Email Us
26.06.2024
Brooke Kirshne
Understanding air filter ratings like FPR (Filter Performance Rating) and MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) can make choosing the right filter easier. Each of these ratings measures the effectiveness of a filter in trapping particles such as dust, pollen, and other airborne pollutants, but they do so with different standards.
FPR, commonly used in certain filter brands, indicates how efficiently a filter can capture particles based on a specific rating scale. On the Other hand, MERV is an industry-wide standard used to rate filters on a scale from 1 to 20, with higher numbers representing filters that trap smaller particles. Although both rating systems aim to provide guidance on filter effectiveness, each has its unique measurement criteria.
In this guide, we’ll know the differences between FPR and MERV, helping you determine which rating system best aligns with your air quality needs. By understanding these ratings, you’ll be able to make the right choice for healthier indoor air.
Understanding Different Air Filter Ratings Systems
Before we look into the specific rating systems, let’s understand why air filters are rated in the first place. Ratings give us a clear way to see how well a filter captures airborne particles like dust, pollen, smoke, pet dander, and even bacteria or odors. The higher the rating, the smaller the particles the filter can trap, meaning better air quality for your indoor space. Without these standardized ratings, it would be hard to know which filter is best suited for a particular needs.
Air filters are rated by their ability to trap particles measured in “microns,” which range from microscopic sizes (like viruses and bacteria) to larger particles visible to the human eye (such as dust and pet hair). A filter’s micron capacity determines how effective it is at blocking different kinds of particles. Knowing these ratings can help you select the right air filter for your home or office to maintain a cleaner, healthier indoor environment.
In the sections below we will discuss the FPR and MERV rating systems in detail.
FPR Rating System
The Filter Performance Rating (FPR) system is widely used in some filter brands and provides a simplified rating from 1 to 10. The FPR score allows users to easily compare filters based on their ability to capture various particle sizes, without needing detailed technical knowledge. FPR ratings cover a wide range of particle sizes, so an FPR 10 filter, for example, will capture everything from dust and dander to bacteria, smoke, and even some odor particles. This makes it suitable for households looking for a high level of indoor air quality. Here’s how the FPR system works:
How FPR Works
- Single Score: The FPR rating provides a simple score (usually 4–10) that represents the overall efficiency of a filter.
- Factors Considered: FPR checks a filter’s particle capture efficiency, its ability to stop the particles from circulating in your indoor air, and its dust-holding capacity, which affects how long the filter will last.
Importance Of The FPR Rating System
- User-Friendly: FPR is easy to understand, making it easy for you to make quick comparisons between filters.
- Overall Performance Indicator: The FPR score provides a broad overview of the filter's effectiveness, allowing you to select a filter that balances performance, durability, and cost.
Pros Of FPR:
- Simple And Easy To Understand: FPR uses a single score, usually between 1 and 10, so it’s quick to figure out how well a filter works. You won’t need to go into so many technical details.
- Comprehensive Overview: It takes various factors into account, like particle capture and dust-holding capacity, to give you a general idea of how well the filter performs.
- Consistent For Specific Brands: If you’re looking at filters from a particular brand, FPR helps keep things consistent and easy to compare within that brand’s product line.
Cons Of FPR:
- Lacks Detail On Particle Size: FPR doesn’t break down how well the filter captures specific sizes of particles, which might be important if you’re targeting specific allergens or pollutants.
- Limited To Certain Brands: Since FPR isn’t a universal industry standard, it’s harder to compare filters from different brands. You might be limited to using it for one brand or retailer.
Here’s a quick comparison of FPR with MERV ratings to help you understand how each can work for your space:
| FPR Rating | Rating Description | Filters Out | Equivalent MERV Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| FPR 4–5 | Good | Large particles: dust, lint, dust mites, larger pollen particles, and pet dander | MERV 6–8 |
| FPR 6–7 | Better | Large particles plus smaller ones: dust, lint, dust mites, pet dander, as well as small particles like bacteria and mold spores | MERV 8–11 |
| FPR 8–9 | Best | Large and small particles, plus smoke, smog, allergens, and particles that may carry viruses | MERV 11 |
| FPR 10 | Premium | All of the above, plus odor-causing particles, provide maximum filtration | MERV 13 |
MERV Rating System
The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) system is an industry-standard rating developed by ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers) and is widely used in the HVAC industry. MERV uses a numeric scale from 1 to 20, providing a more detailed and technical measurement of filter effectiveness. A higher MERV rating shows better filtration efficiency and the ability to capture smaller particles. For example, a MERV 8 filter is good for general household use, while a MERV 13 filter might be preferred for improved protection against allergens and bacteria.
How MERV Works
- Detailed Scale: MERV ratings range from 1 to 20, with higher ratings indicating better performance at capturing smaller particles.
- Particle Size And Capture Efficiency: From bigger particles like dust and pollen to tiny ones like bacteria and viruses, each MERV level refers to a particular particle size that the filter can collect.
- Higher MERV For Greater Air Quality Needs: Filters with higher MERV ratings (13 and above) are recommended for environments requiring improved air quality, such as in healthcare institutions or houses with people who have respiratory issues.
