When it comes to air filtration, two of the most commonly used rating systems are MERV and FPR. The MERV rating system, developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), is the industry standard for measuring the minimum efficiency reporting value. It uses a scale of 1 to 16, with higher ratings indicating better filtration of airborne contaminants. The FPR rating system, developed by The Home Depot for brands sold in its stores, is a color-coded system with a numerical scale of 4 to 10 that closely resembles the MERV classification.In this article, we'll explore the differences between MERV and FPR ratings and provide charts to help you convert between the two systems.
We'll also discuss proper air filter maintenance and the associated benefits.
Understanding MERV Ratings
The MERV rating system is the domestic and international industry standard classification system established by ASHRAE. Generally speaking, MERV 8 filters can filter 90% of particles suspended in the air, MERV 11 can remove around 95%, and MERV 13 can block approximately 98%. However, 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.Exploring FPR Ratings
The FPR rating system is a color-coded system with a numerical scale of 4 to 10 that closely resembles the MERV classification. It was developed by The Home Depot for brands sold in its stores, including Honeywell.The FPR ratings are color-coded (FPR 4 low and FPR 5 are green, FPR 6 and FPR 7 are red, FPR 8 and FPR 9 are purple, and FPR 10 is black). To communicate information about the performance of a filter, both the MERV and the FPR use numerical values. This means that there are no designated equivalents for MERV 14, MERV 15, and MERV 16 on the FPR scale.
Comparing MERV and FPR Ratings
If you compare what the MERV score and the FPR score are based on, you'll see that the MERV score uses only one broad-based metric, while the FPR score uses 4 more specific metrics. 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 protecting air conditioning equipment.With these MERV versus FPR and FPR versus MERV charts, you'll be able to properly convert between these two systems.
