Whenever you head to the shop to interchange your AC filter, you’ll discover a wide range of numbers printed on the packaging. Whether or not it’s a MERV 8, an MPR 1000, or an FPR 7, each air filter score is designed to let you know one factor: how properly that filter cleans your air.
Nevertheless, as a result of completely different manufacturers use completely different scales, it’s simple to get confused. We wish to allow you to perceive which air filter score is correct to your house’s air high quality and your system’s well being.
Why Is the Air Filter Ranking Necessary?
The air filter score is greater than only a advertising quantity. It measures the filter’s skill to entice particular sizes of particles, similar to mud, pollen, pet dander, and micro organism.
Selecting the proper air filter score is a balancing act. If the score is just too low, mud can construct up in your AC coils. If the score is just too excessive, the filter could also be so thick that it restricts airflow, inflicting your system to overwork and doubtlessly resulting in pricey repairs.
The Three Important Air Filter Ranking Techniques
1. MERV (Minimal Effectivity Reporting Worth)
The MERV air filter score is the common business normal. Developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), MERV is utilized by virtually all HVAC professionals to check filters throughout completely different manufacturers.
- The Scale: 1 to 16
- The Aim: To offer a dependable, unbiased measurement of filtration effectivity.
2. MPR (Microparticle Efficiency Ranking)
This air filter score was developed by 3M (Filtrete). It focuses particularly on the filter’s skill to seize the smallest “microparticles,” like smoke, cough particles, and viruses.
- The Scale: 300 to 2800
- Professional Tip: An MPR 1000 is roughly equal to a MERV 11 air filter score.
3. FPR (Filter Efficiency Ranking)
FPR is the air filter score system used completely by The Residence Depot for manufacturers like Honeywell. It makes use of a color-coded scale to assist customers make a fast selection within the aisle.
- The Scale: 1 to 12
- Professional Tip: FPR 5 is a typical residential air filter and compares to MERV 8.
