Filtrete™ Air Filters - HVAC

3M's Filtrete filters use exclusive 3-in-1 technology to pull in and trap unwanted particles, allowing cleaner air to flow through. Filtrete filters with electrostatic charge act like a magnet to attract and capture microscopic allergens that can pass through fiberglass or non-electrostatic filters. Air is cleaned each time it passes through the filter and the airflow remains strong and can last up to three months before having a pressure drop below that of a brand new competitor filter. Electrostatic filters are most effective when they are new and clean so it's recommended to change the filter at least every three months for maximum effectiveness.

3M created the MPR (microparticle performance rating) to include microscopic particles not visible to the naked eye, something the MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) scale doesn't measure. For 30 years, Filtrete filters have delivered cleaner air to millions of homes, becoming a leader in residential air filtration. MPR and MERV both measure how well a filter works, but they do things differently. Most Filtrete filters (those MPR 300 and above) are pleated with an electrostatic charge that filters media fibers and captures more small particles without restricting airflow. They are available in thicknesses of 1", 4", and 5", heights of 12" through 30", and widths of 10" through 20". Filtrete air filters are offered in both traditional and smart filters.

Resources - Basics of Filtrete™ Air Filters – HVAC Blog

Traditional air filters:

Get maximum filtration with optimal airflow in current HVAC systems. Unlike fiberglass filters, Filtrete brand filters help protect heating and cooling systems and improve indoor air quality by cleaning the air as it passes through the filter.

Smart air filters:

Filtrete smart air filters help take the guesswork out of knowing when it's the right time to make a change. Simply connect the filter to a mobile device via Bluetooth^® and bring the air filtration system into the 21^st century. The app allows active filter life tracking, environmental air quality info, and easy filter replacement ordering.

MPR:

Scientists at 3M believe that MERV only tells part of the story which is why MPR was created. This rating includes microscopic particles not visible to the naked eye. Microparticles (size E1 and E2) are not even measured on the MERV scale until it reaches MERV 11 but Filtrete brand technology makes it possible to capture the tiniest particles (between 0.3 microns and 1 micron in size) including bacteria and viruses through select high-performing filters within the portfolio.

MERV:

MERV is the industry standard for measuring how well a heating and cooling system's filter captures particles. MERV air filter ratings range from 1 (least efficient) to 16 (very efficient) capturability. Many homes use filters with a MERV rating of 1 to 4 which mostly filters out dust, lint, and pollen among other larger, common particles. However, these filters do very little to trap small microparticles.