Can You Install HEPA Filters in Your HVAC System? 

If you’re worried about the indoor air quality in your the U.S. residence, HEPA filters are a easy approach to enhance the air your household breathes.

HEPA, or high-efficiency particulate air, is the peak standard for air filtration. These filters are frequently installed in medical centers, as they filter at baseline 99.97% of particles as tiny as 0.3 microns. These filters can capture microscopic substances from the air like mold, dust and pet dander.

As a result of their outstanding filtration performance, HEPA filters are dense and may lower airflow in some home comfort systems. It’s critical to contact a heating and cooling Expert like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing in advance of installing one to avoid damaging your furnace. So, let’s discuss whether you can use HEPA filters in your HVAC system.

What Is a HEPA Filter and How Does It Work?

HEPA furnace filters were primarily made to safeguard scientists against radiation as they created the atomic bomb during World War II. These fiberglass filters are made from intricate mesh that catches the majority of contaminants. In modern times, these filters are typically seen in medical facilities, science labs and even homes.

If you attempted to use a HEPA filter in your furnace, you’d more than likely have problems having ample air from your vents. This is since your furnace’s blower motor isn’t engineered to work with such a deep filter.

What MERV Rating Can My Furnace Use?

Filters are graded by their MERV rating, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The higher the number, the more efficient the filter is at trapping microscopic particles.

Here’s how standard household filters are categorized:

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

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

• • Box filters—MERV 13. Captures pollen, dust mites, mold and certain fumes.

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

Normally, the biggest rating you can safely install 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 residential settings are often part of a stand-alone whole-home air filtration system. This equipment is installed inside your ductwork and works with your HVAC system.

To improve filtration power, some models of these systems have UV germicidal lights and activated carbon filters. Germicidal lights have been shown to consistently wipe out certain viruses in homes under particular airflow conditions. And activated carbon filters can eliminate many pungent odors, such as cooking smells or tobacco smoke.

What to Look for in a HEPA Filter for Your House

There are a couple of different solutions that work in partnership with your HVAC unit—HEPA filtration systems, air filtration systems and media air cleaners.

A HEPA filtration system is most effective, with 99.97% efficiency for particles down to .3 micron. These filtration systems often have a multiple-step filtration process, with a prefilter for large particles, MERV 17 filter for the remaining contaminants and carbon filter for odors.

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

Some of these systems are compatible with specific brands, while others are compatible with all brands. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you figure out what will provide you the best results for your home.

Here are a couple of components to be on the lookout for when buying a filtration system for your family:

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

• • Removes contaminants, bioaerosols and smells

• • Delivers filtration for your whole house, not only a lone area

• • Doesn’t produce ozone, which might result in respiratory sensitivity

• • Works with smart thermostats

If you want to improve the indoor air quality in your home, the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing are here to help with a free, no-obligation home comfort assessment. Your household’s comfort matters to us, so we’ll work together to help you discover the best solution for your home. Contact us at 866-397-3787 today to book your appointment.