Can You Add HEPA Filters in Your HVAC System? 

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

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

Due to their outstanding filtration capabilities, HEPA filters are dense and could restrict airflow in some home comfort units. It’s crucial 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 review whether or not you can install HEPA filters in your HVAC system. 

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

HEPA furnace filters were primarily designed to protect scientists from radiation as they created the atomic bomb during World War II. These fiberglass filters use very thin mesh that traps the majority of substances. Now, these filters are frequently installed in medical centers, science labs and even residences. 

If you attempted to install a HEPA filter in your furnace, you’d probably have issues having ample air from your vents. This is since your furnace’s blower motor isn’t made to work with such a deep 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 trapping microscopic pollutants. 

Here’s how typical household filters rank: 

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

• Pleated filters—MERV 8. Traps pollen, dust mites and mold. 
• Box filters—MERV 13. Filters pollen, dust mites, mold and some fumes. 

Better ratings, ranging from MERV 14-20, are installed in commercial and medical centers. A HEPA filter usually ranks at MERV 17-20. 

Generally, the biggest rating you can safely have in your furnace is MERV 13, but we suggest 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 frequently installed in a stand-alone whole-home air filtration system. This equipment is installed in your ductwork and runs in partnership with your HVAC system. 

To boost filtration power, some types of these systems come with UV germicidal lights and activated carbon filters. Germicidal lights have been shown to reliably destroy some viruses in residences under particular airflow circumstances. And activated carbon filters can eliminate many strong smells, like cooking smells or tobacco smoke. 

What to Look for in a HEPA Filter for Your Home 

There are a couple of different options that operate alongside 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 contaminants down to .3 micron. These filtration systems often have a multistep filtration process, with a prefilter for big particles, MERV 17 filter for the remaining contaminants and carbon filter for odors. 

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 might come with carbon filtration options. 

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 figure out what will work best for your family. 

Here are several components to look for when considering a filtration system for your home: 

• Offers hospital-grade filtration (MERV 16 and up) 
• Filters particles, bioaerosols and scents 
• Delivers filtration for your complete home, not just one room 

• Doesn’t create ozone, which can create respiratory sensitivity 
• Functions with smart thermostats 

If you’re seeking to increase 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 household’s comfort is our top priority, so we’ll work together to help you find the right solution for your family. Contact us at 866-397-3787 today to book your appointment.