Can You Use HEPA Filters with Your HVAC System? 

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

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

Due to their outstanding filtration efficiency, HEPA filters are thick and might reduce airflow in some home comfort equipment. It’s critical to call a heating and cooling Expert like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing prior to installing one to avoid damage to your furnace. So, let’s go over whether you can install HEPA filters in your HVAC system.

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

HEPA furnace filters were initially produced to safeguard scientists against radiation as they worked on the atomic bomb during World War II. These fiberglass filters have very thin mesh that traps many substances. Now, these filters are typically seen in medical facilities, science labs and even houses.

If you attempted to have a HEPA filter in your furnace, you’d possibly have issues receiving enough air from your vents. This is because your furnace’s blower motor isn’t made to work with such a dense filter.

What MERV Rating Can My Furnace Work With?

Filters are graded by their MERV rating, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The greater the number, the more effective the filter is at trapping tiny pollutants.

Here’s how common household filters stack up:

    • Flat filters—MERV 5. Filters pollen and dust mites.
    • Pleated filters—MERV 8. Filters pollen, dust mites and mold.
    • Box filters—MERV 13. Traps pollen, dust mites, mold and specific fumes.

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

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

HEPA filters in residences are often installed in a separate whole-home air filtration system. This unit is secured within your ductwork and purifies alongside 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 reliably destroy some viruses in residences under particular airflow circumstances. And activated carbon filters can get rid of most pungent smells, including cooking odors or tobacco smoke.

What to Look for in a HEPA Filter for Your Home

There are a few different options that operate 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 down to .3 micron. These filtration systems often have a multiple-step filtration process, with a prefilter for big particles, MERV 17 filter for the leftover particles 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 can offer carbon filtration options.

Some of these systems are designed to work with certain brands, while others work with all brands. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you decide what will work best in your situation.

Here are several things to check for when getting a filtration system for your family:

    • Offers hospital-grade filtration (MERV 16 and up)
    • Removes pollutants, bioaerosols and scents
    • Gives filtration for your complete house, not just a single space
    • Doesn’t make ozone, which may result in respiratory inflammation

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

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