MERV vs. MPR vs. FPR: Understanding Air Filter Ratings

Air filters can improve indoor air quality and safeguard your HVAC system. Choosing the right air filter rating will help you meet your filtration priorities and achieve the cleanest possible air in your home.

This blog will help you understand each air filter rating and why they are essential.

MERV, MPR, and FPR are the three most common air filter rating systems. Here’s what they stand for:

• MERV – Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value Rating
• MPR – Microparticle Performance Rating
• FPR – Filter Performance Rating

Are Furnace Filters and AC Air Filters the Same Thing?

The answer might surprise you – furnace filters and AC are the same thing. Whether your system is heating or cooling, the air passes through the filter, catching dust, pollen, and other particles before circulating back into your home, regardless of its name.

If you’re wondering if there’s a difference between “furnace filter” and “AC filter” when shopping for filters, don’t stress; they’ll fit the same way and perform the same job, regardless of the season. Ensuring you have the correct size and the right filtration rating for your system is crucial.

What does MERV stand for?

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) established the MERV rating system. It is the industry standard for rating air filters.

What is a MERV Rating?

A MERV rating indicates precisely what size of airborne particles a filter can capture. AC filter MERV ratings range from 1 to 20. Higher numbers indicate better filtration performance; however, the higher the rating, the higher the resistance to airflow.

Many HVAC systems installed in homes are not designed to accommodate filters with a MERV rating higher than 8, as the airflow would be too restricted. Restricted air flow can result in coil freeze-up, flooding, or compressor failure.

Generally, a higher MERV (or MPR) rating will capture more airbrone particles and allergens. However, it is essential to understand that higher-rated filters can also restrict airflow and significantly strain your HVAC system. Finding the right balance between filtration capability and airflow is crucial for maintaining air quality and ensuring the health of your HVAC equipment.

What do different MERV ratings filter?

Choosing the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) MERV rating system as your guide to air filters is easier than it seems. The system aims to help consumers quickly identify a filter’s ability to capture fine particles in the air.

Here’s a quick rundown of the different MERV rating ranges:

MERV 1-4: Minimum Filtration, Maximum Air Flow

This MERV captures airborne particles and allergens like pollen, dust, and lint, but that’s about it. This type of filter is ideal for situations where airflow is the primary concern, rather than filtration.

MERV 5-8: Fair Filtration, Adequate Air Flow

This filter rating will ensnare dust mites, pollen, and the most common household contaminants, including carpet fibers and hair. MERV 8 filters are rated to filter aerosols, such as hair spray, auto emissions, and even mold spores. These filters are ideal for most households as they offer adequate filtration without restricting airflow.

MERV 9-12: Protects Against Allergens, Limits Air Flow

Here’s where filtration becomes the priority. This MERV rating range will eliminate the finer allergens in the air, including lung-damaging dust, smog, mold spores, pet dander, and tobacco smoke. If you or someone in your household has allergies or respiratory issues, you’ll want to use MERV in this range. However, it’s important to note that these MERV ratings can impact airflow.

MERV 8 vs. MERV 11: Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between MERV 8 and MERV 11 air filters largely depends on your household’s needs.

A MERV 8 filter is a reliable option for most situations and budgets. It can effectively capture dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and even some household fibers, while still allowing air to flow smoothly through your HVAC system. For many, this level of filtration is more than enough to help maintain decent air quality without overworking the HVAC system.

Filters with an MERV 11 rating are the better choice for particle capture, although they will come with a higher price tag, too. These filters will trap even finer particles, including pet dander, smoke, and smog. You’ll definitely want to consider this option if you have pets, live in a high-pollution area, or if you or people in your home have allergies. This rating will offer you more robust filtration without any significant issues with airflow.

Choosing between MERV 8 and MERV 11 essentially comes down to two things: particle capture and cost. Either way, make sure your HVAC system is compatible before making the switch.

Where Are MERV 11 Filters Most Useful?

MERV 11 filters deliver a higher level of filtration than standard home filters without compromising airflow. This makes them a versatile choice for many settings. MERV 11 filters are the best for the following places:

• Schools, offices, and retail stores that require effective dust and allergen removal for comfort and productivity.
• Where basic air cleanliness is required, but intense filtration isn’t critical, such as in medical waiting areas and administrative spaces.
• Larger buildings and apartment complexes can benefit from added filtration to protect shared air quality among residents, especially in high-traffic common areas.
• Industrial and warehouse environments that need moderate control of dust, particulate matter, and odors without putting undue strain on the HVAC system.
• Households, kennels, or vet offices that need to manage pet hair, dander, and associated odors.

MERV 11 is an excellent choice for reducing exposure to extra allergens. It can handle pollen, mold spores, and smog. You don’t need to spend on heavy-duty filters.

MERV 13-16: Top Level Filtration, Restrictive Air Flow

The highest possible MERV recommended for residential applications is MERV 13. This will prevent bacteria and virus carriers from circulating in your home’s air and significantly limit airflow. You should only use this type of MERV rating if you are concerned about these contaminants in your home or if your system requires them.

