The Filter Performance Rating (FPR) system is a rating system developed by The Home Depot for brands sold in its stores, including Honeywell. It uses a color code and a numerical scale that closely resembles the MERV classification. The FPR ratings are on a 4 to 10 scale, while the MERV filter classification is domestic. An air filter with a higher MERV rating indicates that it is more effective at capturing finer particles. Conversely, a lower MERV rating implies that an air filter is capable of capturing larger particles.
As the values increase, the size of the collected particles decreases. Generally, MERV 8 filters can filter 90% of the particles suspended in the air, MERV 11 can remove around 95%, and MERV 13 can block approximately 98%. Older models may work harder with a MERV 13 filter installed than when they originally had a MERV 6 filter in the air intake. In these cases, a MERV 11 air filter can offer additional benefits and capture a wider range of particles that would pass through a MERV 8 filter.
MERV 13 air filters provide even greater filtering power against fine particles compared to MERV 11 filters. 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. 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. Most residential areas can remove contaminants with MERV 8 to MERV 13, while most hospitals use MERV 14 to MERV 20. 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. Air filters with a lower MERV rating, such as those from MERV 1 to 4, aren't great at trapping such small particles.
