Heating and cooling costs represent a significant portion of your utility bill. Yet, there’s one small feature that keeps your HVAC system working efficiently: your air filter. A dirty furnace filter impedes airflow, making the system work harder than it has to and potentially leading to a breakdown. Professionals recommend switching out air filters seasonally, so if it’s time for a new one, look for the following important terms when purchasing a replacement.

4 HVAC Definitions to Understand for a Furnace Filter Replacement

1. MERV

MERV refers to “minimum efficiency reporting value,” a metric created by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers. You’ll often find this acronym on whole-house filters, which indicates the product’s ability to filter out dust, dander, and other debris. The greater the MERV rating, the finer its filtration abilities. Look for a rating of at least 10 for optimal air quality and HVAC performance.

2. MPR

Created by the international brand 3M, micro-particle performance rating (MPR) is a metric that gauges a filter’s ability to capture tiny, airborne particles smaller than one micron. To put it in perspective, a micron is one-millionth of a meter. Most dust particles are smaller than 5 microns, while tobacco smoke, fumes, and oil aerosols are all smaller than a single micron. Leading filters have MPRs of 1500 to 1900.

3. FPR

Some home improvement retailers have established their own HVAC rating systems to help shoppers easily determine the quality of their filters. Home Depot™, for instance, uses an exclusive Filter Performance Rating (FPR), which is set on a scale of 1 to 10. The higher the number, the better the filter’s ability to catch and trap particles.

4. HEPA

A universal rating, HEPA refers to high-efficiency particulate arresting. HEPA filters, also sometimes referred to as electrostatic filters, use electrical charges to collect particles. With this added capability, they can significantly reduce the amount of dust circulating through heating systems, and therefore, the home overall. For individuals with allergies, asthma, or chronic lung conditions, these solutions may be beneficial.

Whether you’re wondering which filter is best for your heating system or you’re seeking prompt HVAC service to get your heating or air conditioning back up and running, Wright Heating & Cooling has you covered. With 24/7 emergency service as well as standard maintenance, repairs, and installations, this team is Franklin Township, OH’s trusted source for residential and commercial comfort solutions. Send them a message online or call (330) 673-3507 to contact one of their professionals.