Can you easily compare MERV, MPR, or FPR?

While it's difficult to calculate a direct comparison, there are overlapping ranges, making it easier for consumers to compare different air filter rating systems to find the right filter for their needs. MERV 6 = MPR 300 MERV 8 = MPR 600 = FPR 5 MERV 11 = MPR 1,000 to 1,200 = FPR 7 MERV 13 = MPR 1,500 to 1,900 = FPR 10

Do all air filters need to be replaced?

Yes, all air filters need to be replaced based on the manufacturer's directions. It's essential to inspect filters every 3 to 6 months to ensure they are clean and functioning optimally.

How long do air filters last?

Different sizes, quality, thicknesses, and styles of air filters have a varying useful life. You can expect air filters to last for 6 to 12 months, and it's essential to follow the manufacturer's guidance for replacement and maintenance.

What are filter ratings?

Various filter ratings indicate the amount and type of particulate that a filter removes from the air. The three most common are MERV, MPR, and FPR.

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and is a filter rating scale between 1 and 16, rated by industry professionals. The higher the MERV rating, the smaller particulate the filter can capture. The MERV rating scale is commonly broken into four ranges for ease. MERV 6 can capture lint, dust, and pollen. MERV 8 can capture dust mites and mold spores MERV 11 can capture pet dander, smoke, smog, and particulate from coughs or sneezes MERV 13 can capture bacteria and virus carriers

MPR stands for Micro-Particle Performance Rating system ranging 300 and 2,800 and was developed by 3M. Products carrying an MPR rating can remove airborne particles between 0.3 and 1 microns, much smaller than pollen which ranges from 7 to 50 microns. MPR only measures the filter's ability to capture microscopic air particulate matter.

FPR stands for Filter Performance Rating System and was created by Home Depot to differentiate air filtering technologies offered in store. The system is similar to MERV, with a rating scale up to 10. FPR ratings are based on independent lab test results. An FPR filter with a rating of 5 can remove dust, link, dust mites, mold, and pollen from the air, seven can capture dander, smoke, and germs, and ten can capture smoke, viruses, and bacteria.

Learn about Air Purifier Filter

Air filters capture particulate that may be too small to see and can potentially breathe in, impacting our respiratory system. These particulates can be biological, inert, or chemical

Biological particulate includes pollens, molds, soils, animal dander, bug bites, skin and hair cells, etc.
Inert particulate can originate from construction dust, fabrics, plastics, wood, and metals even years after your build or renovation is complete.
Chemical particulate comes from aerosols, air fresheners, perfumes, cleaning products, greases, and oils.

As the filters trap particulate over time, it's essential to replace the filters during manufacturer prescribed intervals to ensure your filtration system captures as much particulate as possible while preserving the air filtration device itself, as dirty filters require it to work harder.

It's essential to purchase replacement filters made specifically for your air filtration device. Standard documentation that arrives with your device will list manufacturer-approved replacement parts, including a list of compatible air filters. You should always keep a spare filter on hand if you need immediate replacement and avoid potential stock shortages.

Air filters help maintain healthy indoor air quality by removing biological, inert, or chemical particulate from the air.

HEPA filters were invented in the early 1940s for uset by the Manhattan Project to contain the spread of airborne radioactive contaminants.