Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV).

Other common ratings found within certain brands and stores includes FPR, MPR. They all follow the same basic principal, the higher the number the greater overall effectiveness of the air filter.

FPR - filter performance rating, labels filters based on a number scale from 4 through 10 in addition to a color-coding system. Designed by The Home Depot for brands sold through their stores, including Honeywell, this rating structure is very similar to MERV rating. At the end of the day it adds more confusion and is a way for HD to get customers to only use The Home Depot sold filters.

Other common ratings found within certain brands and stores includes FPR, MPR. They all follow the same basic principal, the higher the number the greater overall effectiveness of the air filter.

MPR, or micro-particle performance rating was developed by 3M. It rates the 3M Filtrete filters and their ability to capture airborne particles smaller than 1 micron. While MERV ratings reflect a filter's ability to trap both microscopic and macroscopic particles, MPR ratings only grade a filter on its capacity to remove particles from 0.3 to 1 microns.

Reduces up to 75% of large airborne particles including: Dust and Lint, Dust Mite Debris, Pollen, Pet Dander, Mold Spores, Bacteria and Virus Carriers.

Reduces up to 85% of airborne particles as small as 1 micron including: Dust and Lint, Dust Mite Debris, Pollen, Pet Dander, Mold Spores, Bacteria, Virus Carriers, as well as Most Smoke and Smog.

Reduces up to 95% of airborne particles including: Dust and Lint, Dust Mite Debris, Pollen, Pet Dander, Mold Spores, Bacteria, Microscopic Allergens, Virus Carriers, Most Smoke, Smog, Oil Smoke, as well as Lead Dust.

Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV for short, is a filter rating system devised by ASHRAE, the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers, to standardize and simplify air filter efficiency ratings for the public. The higher the MERV rating, the higher the effectiveness of the air filter

Microparticle  Performance Rating, or MPR for short, is a filter rating system developed by 3M to rate a filters ability to cature the smallest airborne particles. The higher the MPR rating the better the filters ability to capture particles from the air. This system helps in comparing 3M filters, but is not directly comparable to the MERV rating system.

If your filter at home is rated by the MPR system, here is a table to show you what the comparable MERV rating would be.

MPR - Comparable MERV

300....................6
600....................8
1000..................11
1200..................11
1500..................12
1900..................12
2200..................12

A pleated filter can be more restrictive. More often then not the person in charge of maintaining the system is at fault because filters changes are not as frequent as they should be. Since pleated filters are doing a much better job at cleaning your indoor air compared to a basic fiberglass filter they can become more restricted thus restricting the airflow and putting too much strain on your system. All of the pleated filters we carry have been tested by the manufacturer's to be compatible with most systems, so remember the main thing is replacing filters...when you don't change them your more at risk.

If considering making the switch from a basic fiberglass style filter to a pleated with a MERV rating. We always recommend going with a filter like a MERV 8 to start. See how your systems does with a pleated MERV 8 before making the jump to a higher rating like a MERV 13. Since every system is different we always recommend contacting a local technician if you have concerns.