MERV Rating Chart
| MERV Rating | Size Of Airborne Particles Captured By Filter | Captures These Particles | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.3 to 1.0 Microns | 1.0 to 3.0 Microns | 3.0 to 10 Microns | ||
| MERV 1 | Less Than 20% | Less Than 20% | Less Than 20% | Pollen, Spray Paint, Dust Mites, Carpet Fibers |
| MERV 2 | Less Than 20% | Less Than 20% | Less Than 20% | |
| MERV 3 | Less Than 20% | Less Than 20% | Less Than 20% | |
| MERV 4 | Less Than 20% | Less Than 20% | Less Than 20% | |
| MERV 5 | Less Than 20% | Less Than 20% | 20% to 34% | Mold Spores, Hair Spray, Cooking Dusts, Furniture Polish |
| MERV 6 | Less Than 20% | Less Than 20% | 35% to 49% | |
| MERV 7 | Less Than 20% | Less Than 20% | 50% to 69% | |
| MERV 8 | Less Than 20% | Less Than 20% | 70% to 85% | |
| MERV 9 | Less Than 20% | Less Than 50% | 85% or Better | Flour, Auto Fumes, Lead Dust, Welding Fumes |
| MERV 10 | Less Than 20% | 50% to 64% | 85% or Better | |
| MERV 11 | Less Than 20% | 65% to 79% | 85% or Better | |
| MERV 12 | Less Than 20% | 80% to 90% | 90% or Better | |
| MERV 13 | Less Than 75% | 90% or Better | 90% or Better | Smoke, Bacteria, Sneeze Droplets |
| MERV 14 | 75% to 84% | 90% or Better | 90% or Better | |
| MERV 15 | 85% to 94% | 95% or Better | 90% or Better | |
| MERV 16 | 95% or Better | 95% or Better | 90% or Better | |
| MERV 17 | 99.97% | 99% or Better | 99% or Better | Carbon Dust, Viruses, Less Than .30 pm |
| MERV 18 | 99.997% | 99% or Better | 99% or Better | |
| MERV 19 | 99.9997% | 99% or Better | 99% or Better | |
| MERV 20 | 99.99997% | 99% or Better | 99% or Better | |
Importance Of The MERV Rating System
- Industry Standard: MERV is a trusted, widely accepted standard in the HVAC industry, making it ideal for anyone looking for accurate filtration performance.
- Range Of Applications: The MERV scale allows users to match filter ratings to specific requirements, which range from normal home use to advanced air quality control.
Pros Of MERV
- More Detailed: MERV provides a clearer picture of how well a filter performs at capturing different particle sizes. This helps you understand its effectiveness for specific needs, such as filtering out small bacteria or larger particles like pet dander.
- Widely Recognized Standard: MERV is an industry-standard, so it makes comparing filters from different brands easier and more reliable.
- Versatile For Different Uses: Whether you need a filter for home use or for industrial settings, MERV covers a broad range of filters, allowing you to choose based on your specific filtration needs.
Cons Of MERV
- Can Be Confusing: The MERV scale can feel a bit more complicated, especially if you’re trying to compare filters. It requires a little more understanding to know what each rating means for your needs.
- Doesn’t Always Consider Airflow: While MERV focuses on filtration efficiency, it doesn't always tell you how much it will affect the airflow in your HVAC system. If airflow is important for your system, this might be something to keep in mind.
Read More: What MERV Rating Should I Use
Key Differences Between FPR and MERV
Choosing between FPR (Filter Performance Rating) and MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) ratings can feel tricky. Here’s a simplified comparison to help you understand the main differences and make the right choice.
| Feature | FPR | MERV |
|---|---|---|
| Rating Methods | Provides a single, simple score (1–10) to represent filter performance, including dust and particle capture. | Uses a more detailed scale (1–20) to measure how well the filter captures particles of various sizes. |
| Comprehensiveness | Offers an overall performance rating without going into particle size details. | Gives a detailed breakdown, showing efficiency at capturing different sizes of particles. |
| Particle Size Focus | Rates general particle capture ability but doesn’t specify sizes. | Focuses on a range of particle sizes, helping you see which particles the filter is most effective against. |
| Industry Standardization | Mainly used by certain brands or retailers; not universally standardized. | Widely accepted across the HVAC industry, making it easier to compare filters across brands. |
| Ease of Comparison | User-friendly and quick to understand due to the single score. | More detailed but can feel complex due to the numeric scale and particle size range. |
Conclusion
Understanding air filter ratings plays an important role in choosing the right filter and keeping your indoor space healthy. The FPR (Filter Performance Rating) offers a simple score from 1 to 10, making it easy to compare filters based on their ability to capture dust, pollen, and other pollutants. On the other hand, the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) provides a more detailed look at filter performance, ranging from 1 to 20 and focusing on how well filters trap different particle sizes. Knowing your specific needs will help you choose between these two air filter rating systems. When shopping for air filters, it’s a good idea to look for a trusted professional. We at Custom Filters Direct provide a variety of air filter options to suit your needs, if you want to explore more about filters, don't hesitate and contact us at 1-877-958-5612.
