Understanding air filter ratings helps you select the right filter for your HVAC system. MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) measures a filter’s ability to trap particles, with higher ratings offering better filtration. FPR (Filter Performance Rating) is used by select brands, while MPR (Microparticle Performance Rating) focuses on smaller particle capture. Choosing the right rating ensures optimal air quality and system performance.
Air Filter Ratings: FPR vs. MERV vs. MPR
Explore the key differences between FPR, MERV, and MPR ratings to choose the best air filter for your needs.
Understanding Air Filter Ratings
MPR (Microparticle
Performance
Rating)
Rating system developed
by 3M that emphasizes a
filter's ability to capture
fine particles smaller
than 1 micron, such as
smoke, smog, and
microscopic allergens,
with a scale of 300-2800.
FPR (Filter
Performance
Rating)
Rating system created by
The Home Depot to
provide a simplified,
consumer-friendly way
to evaluate air filters, with
a scale of 4-10 aligning
closely with MERV.
MERV (Minimum
Efficiency Reporting
Value)
Industry-standard
measurement developed
by ASHRAE for assessing
air filter performance,
with a scale of 1-16
indicating filtration
efficiency for a range of
particle sizes.
Choosing the Right
Rating System
The decision on which
rating system to follow
should be guided by your
specific air quality needs
and the availability of
filters in your preferred
purchasing location.
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MERV Ratings Explained
MERV 13 Filters
Designed for high-demand air quality needs, such
as hospitals, office buildings, or super clean
homes, removing over 90% of airborne particles.
Choosing the Right MERV Level
Understanding how MERV ratings cater to specific
needs, allowing you to select the perfect filter for
residential comfort or commercial air quality
standards.
Understanding MERV Ratings
Dive into the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting
Value) rating scale and how it applies to different
residential, commercial, and industrial
environments.
MERV 8 Filters
Ideal for everyday residential use, capturing
common air pollutants like dust mites, pollen, and
pet dander without overburdening HVAC systems.
MERV 11 Filters
Tailored for environments with pets, smokers, or
mild allergies, excelling at capturing finer
particles to enhance air purity.
2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
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https://filterbuy.com/resources/air-filter-basics/merv-mpr-fpr-ratings/
Filterbuy's MERV
Solutions
Discover the unique benefits of Filterbuy's
MERV 8, 11, and 13 air filters, and determine
which level best meets your specific air
quality needs. These filters are purpose-built
to cater to a range of environments, from
everyday residential use to high-demand
commercial spaces.
Discover more
at https://filterbuy.com/resources/air-filter-
basics/merv-mpr-fpr-ratings/
Micron Size Chart
Household Dust
Household dust particles
can range from 1 to 100
microns in size, easily
captured by MERV 8 or
higher filters.
Pet Dander
Pet dander particles are
generally 2.5 to 10 microns,
which can be filtered out by
MERV 11 or higher rated air
filters.
Bacteria
Bacteria range from 0.3 to
10 microns, requiring high-
efficiency MERV 13 filters to
capture them effectively.
Pollen
Pollen grains typically
measure 10 to 100 microns,
making them effectively
trapped by MERV 11 and
MERV 13 filters.
2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
5
Choosing the Right Filter
Compare MERV, MPR, and
FPR
Analyze how each rating system (MERV,
MPR, and FPR) caters to different filtration
needs, from general air quality
improvement to specialized fine particle
capture.
Consult with Professionals
Seek guidance from HVAC experts to ensure the selected filter
rating provides the desired air quality improvement while
maintaining optimal system performance.
Understand MERV Ratings
Evaluate MERV 8, 11, and 13 filters to
identify the level that best suits your
indoor air quality needs, whether it's for
residential comfort or meeting
commercial standards.
Assess Your Environment
Determine your specific air quality requirements, considering
factors like the presence of allergies, pets, smokers, or the need
for high-efficiency filtration in commercial spaces.
