When it comes to selecting an air filter for your home or business, it's essential to understand the importance of both FPR and MERV ratings. FPR stands for Filter Performance Rating and is based on particle size, measured in microns. The higher the FPR rating, the more efficient a filter is at trapping small particles. On the other hand, MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and is measured on a scale from 1 to 16. The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient a filter is at trapping larger particles. Newer units shouldn't have airflow problems with higher MERV ratings, although older models can work harder with a MERV 13 filter installed than when they originally had a MERV 6 filter in the air intake.
Air filters with a lower MERV rating, such as those from MERV 1 to MERV 4, aren't great at trapping such small particles.
MERV 8
filters typically filter 90% of particulates from the air, MERV 11 can remove around 95%, and MERV 13 can block approximately 98%. Filterbuy offers MERV 8, MERV 11 and MERV 13 air and heating filters, which cover the normal range of household needs by providing clean air and, at the same time, protecting air conditioning equipment. The following table explains the relationship between the numerical scales of the MERV classification system and the FPR system. Once you've limited your search to residential filtration systems, you'll want to take a look at two classifications, the FPR and the MERV.A higher MERV rating may mean slightly more restricted airflow; however, most current HVAC systems are capable of handling a MERV 11 air filter without overloading the system. MERV 13 air filters provide even greater filtering power against fine particles compared to MERV 11 filters. In these cases, a MERV 11 air filter can provide additional benefits and capture a wider range of particles that would pass through a MERV 8 filter. However, if the MERV rating is too high (above MERV 1), it can increase system backpressure and block air flow through the central air system, worsening the efficiency of the air conditioning system. To communicate information about the performance of a filter, both the MERV and the FPR use numerical values. In conclusion, when selecting an air filter for your home or business it's important to consider both FPR and MERV ratings. A higher FPR rating will ensure that smaller particles are trapped more efficiently while a higher MERV rating will ensure that larger particles are trapped more effectively.
Both ratings are important when selecting an air filter as they both play an important role in ensuring that your home or business has clean air.
.
