Can You Use HEPA Filters with Your HVAC System? 

If you’re concerned about the indoor air quality in your the U.S. house, HEPA filters are a powerful way to improve the air your loved ones breathe.

HEPA, or high-efficiency particulate air, is the peak benchmark for air filtration. These filters are typically installed in hospitals, as they trap at least 99.97% of particles as tiny as 0.3 microns. These filters can remove microscopic pollutants from the air including mold, dust and pet dander.

Because of their powerful filtration capabilities, HEPA filters are deep and might lower airflow in some home comfort systems. It’s crucial to talk to a heating and cooling pro like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing prior to installing one to avoid damage to your furnace. So, let’s go over if you can add HEPA filters in your HVAC system.

What Is a HEPA Filter and How Does It Work?

HEPA furnace filters were initially produced to protect scientists from radiation as they worked on the atomic bomb during World War II. These fiberglass filters have fine mesh that captures many contaminants. Now, these filters are frequently used in medical facilities, science labs and even residences.

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 made to work with such a deep filter.

What MERV Rating Can My Furnace Work With?

Filters are graded by their MERV rating, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The higher the number, the more efficient the filter is at capturing small substances.

Here’s how common household filters rank:

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

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

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

Greater ratings, ranging from MERV 14-20, are in use in commercial and medical settings. A HEPA filter commonly ranks at MERV 17-20.

In most cases, the highest 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 keep clear of damage to your furnace.

HEPA filters in residences are commonly part of an independent whole-home air filtration system. This system is installed in your ductwork and filters in partnership with your HVAC system.

To enhance filtration power, some models of these systems have UV germicidal lights and activated carbon filters. Germicidal lights have been shown to dependably wipe out select viruses in houses under specific airflow circumstances. And activated carbon filters can get rid of most offensive scents, such as cooking smells or tobacco smoke.

What to Look for in a HEPA Filter for Your Home

There are a few different styles that operate alongside 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 little as .3 micron. These filtration systems often have a multiple-step filtration process, with a prefilter for big particles, MERV 17 filter for the remaining pollutants and carbon filter for odors.

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

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

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)

• • Filters pollutants, bioaerosols and scents

• • Delivers filtration for your complete house, not merely one room

• • Doesn’t create ozone, which might cause respiratory inflammation

• • Functions with smart thermostats

If you’re seeking 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 discover the ideal solution for your needs. Contact us at 866-397-3787 right away to schedule your appointment.