Consider Micron Size
Understand the importance of capturing
particles in the range of 0.001 to 10
microns, which can penetrate deep into
the lungs, and particles under 100
microns that can be inhaled.
2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
6
Explore the key differences between FPR, MERV, and MPR ratings to choose the best air filter for your needs.
Understanding Air Filter Ratings
MPR (Microparticle
Performance
Rating)
Rating system developed
by 3M that emphasizes a
filter's ability to capture
fine particles smaller
than 1 micron, such as
smoke, smog, and
microscopic allergens,
with a scale of 300-2800.
FPR (Filter
Performance
Rating)
Rating system created by
The Home Depot to
provide a simplified,
consumer-friendly way
to evaluate air filters, with
a scale of 4-10 aligning
closely with MERV.
MERV (Minimum
Efficiency Reporting
Value)
Industry-standard
measurement developed
by ASHRAE for assessing
air filter performance,
with a scale of 1-16
indicating filtration
efficiency for a range of
particle sizes.
Choosing the Right
Rating System
The decision on which
rating system to follow
should be guided by your
specific air quality needs
and the availability of
filters in your preferred
purchasing location.
2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
2
MERV Ratings Explained
MERV 13 Filters
Designed for high-demand air quality needs, such
as hospitals, office buildings, or super clean
homes, removing over 90% of airborne particles.
Choosing the Right MERV Level
Understanding how MERV ratings cater to specific
needs, allowing you to select the perfect filter for
residential comfort or commercial air quality
standards.
Understanding MERV Ratings
Dive into the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting
Value) rating scale and how it applies to different
residential, commercial, and industrial
environments.
MERV 8 Filters
Ideal for everyday residential use, capturing
common air pollutants like dust mites, pollen, and
pet dander without overburdening HVAC systems.
MERV 11 Filters
Tailored for environments with pets, smokers, or
mild allergies, excelling at capturing finer
particles to enhance air purity.
2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
3
https://filterbuy.com/resources/air-filter-basics/merv-mpr-fpr-ratings/
https://filterbuy.com/resources/air-filter-basics/merv-mpr-fpr-ratings/
Filterbuy's MERV
Solutions
Discover the unique benefits of Filterbuy's
MERV 8, 11, and 13 air filters, and determine
which level best meets your specific air
quality needs. These filters are purpose-built
to cater to a range of environments, from
everyday residential use to high-demand
commercial spaces.
Discover more
at https://filterbuy.com/resources/air-filter-
basics/merv-mpr-fpr-ratings/
Micron Size Chart
Household Dust
Household dust particles
can range from 1 to 100
microns in size, easily
captured by MERV 8 or
higher filters.
Pet Dander
Pet dander particles are
generally 2.5 to 10 microns,
which can be filtered out by
MERV 11 or higher rated air
filters.
Bacteria
Bacteria range from 0.3 to
10 microns, requiring high-
efficiency MERV 13 filters to
capture them effectively.
Pollen
Pollen grains typically
measure 10 to 100 microns,
making them effectively
trapped by MERV 11 and
MERV 13 filters.
2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
5
Choosing the Right Filter
Compare MERV, MPR, and
FPR
Analyze how each rating system (MERV,
MPR, and FPR) caters to different filtration
needs, from general air quality
improvement to specialized fine particle
capture.
Consult with Professionals
Seek guidance from HVAC experts to ensure the selected filter
rating provides the desired air quality improvement while
maintaining optimal system performance.
Understand MERV Ratings
Evaluate MERV 8, 11, and 13 filters to
identify the level that best suits your
indoor air quality needs, whether it's for
residential comfort or meeting
commercial standards.
Assess Your Environment
Determine your specific air quality requirements, considering
factors like the presence of allergies, pets, smokers, or the need
for high-efficiency filtration in commercial spaces.
Consider Micron Size
Understand the importance of capturing
particles in the range of 0.001 to 10
microns, which can penetrate deep into
the lungs, and particles under 100
microns that can be inhaled.
2024 Proprietary and Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
6