Understanding FPR: How the Filter Performance Rating System Helps You Choose the Right Home Air Filter

Quick Answer

What Is the Filter Performance Rating (FPR)?

• The Filter Performance Rating (FPR) is a proprietary system developed by The Home Depot to measure how effectively an air filter captures dust, allergens, and microscopic particles.
  
  

• Ratings range from FPR 4 (Good) to FPR 10 (Premium), with higher numbers offering better filtration of fine particles like pet dander, smoke, and bacteria.
  
  

• FPR considers three key factors:
  
  

  • Particle capture efficiency
    
    

  • Filter lifespan
    
    

  • Airflow impact
    
    

• In short: FPR helps homeowners compare filters by performance level — no engineering degree required.

What Is FPR?

The Filter Performance Rating (FPR) system simplifies how consumers choose home air filters. Developed by The Home Depot, it uses a color-coded scale and ratings from 4 to 10 to represent filtration strength and airflow resistance.

• FPR 4 (Green): Basic dust and lint protection.
  
  

• FPR 6 (Blue): Standard protection against dust and pollen.
  
  

• FPR 8 (Purple): Stronger filtration for households with pets or mild allergies.
  
  

• FPR 9–10 (Red/Gold): Premium performance for allergy sufferers and high-sensitivity homes.
  
  

How FPR Compares to MERV and MPR

While MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) and MPR (Microparticle Performance Rating) are widely recognized across brands, FPR simplifies this data into a user-friendly retail scale.

• MERV 8 ≈ FPR 6–7 – Standard home filtration.
  
  

• MERV 11 ≈ FPR 8–9 – Superior allergen control.
  
  

• MERV 13 ≈ FPR 10 – High-efficiency, hospital-grade performance.
  
  

Bottom line: FPR makes filter selection simpler and more visual, especially for homeowners who prefer a quick, side-by-side comparison.

Why FPR Matters

FPR takes the guesswork out of choosing the right filter by considering not just how well a filter traps particles, but also how long it lasts and how it affects system airflow. A higher rating means a denser filter, which captures more contaminants but may reduce airflow if not properly matched to your HVAC system.

4. Choosing the Right FPR for Your Home

• FPR 4–6: Great for renters or homes without pets/allergies.
  
  

• FPR 8–9: Best for families, pet owners, or allergy-prone households.
  
  

• FPR 10: Ideal for high-sensitivity environments or homeowners who prioritize premium air quality.
  
  

Real-World Benefits

Using the right FPR filter means:

• Cleaner indoor air with fewer irritants.
  
  

• Lower energy bills from efficient airflow.
  
  

• Fewer HVAC repairs due to less dust buildup.

Essential Resources on Air Filter Ratings

✅ EPA – Indoor Air Quality Basics
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq
Learn why filter efficiency directly impacts your home’s air quality.

✅ ASHRAE – Understanding MERV Ratings
https://www.ashrae.org
Technical breakdown of air filter standards and their applications.

✅ EnergyStar – Maintaining HVAC Efficiency
https://www.energystar.gov
Explains how clean filters help save energy and improve airflow.

✅ Filterbuy – Comparing FPR, MERV, and MPR Ratings
https://filterbuy.com/resources/
A practical guide for homeowners to understand rating systems side by side.

✅ Home Depot – Filter Performance Rating Guide
https://www.homedepot.com/
Official overview of how FPR ratings work and what they mean for air quality.

✅ CDC – Air Quality and Health
https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/airpollution/indoor_air.htm
Data on how cleaner air reduces allergy and asthma symptoms.

✅ American Lung Association – Benefits of Clean Air
https://www.lung.org/clean-air/at-home
Highlights how improved filtration promotes better respiratory health.

Supporting Statistics

1. Indoor Air Pollution Levels
   
   

   • Americans spend 90% of their time indoors.
     
     

   • Indoor air can be 2–5× more polluted than outdoor air.
     
     

   • Source: EPA
     
     

2. High-Efficiency Filtration Benefits
   
   

   • FPR 9–10 filters capture up to 95% of airborne particles.
     
     

   • Includes dust, pet dander, smoke, and allergens.
     
     

   • Source: ASHRAE
     
     

3. Energy Savings and System Efficiency
   
   

   • Replacing dirty filters reduces HVAC energy use by 5–15%.
     
     

   • Clean filters improve airflow and extend system life.
     
     

   • Source: Energy.gov

Final Thoughts & Opinion

• FPR simplifies filter shopping.
  The Filter Performance Rating (FPR) system makes choosing the right home air filter easier by translating complex data into an easy-to-read scale. It’s especially useful for homeowners who want quick, confident decisions without getting lost in technical specs.
  
  

• Real-world performance matters.
  In our experience at Filterbuy, homeowners who understand their FPR ratings choose smarter filters, leading to cleaner air and better HVAC performance. We’ve seen that even small upgrades — like moving from FPR 6 to FPR 9 — make a visible and breathable difference.
  
  

• Balance is key.
  
  

  • FPR 4–6: Great for light dust and general maintenance.
    
    

  • FPR 8–9: Ideal for families or pet owners.
    
    

  • FPR 10: Perfect for allergy-prone or high-sensitivity homes.
    
    

• Our Perspective:
  After years of testing filters and supporting homeowners, we’ve found that understanding FPR helps prevent both under-filtering and over-spending. The goal isn’t always the “highest number” — it’s the right match for your home’s air quality needs and HVAC system capacity.
  
  

• Bottom Line:
  FPR empowers you to make informed, efficient, and effective choices. When paired with regular replacements, it ensures your home air stays cleaner, fresher, and healthier — every single day.

Next Steps

1. Check Your HVAC Filter Requirements
   
   

   • Confirm your system’s filter size and airflow capacity.
     
     

   • Look for your current filter’s label to identify the specs.
     
     

2. Select the Right FPR Rating
   
   

   • FPR 4–6: Basic protection against dust.
     
     

   • FPR 8–9: Balanced filtration for families and pets.
     
     

   • FPR 10: Maximum defense for allergies and fine particles.
     
     

3. Replace Regularly
   
   

   • Swap filters every 60–90 days.
     
     

   • Replace sooner in high-use or allergy seasons.
     
     

4. Monitor Airflow and Energy Use
   
   

   • Check vents and air circulation monthly.
     
     

   • Clean filters prevent 5–15% energy waste.
     
     

5. Stay Consistent with Maintenance
   
   

   • Set reminders or subscriptions to avoid forgetting.
     
     

   • Keep your air fresh, efficient, and worry-free year-round.