Can You Add HEPA Filters in Your HVAC System? 

If you’re concerned about the indoor air quality in your the U.S. residence, HEPA filters are a effective method to freshen the air your family breathes.

HEPA, or high-efficiency particulate air, is the top benchmark for air filtration. These filters are typically used in medical settings, as they filter at baseline 99.97% of particles as tiny as 0.3 microns. These filters can remove microscopic substances from the air including mold, dust and pet dander.

As a result of their outstanding filtration performance, HEPA filters are dense and might lower airflow in some home comfort equipment. It’s essential to talk to a heating and cooling professional like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing before installing one to avoid damage to your furnace. So, let’s discuss whether or not you can use HEPA filters in your HVAC system.

What Is a HEPA Filter and How Does It Purify Air?

HEPA furnace filters were originally designed to protect scientists from radiation as they worked on the atomic bomb during World War II. These fiberglass filters use fine mesh that catches most contaminants. Now, these filters are typically seen in medical centers, science labs and even houses.

If you attempted to install a HEPA filter in your furnace, you’d potentially have issues receiving enough air from your vents. This is since your furnace’s blower motor isn’t made to work with such a thick filter.

What MERV Rating Can My Furnace Use?

Filters are categorized by their MERV rating, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The greater the number, the greater the filter is at capturing microscopic pollutants.

Here’s how common household filters rank:

• • Flat filters—MERV 5. Filters pollen and dust mites.

• • Pleated filters—MERV 8. Traps pollen, dust mites and mold.

• • Box filters—MERV 13. Traps pollen, dust mites, mold and specific fumes.

Greater ratings, such as MERV 14-20, are in use in commercial and medical settings. A HEPA filter usually ranks at MERV 17-20.

In most cases, the largest rating you can safely use in your furnace is MERV 13, but we recommend asking a heating and cooling company like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing beforehand to avoid damaging your furnace.

HEPA filters in residences are frequently part of a separate whole-home air filtration system. This system is secured in your ductwork and filters with your HVAC system.

To increase filtration power, these systems sometimes have UV germicidal lights and activated carbon filters. Germicidal lights have been shown to dependably eliminate certain viruses in homes under particular airflow circumstances. And activated carbon filters can wipe out the majority of strong scents, such as cooking smells or tobacco smoke.

What to Look for in a HEPA Filter for Your Residence

There are a few different options that operate in partnership with your HVAC equipment—HEPA filtration systems, air filtration systems and media air cleaners.

A HEPA filtration system is most effective, with 99.97% efficiency for particles as small as .3 micron. These filtration systems typically have a multiple-step filtration process, with a prefilter for large particles, MERV 17 filter for the leftover pollutants and carbon filter for smells.

Air purification systems are often the full package, with a hospital-grade MERV 16 filter, germicidal lights and carbon filters. A media air cleaner is just the filter and might come with carbon filtration add-ons.

Some of these systems are designed to work with distinct brands, while others are compatible with all brands. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you figure out what will work best in your situation.

Here are a few features to be on the lookout for when getting a filtration system for your home:

• • Delivers hospital-grade filtration (MERV 16 and up)

• • Removes contaminants, bioaerosols and scents

• • Provides filtration for your total home, not only one room

• • Doesn’t produce ozone, which can create respiratory sensitivity

• • Compatible with smart thermostats

If you want to improve the indoor air quality in your house, the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing are here to help with a free, no-obligation home comfort assessment. Your loved ones’ comfort is our top priority, so we’ll work as a team to help you find the ideal solution for your needs. Contact us at 866-397-3787 right away to schedule your appointment.