Can You Add HEPA Filters in Your HVAC System? 

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

HEPA, or high-efficiency particulate air, is the gold standard for air filtration. These filters are frequently in use in medical settings, as they filter at least 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. These filters can remove microscopic pollutants from the air including mold, dust and pet dander.

Due to their powerful filtration capabilities, HEPA filters are dense and can restrict airflow in some home comfort equipment. It’s important to talk to a heating and cooling professional like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing prior to installing one to prevent damage to your furnace. So, let’s review if you can add HEPA filters in your HVAC system.

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

HEPA furnace filters were initially designed to defend scientists against radiation as they developed the atomic bomb during World War II. These fiberglass filters have fine mesh that traps most pollutants. Now, these filters are often used in medical centers, science labs and even houses.

If you tried to use a HEPA filter in your furnace, you’d possibly have issues having adequate air from your vents. This is because your furnace’s blower motor isn’t designed 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 catching small pollutants.

Here’s how standard household filters stack up:

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

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

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

Greater ratings, such as MERV 14-20, are installed in commercial and medical centers. 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 advise asking a heating and cooling company like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing first to keep clear of damage to your furnace.

HEPA filters in homes are commonly used in an independent whole-home air filtration system. This system is installed within your ductwork and filters with your HVAC system.

To boost filtration power, some types 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 situations. And activated carbon filters can eliminate many pungent odors, like cooking scents or tobacco smoke.

What to Look for in a HEPA Filter for Your Home

There are a few different solutions that function 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 as small as .3 micron. These filtration systems sometimes have a multiple-step filtration process, with a prefilter for big particles, MERV 17 filter for the remaining pollutants and carbon filter for smells.

Air purification systems are typically the complete package, with a hospital-grade MERV 16 filter, germicidal lights and carbon filters. A media air cleaner includes the filter and can come with carbon filtration add-ons.

Some of these systems are compatible with specific brands, while others can be used with all brands. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you determine what will provide you the best results in your situation.

Here are a couple of features to look for when getting a filtration system for your family:

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

• • Traps particles, bioaerosols and smells

• • Delivers filtration for your whole home, not merely a lone area

• • Doesn’t create ozone, which could result in respiratory irritation

• • Compatible with smart thermostats

If you’re looking to boost the indoor air quality in your residence, 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 important to us, so we’ll work as a team to help you choose the ideal solution for your home. Contact us at 866-397-3787 now to request your appointment.