Story perspectives

EPA Urges MERV13 Filters as Wildfire Smoke Hits Midwest

7/17/2026

Summary

EPA Recommends MERV13

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises installing MERV13 HVAC filters because AirNow reported on July 17 2026 that air quality from Minnesota to Virginia was “very unhealthy” (AQI 201–300) and “hazardous” (AQI >= 301) due to Ontario and northern Minnesota wildfires.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says a box-fan air cleaner with a MERV13 filter can replace purifiers.
Amber Joglar recommends the GermGuardian purifier, which has a HEPA filter, carbon, UVC light, and AQI sensor.

Summary

Dr. Parikh Recommends

Buyers should compute room square footage (length × width) and select a purifier whose maximum coverage matches it.
Dr. Purvi Parikh advises a HEPA filter that captures 0.3-micron particles at 99.97 % efficiency and activated-carbon filters for VOCs and smoke odors.
Current deals price the Levoit Core 200S-P at $74 (was $89), the BlueAir Blue Pure 511i Max at $99 (was $139), and include a free Coway Aim ($149 value) with purchases.

1 of 2

EPA Recommends MERV13

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises installing MERV13 HVAC filters because AirNow reported on July 17 2026 that air quality from Minnesota to Virginia was “very unhealthy” (AQI 201–300) and “hazardous” (AQI >= 301) due to Ontario and northern Minnesota wildfires.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says a box-fan air cleaner with a MERV13 filter can replace purifiers.
Amber Joglar recommends the GermGuardian purifier, which has a HEPA filter, carbon, UVC light, and AQI sensor.

1 / 2