Filtrete MPR 1200 Odor Reduction Air Filter
The 3M Filtrete™ 1200 Odor Reduction Filter includes activated carbon to remove household odors, such as pet odors, cooking odors, musty mildew smells, vapors from cleaning products, and tobacco smoke. Activated carbon works in conjunction with 3M's electrostatically charged filter media, which attracts and traps dust, dander, pollen, mold spores and other airborne allergens and particles that pass through the filter. The Odor Reduction filter carries a 3M Microparticulate Performance Rating of 1200 MPR (roughly equivalent to MERV 11). 1" thick filter is available in 4 standard sizes, and lasts for 3 months, with normal use. Box contains one (1) 3M Filtrete™ 1200 Odor Reduction Filter (gray package).
Note: | 3M recently discontinued its Filtrete™ Pet Odor Reduction Filter, which is now known as the 3M Filtrete™ Odor Reduction Filter, described above. This filter was previously called the Filtrete™ Home Odor Reduction Filter, but 3M recently changed its name and packaging. We apologize for any confusion. |
Features:
- High Performance 3M™ Filtrete activated carbon furnace filter removes household odors, gases and particles
- 3M's best filter for removing both particles and odors, while maintaining good airflow
- Activated carbon filters out offensive household smells from pets, cooking, cleaning products, smoke, and more
- Electrostatically charged filter media traps airborne particles, like dust, allergens, bacteria and viruses
- Carries a 3M Microparticulate Performance Rating (MPR) of 1200 (equivalent to a MERV 11 rating)
- Replace every 3 months, depending on use
- For residential use only
- Available in 4 sizes:
- 16 x 20 x 1"
- 16 x 25 x 1"
- 20 x 20 x 1"
- 20 x 25 x 1"
American Lung Association Health House® Program
Indoor air quality has become a major health concern because so much time is spent indoors both at home and at work. The American Lung Association Health House® Program was formed with the mission of “Providing a foundation for Healthier Indoor Environments.”
- John L. Kirkwood, President and CEO of the American Lung Association, says, “Keeping the air in your home clean is particularly important for people with asthma or allergies, but the quality of indoor air is something all Americans should be concerned about.”
- In addition, Dr. Ian Greaves of the American Lung Association Health House® program says, “Using furnace filters that meet American Lung Association Health House indoor air quality guidelines and replacing them according to manufacturer’s instructions will help reduce levels of pollen, pet dander, smoke and other particles that can trigger or exacerbate allergy and asthma attacks and other potentially serious health problems.”
- 3M works as an educational partner with American Lung Association Health House®, where 3M Filtrete™ filters are used in Health House national demonstration sites. Under the banner of this partnership, 3M has compiled these useful Tips on Creating a Healthier Home.
What is MPR?
MPR (Microparticulate Performance Rating) is a system developed by 3M to rate the ability of its residential-use 3M Filtrete™ filters to capture tiny airborne particles (between 0.3 and 1 micron in size) from the air that passes through these filters. According to 3M, particles can include fine dust, smoke, smog, bacteria, pet dander, pollen, dust mite debris, mold spores, and other particulates. 3M developed the system to help consumers compare different Filtrete filters based on the filtration level needed. The higher the MPR number, the better the 3M Filtrete filter is at capturing very small particles. So, for example, a Filtrete filter with an MPR of 1500 is better at capturing small particles than one with an MPR of 1000.
What is MERV?
MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) is also a rating system, initially developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (known as ASHRAE) to measure the filtration performance of whole-house or building air purification systems. It, too, measures the ability of a filter to capture particles, but typically these are particles of a larger size (in the range of 0.3 to 10 microns). MERV ratings are on a scale of 1 to 16 (sometimes extended to 20), and are reputed to represent the worst case performance of a given filter, under test conditions. Like MPR, the higher the MERV rating, the better the filter is at capturing smaller particles that pass through it.
How does 3M's MPR rating compare to MERV?
As described above, MPR differs from MERV. The MERV system measures a filter’s ability to capture large particles. The MPR system only takes into account microscopic particles between 0.3 and 1 micron because these are the particle sizes that most affect allergy sufferers and those with sensitivities. While there is no official comparison of ratings available between the two systems, unofficially, the industry reports:
3M Filtrete 1" Air Filter | MPR Rating | MERV Rating |
• Odor Reduction (gray package) | 1200 | 11 |
• Ultra Allergen (purple package) | 1500 | 11 |
• Ultimate Allergen (deep blue package) | 1900 | 12 |
• Elite Allergen (black package) | 2200 | 12 |
To Install the 3M Filtrete™ Odor Reduction Filter in your HVAC system:
Be sure to read and follow all the instructions provided on the filter's packaging.
- Remove plastic wrap and paper insert inside packaging. Do NOT cut or remove the filter's cardboard frame.
- Insert filter into the opening in your HVAC system with the arrow on the filter's cardboard frame pointing towards the blower motor.
- 3M Filtrete recommends that you change this furnace filter every 3 months.
- Note: If you run your HVAC fan continuously to maximize the reduction of particles in the air, you may need to change the furnace filter more often.