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 great method to freshen the air your family breathes. 

HEPA, or high-efficiency particulate air, is the peak measure for air filtration. These filters are typically in use in medical settings, as they filter at least 99.97% of particles as little as 0.3 microns. These filters can trap microscopic particles from the air like mold, dust and pet dander. 

On account of their outstanding filtration capabilities, HEPA filters are dense and might restrict airflow in some home comfort systems. It’s important to contact a heating and cooling Expert like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing before installing one to prevent 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 Purify Air? 

HEPA furnace filters were initially designed to safeguard scientists against radiation as they created the atomic bomb during World War II. These fiberglass filters are made from intricate mesh that captures most substances. In modern times, these filters are often installed in medical settings, science labs and even homes. 

If you attempted to install a HEPA filter in your furnace, you’d possibly have issues having adequate air from your vents. This is since your furnace’s blower motor isn’t engineered to work with such a thick filter. 

What MERV Rating Can My Furnace Handle? 

Filters are ranked by their MERV rating, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The bigger the number, the better the filter is at capturing small substances. 

Here’s how standard household filters rank: 

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

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

Greater ratings, such as MERV 14-20, are in use in commercial and medical facilities. A HEPA filter usually ranks at MERV 17-20. 

In most cases, the largest rating you can safely install in your furnace is MERV 13, but we recommend checking with a heating and cooling company like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing beforehand to keep clear of damage to your furnace. 

HEPA filters in homes are typically used in a separate whole-home air filtration system. This unit is placed within your ductwork and works in partnership with your HVAC system. 

To enhance filtration power, these systems sometimes have UV germicidal lights and activated carbon filters. Germicidal lights have been shown to dependably eliminate certain viruses in homes under particular airflow situations. And activated carbon filters can get rid of many strong scents, such as cooking odors or tobacco smoke. 

What to Look for in a HEPA Filter for Your House 

There are a few different options that operate 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 contaminants as small as .3 micron. These filtration systems sometimes have a combined filtration process, with a prefilter for big particles, MERV 17 filter for the residual pollutants and carbon filter for odors. 

Air purification systems are typically the total 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 distinct brands, while others work 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 things to be on the lookout for when buying a filtration system for your house: 

• Provides hospital-grade filtration (MERV 16 and up) 
• Captures pollutants, bioaerosols and smells 
• Provides filtration for your total home, not merely a lone space 

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

If you’re seeking to boost the indoor air quality in your residence, the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing are here to provide support with a free, no-obligation home comfort assessment. Your household’s comfort is important to us, so we’ll work with you to help you discover the best solution for your home. Contact us at 866-397-3787 today to schedule your appointment.