Did you know? MERV 13 filters are designed for situations that demand the highest level of filtration, such as hospitals and industrial environments. This filtration level removes over 90% of contaminants, including fine dust, bacteria, smoke, and other microscopic pollutants. If you require top-of-the-line filtration, MERV 13 is the perfect solution.

However, it is essential to remember that higher MERVs, especially MERV 13, can restrict airflow, so you must ensure your system can handle them before installation.

Anything above MERV 13 is only recommended for medical or industrial facilities. Installing a higher MERV rating than 13 in your furnace or HVAC system can damage your system.

Here’s a MERV rating chart to help you better understand their effectiveness:

Filters Fast Brand air filters are available in MERV ratings of 8 and above and are tested to ensure they meet the MERV rating standard.

Shop Filters Fast® Filters

Why understanding filter efficiency matters

Not all air filters are created equally; filter ratings are more than just technical numbers. The rating you select directly impacts how effectively a filter removes pollutants such as dust, pet dander, pollen, and smoke particles.

Choosing the right filter rating goes beyond cleaner air; it also contributes to the efficiency and lifespan of your HVAC system. This is not a decision that should be taken lightly.

Why is airflow necessary?

When determining the air filter rating you need, consider the airflow requirements.

Airflow has a direct impact on whether your filter can do its job. If the airflow is too low, this can prevent the air filter from pulling contaminants into the filter. If the airflow is too high, contaminants can skip the filter. This can lead to bad air quality or harm your HVAC system.

What does MPR mean on air filters?

MPR, or Micro Particle Performance Rating, was developed by 3M, the manufacturer of Filtrete Air Filters. MPR Ratings range from 100 to 2800, indicating the filter’s capacity to remove particles from 0.3 to 1 micron.

MERV vs MPR

If you’re interested in the Filtrete brand for air filters, you’ll want to ensure you understand the MPR ratings. Here’s a quick look at how they compare to MERV ratings:

• 800 MPR, 1000 MPR, 1085 MPR & 1200 MPR are similar to a MERV 11 rating
• 1500 MPR & 1550 MPR are closest to a MERV 12-rated filter
• 1900 MPR & 2200 MPR will offer MERV 13-level filtration
• 2800 MPR will provide MERV 14 air filtration

Shop 3M Filtrete Air Filters

Is an MPR 600 effective enough?

Consider this: an MPR 600 filter effectively captures common, everyday contaminants, including dust, pollen, and pet dander. This level of filtration can noticeably enhance the air quality in most homes. An FPR 4-5 (or its MERV or MPR equivalent) is a reliable choice for those wanting to combat common allergens or are looking for the most basic level of filtration. This rating enables you to maintain steady airflow while protecting your living environment.

What is the best MPR rating for the average home?

It all depends on your unique needs. Good residential MPR ratings range from 300 (most basic) to 2800 (premium). The higher the number, the better the filtration performance. If you’re most concerned about microscopic particles, like pet dander, pollen, and smoke, you’ll want to choose an MPR rating on the higher end of the scale.

For most homes, an MPR rating between 800 and 1500 offers a balance between filtration and airflow. If you have allergies or specific concerns about air quality, you’ll want to consider the higher MPR options.

Is an MPR filter better than an MERV filter?

No rating system is inherently “better” than another; it’s more about how each system measures a filter’s performance. MPR focuses on a filter’s ability to capture the tiniest particles, such as smoke, pet dander, and bacteria. Conversely, MERV uses a broader scale that measures performance against a wider range of particle sizes.

If you’re concerned about ultra-fine particles, higher MPR-rated filters typically outperform lower MERV filters in capturing tiny contaminants. However, matching an MPR to the equivalent MERV rating that fits your air quality needs and system capabilities will serve you well.

Ultimately, the “best” filter is the one that strikes a balance between filtration and airflow for your home and HVAC system.

FPR Air Filter Ratings

FPR, also known as Filter Performance Rating, was created by Home Depot for the brands sold in its stores. Similar to MERV ratings, the FPR system ranges from 4 to 10.

According to The Home Depot, a simple way to remember FPR numbers is that the higher the number, the better the air filter’s performance.

Like MERV and MPR ratings, FPR ratings help shoppers quickly compare air filter efficiency. It uses a single number to reflect the filter’s ability to capture particles of different sizes, including dust, pollen, pet dander, and even odor-causing ones. While the FPR system streamlines choices, it is essential to remember that it is exclusive to Home Depot and is not interchangeable with other stores or brands.

MPR ratings (for Filtrete filters) focus on the filter’s effectiveness at trapping microparticles (between 0.3 and 1 microns). In contrast, FPR scores consider particulate removal and other factors, such as filter lifespan and the ability to reduce odors.

FPR vs MERV

How do FPR filter ratings compare to MERV & MPR ratings?

