When it comes to air filtration, two of the most important metrics to consider are the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) and the Filter Performance Rating (FPR). It is essential to comprehend the distinctions between the two for getting the most out of your heating and cooling system. The MERV system is one of the most widely used methods for classifying air filters. This system measures how well a filter can capture particles of different sizes, measured in micrometers (microns).
The MERV system uses this measurement as the basis for evaluating your filter. It provides a clear indication of a filter's ability to trap and retain particulates. The FPR system takes into account the pressure drop and dust-holding capacity of air filters, things that MERV and MPR systems don't address. It is on a scale of 4 to 10, with 10 being the best.
For the average consumer, it is difficult to compare the MPR with the MERV or the FPR with MP or even FPR versus MPR. When it comes to effectiveness, it's hard to choose between a MERV score and an FPR score. Both are useful, but the FPR may be easier to understand, since it uses a number system that is more intuitive. However, when in doubt, opt for a filter with an ideal MERV rating.
MERV is the standard in air filtration and is a reliable system. It's often helpful to set a reminder to change the air filter regularly. Even if your filter has a fantastic MERV or FPR rating, you should change it every few months. This will ensure that you get the best air quality in your home. When evaluating a filter for domestic use, look for filters with an excessively high MERV rating. A filter with a sufficient MERV rating will capture common household particles, such as dust, pollen, and mold. Surgeries have a variety of merv filters and HVAC systems use merv filters; in both cases, they don't use fiberglass.
The main drawback of using filters with an RPF rating of 8 to 9 is that they will reduce airflow more than filters with a lower RPR rating. 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. If you want to remove more things from the air, you can use a filter with a different material. The pores of these filters are much smaller, allowing the filter to trap more contaminants from the air stream, but it also adds more resistance. Higher MERV filters have greater resistance. A MERV 13 filter is likely to do this. It will help if the goal is to prevent droplets from passing through.
It is also likely to provide peace of mind since it will filter 95%. There's also a YouTube video showing how to make your own N95 with a Merv 16 filter. Buy wash an alcohol, buy wash an alcohol, you could very well be creating some strange, weird and fun chemicals, unless you're just washing cotton, so I would only use sunlight to disinfect them, even that could break the tall Merv filters a little and release an unintentional, perhaps dangerous, chemical that degassing an activated carbon filter with a high Merv content could be your best option between you and any other exotic chemical action you're doing. As seen in Figures 4 and 5 (also in the table), the higher-efficiency MERV 13 filter had a lower pressure drop than the lower-efficiency MERV 8 filters.
