Is FPR 10 the Same as MERV 13?

The FPR 10 is equivalent to the MERV 13 rating. The FPR rating, or filter performance rating, is a numerical scale from 4 to 10, as well as a color coding system, developed by The Home Depot for brands sold in its stores, including Honeywell. It is very similar to the MERV rating. It is difficult to choose between a MERV rating or an FPR rating, as both are useful, but the FPR may be easier to understand since it uses a more intuitive numbering system.

FPR scores range from one to ten, with ten being the best. A filter with a sufficient MERV rating will capture common household particles such as dust, pollen and mold. The following table explains the relationship between the numerical scales of the MERV rating system and the FPR system:

MERV Rating	FPR Rating
4-7	1-3
8-10	4-5
11-13	6-10

The MERV classification system is universal, making it much easier for homeowners to compare when looking for an air filter. However, using an air filter with a MERV rating that is too high can damage the compressor, heat exchanger and air conditioner coil.

Honeywell's 1-inch standard efficiency filters have a MERV 8 rating, making them an excellent candidate for use in residential, general commercial and industrial workplaces. Household air filters with higher MERV values should also be changed at a higher frequency because of their greater efficiency and ability to capture particles. MERV 13 air filters even provide additional filtration power against fine particles compared to MERV 11 filters. The MPR, or microparticle performance rating similar to the MERV, is a system that rates filters based on their ability to capture airborne particles smaller than 1 micron (or a unit of length equal to one millionth of a meter (3.28 ft)).

The EPA recommends a MERV rating of 9 to 12 because it is the most effective for keeping the air in your home clean. A higher MERV rating improves filtration efficiency by trapping more particles, so a tighter fabric is more effective. The higher the MERV index (between 1 and 1), the more and smaller particles will seep out of the air. However, using an air filter with a MERV rating that is too high can damage the compressor, heat exchanger and air conditioner coil. The higher MERV rating also causes static pressure problems in your home and can overload the system.