When it comes to air quality, the ratings of a filter are essential in determining its ability to block out particles. The higher the rating (for MERV, FPR, and MPR), the smaller the air and dust particles the home air conditioner filter can capture. Low-efficiency filters are usually within the MERV 1-4 range, while high-efficiency filters are those of the MERV 13 and higher. It's important to note that the MERV scale is not linear; the difference between a MERV 6 and a MERV 8 is almost double in terms of the percentage of particles captured.
Additionally, as the MERV rating increases, the filter becomes more restrictive and more pressure and energy will be needed to expel air. Once you've narrowed down your search to residential filtration systems, you'll want to take a look at two classifications, the FPR and the MERV. Most residential areas can remove contaminants with MERV 8 to MERV 13, while most hospitals use MERV 14 to MERV 20. To communicate information about the performance of a filter, both the MERV and the FPR use numerical values. 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.
MERV 13
air filters provide even greater filtering power against fine particles compared to MERV 11 filters.Air filters with a lower MERV rating, such as those from MERV 1 to MERV 4, aren't great at trapping such small particles. 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. When it comes to selecting an air filter for your home, it's important to understand how filters classified with FPR and MPR compare to the more standard MERV classification system. 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. In conclusion, understanding how different ratings affect air quality is essential when selecting an air filter for your home. The higher ratings provide better filtration but may require more energy from your HVAC system.
It's important to consider both factors when selecting an air filter for your home.
