What's the difference between MERV, MPR, and FPR?
There are three types of air filter rating systems:
MERV- Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value
MPR- Micro-Particle Performance Rating
FPR- Filter Performance Rating
MERV is the industry standard, used around world while MPR and FPR are primarily used by the companies that created them. MPR was created and is used by 3M while FPR is created and used by Home Depot. None the less all of these rating systems were created to do the same thing... Rate Filters. Air filters are rated on their ability to catch and hold particles and pollutants that are measured in micrometers, aka microns.
The filters don't just clean the air but also help protect your AC and furnace from harmful particles and dirt build up.
MERV, MPR, FPR Cross REFERENCE Guide:
MERV 8, FPR 5/Green, MPR 600
What Gets Caught:
Dust, Pollen, Dust Mites, & Lint
MERV 11, FPR 7/Red, MPR 1000
What Gets Caught:
Dust, Pollen, Dust Mites, Lint, Spores, Smoke, Bacteria, & Dander
MERV 13, FPR 10/Blue, MPR 1900 - 2200
What Gets Caught:
Dust, Pollen, Dust Mites, Lint, Spores, Smoke, Bacteria, Dander, Virus Droplets, Smog & Odors