3M Pro Series Residential Air Cleaning Filters

3M Pro Series residential air cleaning filters utilize electrostatically charged synthetic micro fibers to capture significantly more:

• microscopic allergens
• dust
• smoke
• smog particles
• mold spores
• pet dander

The 4” and 5” thickness 3M PRO Series filters are suitable as a replacement for the electrostatic filters commonly used in households nowadays which create and release ozone into the air and are less effective.

• MERV14 Rating
  3M's Pro Series filtering media meets the MERV 14 rating standard set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). It is the highest MERV rating offered in a residential air cleaning filter for a forced air system.
• Capture the smallest air particles
  Every fiber in a 3M Pro Series filter carries a permanent electrostatic charge to capture micro particles that just pass through old fashioned fiberglass filters. A Pro Series residential filter captures more than 80% of micro particles 0.3 to 1.0 microns in size.
• Maximize air flow
  Each permanently charged synthetic micro fiber also captures more dirt per unit of fiber surface than old style fiberglass media. The result is a very efficient filter with minimized loss of airflow as dirt builds up.
• Extend filter life
  The Pro Series multi-pleat design puts more filter surface area into every filter frame. That means less pressure drop over time so Pro Series filters last longer - up to 12 months depending on filter size and household conditions.

What does MERV measure and what does it mean?
MERV, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, is a numerical value given to filters in order to identify its filtering abilities. This is now an international industry standard set up by the committee that oversees the filter industry. This standard is used for determining the filters ability to capture and hold dirt and dust in specific size ranges. Some filter manufacturers such as 3M use their own rating system, which is not approved as an industry standard.

A human hair is 20-40 microns in size.

MERV ratings are determined by adding particles of varying sizes (1-12) into a controlled testing environment. The particles are added upstream of the test filter and a laser particle counter samples the air before it enters the filter and after it leaves the filter. The two particle counts are compared to calculate the Particle Size Efficiency of the tested filter. Once this is determined, a MERV Parameters chart is used to determine the MERV rating.
MERV ratings range from 1 - 16 and measurements are in microns. Some of the common particles related to MERV ratings are pet dander, insecticide dust, smog, dust, viruses, wood, tobacco smoke, spores, bacteria and pollen.
Some of the most common filters found in residential use only have a MERV rating of 1 to 4. These are typically disposable panel type filters and do not do a good job of filtering the air because they will not stop particles smaller than 10 microns. NOTE: Filters in this range usually are not advertised with any specific MERV rating.

MERV 5 to 8 rated filters are a better choice and are more commonly found in commercial applications. These filters will collect particles as small as 3 microns and are a good choice for home owners also.
Filters with a MERV rating of 9 to 12 are used in commercial and industrial applications and will stop particles in the 1 to 3 micron range. These filters are a great choice for homeowners who want the best dust control possible. When using filters in this group it is important to change them on a regular schedule because if they become heavily loaded with dust they can have a negative impact on equipment performance.

What do filter rating scores indicate?
The filter performance rating system can be used to compare one 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.

• 3M PRO Series Residential Filter Product Data Sheet
• 3M PRO Series Residential Filter - Product Brochure