3M Filtrete 1" Air Filters Comparison Chart:

	Basic Dust	Dust Reduction	Micro Allergen Defense	Allergen Defense Odor Reduction	Ultra Allergen	Ultimate Allergen	Elite Allergen	Ultrafine Particle Reduction
Description:	Entry Level	Basic	Good	Good	Better	Better	Best	Best
Available in:	9 sizes	7 sizes	33 sizes	10 sizes	30 sizes	21 sizes	7 sizes	7 sizes
* MPR Rating:	300	600	1000	1200	1500	1900	2200	2800
MERV Rating:	5	7	11	11	12	13	13	14
** Efficiency:	34%	55%	88%	88%	90%	95%	96%	97%
Pressure Drop:	0.23	0.24	0.23	0.26	0.22	0.19	0.21	0.26
Captures:	Large allergens: household dust and lint.	Large allergens: household dust, pollen, dust-mite debris, and lint.	Large allergens: household dust, pollen, dust-mite debris, mold spores, and pet dander. Small allergens: smoke, smog, and bacteria.	Home odors caused by: pets, tobacco smoke, cooking, mildew and cleaning chemicals. Large allergens: household dust, pollen, dust-mite debris, mold spores, and pet dander. Small allergens: smoke, smog, and bacteria.	Large allergens: household dust, pollen, dust-mite debris, mold spores, and pet dander. Small allergens: smoke, smog, bacteria, and particles that can carry viruses.	Large allergens: household dust, pollen, dust-mite debris, mold spores, and pet dander. Small allergens: smoke, smog, bacteria, particles that can carry viruses, and particles that can carry odors.	Large allergens: household dust, pollen, dust-mite debris, mold spores, and pet dander. Small allergens: smoke, smog, bacteria, particles that can carry viruses, and particles that can carry odors.	Large allergens: household dust, pollen, dust-mite debris, mold spores, and pet dander. Small allergens: smoke, smog, bacteria, particles that can carry viruses, and particles that can carry odors.
Summary:	Most economical Filtrete Filter available	Best value in a 1" Filtrete Filter	Most economical "High-Performance" Filter	Most effective odor-reducing carbon Filter	High-Performance Filter with low pressure drop	Enhanced High-Performance Filter with lowest pressure drop available	Premium High-Performance Filter with low pressure drop, available in select sizes	The absolute best quality filter, available in select sizes

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About 3M Filtrete 1" Air Filters:

3M Filtrete filters contain electrostatically charged filter media made of polypropylene and polyolefin plastic, and capture particles that measure between 0.3 - 10 microns in size. The electrostatic properties cause the filter to act like a magnet, helping it to attract both large and small particles into the filter's pleated fabric. 3M Filtrete filters (MPR 600 or higher), when clean and new, outperform all other fiberglass, washable and non-electrostatic 1" residential air filters.

MERV and 3M Performance Rating:

MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) is a number from 1 to 16 produced from an air filtration test designed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). The MERV rating is designed to help you compare the effectiveness of various air filters, with a higher MERV rating indicating better filtration performance. 3M also produces their own independent ratings which focus instead on a filter's ability to capture the smallest particles and allergens measured in the ASHRAE test. Using particle data between 0.3 and 1.0 microns in size, the Microparticle Performance Rating (MPR) is 3M's way of demonstrating their filter's superiority at capturing the smallest microscopic particles. A higher MPR rating indicates a more effective 3M Filtrete filter.

Recommended Replacement:

Filtrete filters should be replaced at least once every three months. If a Filtrete furnace filter remains in use longer than three months, it may begin to restrict airflow. In addition, certain conditions in your home will significantly add particles to the air causing the filter to capture more particles than usual. This will shorten the filter life to less than three months and reduce the effectiveness of the filter to capture particles. These conditions include: Dirty Ductwork, Construction Work, Sanding Projects, Pets, Burning Candles, Tobacco Smoke and Fireplace/Wood-Burning Stove Smoke. In addition, running your furnace or air conditioning fan continuously will help clean the air in your home but could further shorten the life of the filter. So, if you use a Filtrete filter under these conditions, it could begin to restrict airflow, especially in energy efficient furnace and air conditioning systems. In these cases, change the filter more frequently.

To determine when the filter needs to be changed, hold the filter up to a light source. If you cannot see any light through the filter, it should be changed even if it has been used less than 3 months.