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APR, MPR, MERV Filter Efficiency Ratings
What is a filter APR?
APR stands for Accumulair Performance Rating. The manufacturer of the Accumulair Filters established the rating system to demonstrate the different levels of performance for its own filters. Generally speaking, the higher the APR, the better the filter performs in capturing small airborne particles. This rating system is an internal rating system and applies to Accumulair filters only.
What is a filter MPR?
3M developed the Microparticle Performance Rating (MPR) system to demonstrate a filter’s ability to capture the smallest airborne particles—from 0.3 to 1 micron in size from the air passing through the filter. The MPR system helps you compare Filtrete filters based on the level of air filtration you want. The higher the MPR, the better the filter’s ability to capture particles from the air as it passes through the filter.
What is a filter MERV rating?
MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value which is a number from a test designed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). The number is intended to help people compare filters and is the main standard used in the HVAC industry around the world.
Merv Filter Efficiency Chart
MERV ratings are from 1 to 16 and generally a higher MERV rating indicates better filter performance that will remove smaller particles from the air. Some of the common particles that filters are tested for include dust mites, pollen, carpet fibers, dust, pet dander, tobacco smoke and mold spores.
MERV 7 to 12 are often used in homes while MERV 13 to 16 rated filters are typically used in hospitals.
Always check your HVAC system for its recommended filter efficiency. A higher rated filter is not necessarily the best option. Using a higher rated filter than is recommended will lead to reduced airflow meaning your systems performance will be worse. Further, over time if the fan needs to work harder to circulate air this may result in damage of your home’s HVAC system.
Filter Efficiency Rating Comparison
APR 450 Rating = MPR 300 = MERV 6 Efficiency: Clean air of lint, dust & pollen
APR 650 Rating = MRP 600 = MERV 8 Efficiency: Clean air of dust mites & mold spores
APR 1550 Rating = MPR 1000 to 1200 Rating = MERV 11 Efficiency: Clean air of pet dander, smog and smoke
APR 1950 to 2250 Rating = MPR 1500 to 1900 = MERV 13 Efficiency: Clean air of bacteria and viruses
All of above rating comparisons are approximate.
What is a filter FPR rating?
The Home Depot created the Filter Performance Rating (FPR) system for brands such as Honeywell that are sold in their stores. While the FPR utilizes a color code and different number scale (4 to 10) to help shoppers select a filter, the rating system closely matches the widely used MERV rating system.
FPR 5 = MERV 8
FPR 7 = MERV 11
FPR 10 = MERV 13