FPR vs MERV vs MPR | Understanding Filtration Rating Systems

Filters improve air quality and extend the life of your HVAC systems. When air filters are dirty and have not been updated in a while, your AC system has to work harder to push air throughout the filter. Frequently changing the filter will reduce costs and keep your unit healthy. Some air filters are more powerful than the others depending on your needs. 

Air filters are rated and based on the capacity for blocking particles in your home, workplace, schools, hospitals, hotels, and more. The higher the filter rating, the smaller the particles your ac unit will capture. Air filtration systems work to capture: 

• Dust 
• Pollen 
• Pet Dander
• Hair 
• Bacteria 
• Smoke
• Odors

When looking for the best filtration capacity, the term “micron” allows you to determine what size is needed to block particles. Micron sizes range from 1 to 1500 microns. MERV, MRP, and FRP rating systems. This chart breaks down what size filter would be needed to block certain items. 

Filter technology allows us to filter out contaiminants and remove those unwanted items. Each filter rating consists of unique effectiveness based on your needs. 

Filter Performance Rating, or FPR, is a system that uses a 4-10 scale to determine the ability of trapping particles and dander. These filters need to be changed every 90 days (3 months) to reduce buildup. 

• FPR Rating 4-5 (Good) - Filters large particles like dust, pollen, pet dander, lint, and dust mites
• FPR Rating 6-7 (Better) - Filters out large particles like dust, pollen, pet dander, lint, and dust mites in addition to bacteria and mold.
• FPR Rating 8-9 (Best) - These filters remove dust, pollen, pet dander, lint, and dust mites, bacteria, and mold, in addition to smoke, fog, and some allergens.
• FPR Rating 10 (Premium) - These filters remove dust, pollen, pet dander, lint, and dust mites, bacteria, and mold, smoke, fog, allergens, and odors.
  

MERV stands for “Minimum Efficiency Rating Value” and uses a scale of 1-16 that is designed to trap certain particle sizes. These filters should be changed every 30 to 90 days to ensure clean air. MERV is the industry standard when it comes to ratings and is most commonly used amongst systems. Developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), MERV ratings provide a scale for ranking filters using this criterion.

The higher the MERV rating, the more the filter will capture. If the MERV rating is too high for your system, it will create a blockage of air flow and will worsen your HVAC system. This chart provides an overview of MERV ratings, their efficiencies at trapping these indoor air contaminants and common applications for those ratings’ filters. 

MPR stands for “Microparticle Performance Rating” and is used to filter smaller particles less than 1 micron in size. For reference, human hair is 70 micron, that's 70 times larger than the .1 particles these filters can capture. MPR-rated filters can capture microscopic particles of 300-2800 in size. The higher the MPR rating, the filter will be able to capture smaller particles. If you are looking to protect against small allergens, the MPR rating is important to pay attention to.

Although these three rating systems are different, each one works towards the same goal. One refers to the industry standard developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers and the others were created by 3M and The Home Depot. Filters work to remove contaminents based on your environments.

Air filters should be changed frequently to ensure air stays clean, energy costs are kept down, and your AC unit works properly. Filters should be changed every 30 to 90 days so in the long run, your systems can run smoothly. 

The ideal filter rating for your home filtration system is MERV 13. 

Compare the ratings between FRP and MERV filters:

Staying on top of your HVAC maintenance will save you time and money in the long run. Scheduling regular maintenance when needed will keep your system and environment clean. 

No matter what type of filter your system needs or what filter size the system asks for, our wide selection of air filters will provide clean air within your home or workspace. Have more questions? Our filtration experts can help! – Call 630.629.6600 or email us at sales@thecarycompany.com.