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Understanding Air Filter MPR and its Impact on Home Air Quality
When it comes to helping to maintain indoor air quality in your home, not all filters are created equal. The Microparticle Performance Rating (MPR), developed by Filtrete™ Brand, plays a crucial role in determining how effective your air filter will be at capturing airborne particles. But what is the MPR rating? And more importantly, what MPR filter is helping the most to capture particles? This guide dives deep into everything you need to know about home air filter MPR levels and how they impact indoor air quality.
What does MPR mean?
The Microparticle Performance Rating, or MPR, measures an air filter’s ability to capture the tiniest particles between 0.3 and 1 micron in size contained in the air passing through the filter. That’s really small — much smaller than the average strand of human hair, which is about 70 microns in diameter. In other words, a strand of hair is nearly 70 times larger than the largest fine particle.¹
“Microscopic particles are what comprise the majority of the particles in the air,” said Kelsey Hei, 3M senior application engineer. “Large size particles are a higher density, so they’re going to fall to the ground relatively quickly. Microscopic particles [like bacteria and viruses] are what linger in the air the longest.”
Why MPR and not MERV?
Simply put, MPR means more. “MPR is MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values), but better,” Hei said. “We test to MERV, so we follow the exact industry standard. Not only do we capture what is required by the standard, but we also go beyond that and capture what is important to consumers and capture what is mostly in the air.”
When you buy a Filtrete™ Air Filter, you benefit daily from electrostatic technology, which causes the filter to act like a magnet, capturing large and small airborne particles and allergens.
“What I wish people would understand is the value that they get with MPR vs. MERV,” Hei added.
Why do MPR ratings matter?
Filters with a higher MPR rating have a greater capacity to capture small, unwanted particles like allergens, smoke and more. Therefore, understanding and selecting the right air filter MPR can help improve your home’s air quality.
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Choosing the right MPR for your home.
The question of “What MPR filter do I need?” is common among homeowners. The answer largely depends on your individual needs and concerns about indoor air quality. Here’s a breakdown to help guide your decision:
Good filtration: MPR 300 to 700
If you’re looking for general air filtration, selecting a Filtrete™ Air Filter with an MPR of 300 to 700 can be sufficient. These filters are capable of capturing large airborne particles such as dust, lint and pollen. Pet owners, take note: This level does not capture pet dander. For that and more, you have to level up!
Better filtration: MPR 800 to 1085
Allergen defense filters, including Filtrete™ MPR 1000 Allergen Defense Air Filters and Filtrete™ MPR 1200 Allergen Reduction Defense Air Filters can capture even more particles. This level is the better option if you want to capture lint, household dust, dust mite debris, mold spores, pollen and pet dander.
Best filtration: MPR 1500 to 2800
Households seeking the highest level of air filtration should look for our Healthy Living Filters, which include our Filtrete™ Smart Filters enabled with BluetoothⓇ sensors. These premium filters excel at capturing microscopic particles, including allergens, bacteria and viruses. Bonus: Many Filtrete™ Air Filters at this MPR level are also CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendlyⓇ.
Benefits beyond air quality.
Improving your home air quality goes beyond your personal well-being. Efficient air filters can also extend the life of your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems by reducing the dust and debris that can accumulate and hinder performance. As such, buying the right air filter with an appropriate MPR is a valuable investment.
Shop with confidence.
Understanding the details of an air filter’s MPR and its significance to home air quality is the first step toward creating a healthier home environment.
Whether you’re mitigating allergens or simply looking to improve the overall freshness of your air, selecting the correct MPR rating can make all the difference. Remember, when it comes to air filters, MPR means more — more efficiency, more particle capture and more peace of mind.
Navigate the air filter aisle with confidence, knowing exactly what MPR to look for and breathe easier in the knowledge that your home has the optimal filter for your needs.
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