When it comes to effectiveness, it's difficult to choose between a MERV rating versus an FPR rating. Both are useful, but the FPR may be easier to understand since it uses a number. Both are useful, but the FPR may be easier to understand, since it uses a numbering system that is more intuitive. FPR scores are filtered from one to ten, with ten being the best.Both MERV and FPR use numerical values to communicate filter efficiency.
However, FPR ratings correspond to one of the 4 colors in a color-coded system. These colors are green, red, purple and black. My recommendation is to buy filters with a MERV rating whenever possible.All three classifications have their problems, but even Home Depot and 3M admit on their websites that MERV is the industry standard for rating filters. In addition, if you want the filter to improve indoor air quality and not just protect the heating and air conditioning system, choose MERV-13, FPR-10, MPR-1900 or higher.
But make sure you can do this without reducing airflow and possibly damaging your system. The FPR is only used by The Home Depot and applies only to the brands of HVAC air filters that they sell in their stores.As a result, homeowners often don't see FPR values on HVAC air filters sold outside of The Home Depot. In addition, the FPR values are much broader than the MPR or MERV ratings. For homeowners who are just starting to use HVAC air filters and who care about them, FPR values are an excellent starting point.
FPR stands for Filter Performance Rating.This rating is also exclusive, but only applies to filters manufactured and sold by Home Depot. Unlike the MERV and MPR ratings, Home Depot does not provide a size range for the particles that these filters will remove. Instead, filters are assigned an FPR number (such as FPR) for the particle removal measurement. Sometime last year, Home Depot stopped selling filters that indicated its MERV rating.
Instead, they use an FPR rating call. No matter what these represent, what matters is that the MERV is a universal industry classification and the FPR is a rating invented by the manufacturer.To date, electronic air filters have worked by ionizing (positively charging) air particles. The more effective a filter is at capturing airborne particles, the more effective it is at causing problems with airflow. However, the higher the MERV and the more a filter has captured, the more difficult it will be for the system to suck in air.
The metric used to measure particles in microns refers to the type of HVAC air filters you need to achieve the type of indoor air quality and home comfort you want.For example, if an air filter has a stated MERV rating of between 1 and 4, it can remove pollen, dust mites, textile fibers, carpet fibers, and sanding dust up to a particle size of 10 microns. Here's the MPR, which stands for microparticle performance rating, which measures how well an air filter can capture particles smaller than one micron. From sizes to types, qualities and more, here's everything you need to know about air filters. It provides clarity on the level of filtration that can be expected from an air filter with a specific MERV rating.I use an Aprilaire 1210 multimedia filter installed on the airhandler, with a 213 multimedia kit (updated), without paper filters on the return air grilles.
The filter is to keep the air clean before it reaches the sensitive components of the HVAC, NOT to clean the air when leaving. Make the filter deeper and larger and increase the Merv and you'll have cleaner air, a filter that could last a year, and more efficient cooling and heating. All of the most durable residential HVAC units I've repaired work with factory air filters (Marv), unless they're specifically designed as an air cleaning and purification system.Using air conditioning filters that are too strong for the home results in higher energy expenditure, resistance in air flow, and less heating and air conditioning. These HVAC air filters capture about 35 percent of all indoor air contaminants between 3 and 10 microns.
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