• FPR 4-5 would be considered equivalent to a MERV 8 or MPR 600, which effectively captures common airborne contaminants.
• FPR 6-7 is comparable to MERV 9-12 and MPR 1000-1200, providing enhanced filtering capabilities with limited airflow.
• FPR 8-9 equals a MERV 12+ or MPR 1500+ rating. This rating offers the best possible air quality, albeit with more restricted airflow.
• FPR 10 is the highest rating and effectively removes odor-causing particles and airborne contaminants.

Is FPR 7 evquivlant to MERV 11?

Yes, an FPR 7 filter is equivalent to an MERV 11 filter. Both ratings effectively capture and filter common indoor airborne allergens while offering adequate airflow. When comparing the two, either is a suitable choice for reducing allergens without significantly affecting airflow.

Is FPR 12 too much for a home?

Much like a MERV 13, FPR 12 aligns with ultra-high efficiency ratings that capture a wide range of particles, including bacteria and virus carriers. While it may sound ideal, this FPR rating is very restrictive and will impact airflow.

For homes, stick with an FPR of 10 or lower. It will provide a high level of filtration and a lesser impact on airflow. Always consult your HVAC owner’s manual or ask a professional if you are in doubt.

Here’s a simple chart we put together to explain each of the different air filter ratings and what the differences are:

When in doubt, consult your HVAC unit manufacturer’s data to determine the correct MERV rating for your filter.

Finding Your Filter: Factors to Consider

In addition to considering the contaminants you want to reduce in your home’s air, you’ll also need to consider where you live, the health needs of your household, and your budget.

What is the weather like where you live? Consider this when selecting the rating to use in your home. For example, if summer’s hot and humid, you should opt for a lower MERV. MPR or FPR to maximize airflow. Doing so can help keep your home cool and beat the heat.

How many people live in your home, and what are their health needs? If you or a family member experiences seasonal allergies, you’ll want to choose a rating that can trap common irritants like pollen, dust, and mold spores. In addition to people in your home, if you have pets, you’ll want to ensure that your rating is rated to catch pet dander.

Do you have a budget? Choosing a higher rating will come with a high price tag, so you’ll want to ensure that the cost of these filters fits within your budget. Filters should be changed every 1-3 months, so you’ll need to plan for this expense to recur a few times a year.

How to Choose the Right Rating System Based on Your Needs

Each filter rating system – MERV, MPR, and FPR- caters to different needs and shopping experiences. Here’s what you should know about each:

• MERV is a great all-purpose choice, striking a balance between air quality and system efficiency. Plus, it’s widely recognized and versatile. It is also a suitable solution for most homes and HVAC systems.
• MPR (used exclusively by 3M Filtrete) targets small particles, like smoke or fine allergens. It is ideal for households with allergy sufferers or those living in areas with high pollution.
• FPR (developed by Home Depot) provides a simple shopping experience. It allows users to compare options right in-store.

Ultimately, let your air quality needs and the location of your filter purchase guide your decision. Planning goes a long way toward cleaner air and a healthier home.

Reminder to Replace

Once you’ve chosen the correct filter rating, you’ll want to change your filters regularly to keep your HVAC in good condition. It is recommended that 1-inch air filters be changed every 1 to 3 months. This helps ensure your filter is not overloaded with contaminants and prevents airflow impediment.

For optimal results, check your air filters monthly, especially during the summer and winter months. If the filter seems dirty, change it. Replacing your filters regularly can yield significant benefits, including improved system efficiency, lower energy bills, prevention of emergency repairs, and a prolonged system lifespan.

There are several ways to keep track of when to change your filter: You can set a reminder on your phone, buy air filters in bulk so you always have them on hand, sign up for a filter subscription service, or change your filters when the seasons change. Whatever you choose, ensuring that you replace your filter periodically is key.

Don’t Forget About HVAC Maintenance

In addition to replacing your filters regularly, having your HVAC system routinely serviced by a professional will help keep it in good working order. HVAC companies near you should offer seasonal service where they check your system to ensure everything works properly. It’s best to schedule this maintenance in the spring and fall to ensure your system is prepared to handle both the heat and the cold.

What is typically included in an air conditioner tune-up?

While this service may differ from company to company, it typically includes checking refrigerant levels, cleaning the coils, inspecting the thermostat, and ensuring everything works correctly. Some companies may also offer an air filter inspection and will replace the filter for you.

Consider this: paying a few hundred dollars twice a year to have your HVAC system serviced can help prevent shelling out thousands of dollars to repair or replace it.

Now that you know what the rating systems mean and how they relate to you, we hope you have the information to make the best filtration choice. If you still need additional assistance with choosing the proper rating for your air filter, we’re happy to help. Call us at 866-438-3458 or email us at [email protected].

Want more information about air filter ratings? Check out these blogs:

• An In-Depth MERV Ratings Guide: Must-Read Before You Buy
• What does MERV mean?
• Which MERV Rating Should I Choose?
• Difference Between MERV Ratings – MERV 11 Recommended 
• Which Air Filter MERV Rating is Recommended for Allergies?