filters |
| General waiting area / OPD | MERV 13 panel filter |
| Patient rooms / wards | MERV 13 + activated carbon filter |
| ICU / isolation zones | MERV 14 + HEPA H13 final filter |
| Operating room / negative pressure zone | HEPA H14 + ceiling terminal unit |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can MERV 13 Air Filters Capture COVID-19 Particles?
Yes. MERV 13 filters can trap airborne droplets that may carry viruses like COVID-19, helping improve indoor air safety when combined with ventilation.
Q2: Does MERV 13 cause pressure drop?
Yes, slightly more than MERV 8, but Hencolin’s filters offer low-resistance models optimized for HVAC systems.
Q3: Can MERV 13 be combined with carbon?
Yes, it’s highly effective for removing odors and chemicals like alcohol or disinfectants.
Filtering the Air Is Protecting Lives
Air may be invisible, but the risks it carries are very real. In healthcare environments—from outpatient departments (OPD) to surgical rooms—every layer of air filtration plays a critical role in safeguarding both patients and medical staff.
Choosing MERV 13 or higher is more than just meeting compliance requirements and it’s a professional responsibility to ensure cleaner, safer indoor air.
At Hencolin, we specialize in custom HVAC filters for hospitals and medical center, offering certified solutions ranging from MERV-rated filters to HEPA filtration. With OEM sizing options and global technical support, we help healthcare facilities maintain optimal air quality and meet international standards.
👉 Learn more about our [HEPA Filters] for more details.
