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 enhance the air your household breathes.

HEPA, or high-efficiency particulate air, is the gold benchmark for air filtration. These filters are often used in medical settings, as they remove at minimum 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. These filters can trap microscopic pollutants from the air like mold, dust and pet dander.

Because of their powerful filtration performance, HEPA filters are dense and could lower airflow in some home comfort systems. It’s essential to contact a heating and cooling professional like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing in advance of installing one to avoid damaging your furnace. So, let’s go over whether or not you can use HEPA filters in your HVAC system.

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

HEPA furnace filters were originally produced to safeguard scientists against radiation as they created the atomic bomb during World War II. These fiberglass filters are made from very thin mesh that traps the majority of pollutants. Today, these filters are often used in medical facilities, science labs and even houses.

If you made an attempt to use a HEPA filter in your furnace, you’d probably have issues having adequate air from your vents. This is due to the fact your furnace’s blower motor isn’t engineered to work with such a thick filter.

What MERV Rating Can My Furnace Work With?

Filters are classified by their MERV rating, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The bigger the number, the better the filter is at trapping microscopic pollutants.

Here’s how common household filters rank:

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

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

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

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

Normally, the largest rating you can safely install in your furnace is MERV 13, but we advise checking with a heating and cooling company like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing first to prevent damage to your furnace.

HEPA filters in residential settings are frequently used in a separate whole-home air filtration system. This system is installed within your ductwork and works with your HVAC system.

To increase filtration power, some types of these systems come with UV germicidal lights and activated carbon filters. Germicidal lights have been shown to consistently destroy certain viruses in houses under specific airflow conditions. And activated carbon filters can wipe out the majority of offensive odors, including cooking smells or tobacco smoke.

What to Look for in a HEPA Filter for Your Residence

There are a few different solutions that operate with your HVAC system—HEPA filtration systems, air filtration systems and media air cleaners.

A HEPA filtration system delivers the highest effectiveness, 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 larger particles, MERV 17 filter for the remaining pollutants and carbon filter for scents.

Air purification systems are typically the full package, with a hospital-grade MERV 16 filter, germicidal lights and carbon filters. A media air cleaner is only the filter and may offer carbon filtration options.

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

Here are several features to check for when getting a filtration system for your house:

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

• • Traps contaminants, bioaerosols and smells

• • Gives filtration for your whole home, not merely a single area

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

• • Compatible with smart thermostats

If you’re seeking to enhance 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 matters to us, so we’ll work as a team to help you choose the best solution for your home. Contact us at 866-397-3787 right away to book your appointment.