According to the American Lung Association, Phoenix is rated among the top five cities with the worst ozone levels, rated eighth for year-round particle pollution, and ranked 11th for worst, short-term particle pollution.

What does this mean for your home’s HVAC system?

It’s important to maintain consistent indoor air quality as your home’s HVAC system is essential for circulating fresh air. One of the biggest maintenance tasks to keep your indoor air clean is to pay close attention to your HVAC air filters. Here’s what you need to know.

MERV, MPR, and FPR Performance Ratings

Each air filter rating system between MERV, MPR, and FPR use different values to specify the filter’s ability to capture micron sized air particles and pollutants.

• MERV ratings were established by the ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers). MERV ratings are based on the ability of the filter to trap both microscopic and macroscopic air particles.
• MPR air filters are exclusively designed by 3M and labeled as the Filtrete brand. MPR ratings only grade an air filter based on its capacity to remove air particles ranging from 0.3 to 1 micron in size.
• FPR air filters are sold at Home Depot under the Honeywell brand, and the filter performance rating is based on a number scale from 4 to 10 along with a color-coding system.

Which Filter Should You Buy?

Determining the best rated air filter to use for your HVAC system depends on what you’re wanting to filter out of your home’s indoor air.

• MERV 8, FPR 4-5, 6-7, and MPR 600 and 1000 air filters are best for removing lint, household dust, dust mite debris, mold spores, pet dander, and smoke. About 90% of airborne particles.
• MERV 11, FPR 8-9, and MPR 1500 and 1550 filters can also remove cough and sneeze particles, bacteria, and viruses. About 95% of airborne particles.
• MERV 13, MPR 1500-2800, and FPR 10 will remove candle soot, nebulizer dust, exhaust particles, and ultrafine particles. These filters block approximately 98% of airborne particles.

Call Bruce’s

The key to cleaner indoor air is to install air filter replacements frequently to capture pollutants, decrease your monthly energy bills, and reduce airborne related allergy, asthma, and COPD indoor air triggers. Call Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating professionals today at 480-968-5652 to learn more about what filter may be best for your HVAC system and to schedule service at your home. We’re your locally owned HVAC experts!