What do filter rating scores indicate?
The furnace filter performance rating system can be used to compare one furnace filter to another and describes a filter’s ability to remove particles from the air. The HVAC, (Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning) industry uses ASHRAE 52.2 testing, which assigns a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV). A larger MERV number means better filtration. The Filtrete Advanced Allergen, Filtrete Ultra Allergen, Filtrete Micro Allergen, and Filtrete Dust & Pollen are rated as MERV 12, MERV 11, MERV 11 and, MERV 8, respectively. 3M highlights the portion of the ASHRAE 52.2 test that focuses on sub-micron particles with its own performance rating. The furnace filters above receive 1500, 1250, 1000 and 600 ratings, respectively.
