Can You Add HEPA Filters in Your HVAC System? 

If you’re worried about the indoor air quality in your the U.S. home, HEPA filters are a simple approach to enhance the air your household breathes. 

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

As a result of their powerful filtration performance, HEPA filters are deep and could reduce airflow in some home comfort units. It’s important to talk to a heating and cooling Expert like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing before installing one to avoid damaging your furnace. So, let’s review whether you can add HEPA filters in your HVAC system. 

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

HEPA furnace filters were originally designed to safeguard scientists against radiation as they developed the atomic bomb during World War II. These fiberglass filters have fine mesh that captures many pollutants. Now, these filters are frequently seen in medical centers, science labs and even houses. 

If you tried to use a HEPA filter in your furnace, you’d potentially have issues getting enough air from your vents. This is because your furnace’s blower motor isn’t made to work with such a thick filter. 

What MERV Rating Can My Furnace Use? 

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

Here’s how standard 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. 

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

Generally, the largest rating you can safely have in your furnace is MERV 13, but we recommend consulting 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 residential settings are frequently part of an independent whole-home air filtration system. This unit is installed within your ductwork and runs with your HVAC system. 

To increase filtration power, these systems sometimes include UV germicidal lights and activated carbon filters. Germicidal lights have been shown to dependably eliminate certain viruses in homes under specific airflow circumstances. And activated carbon filters can wipe out most offensive odors, including cooking odors or tobacco smoke. 

What to Look for in a HEPA Filter for Your House 

There are a few different solutions that function 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 contaminants as small as .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 scents. 

Air purification systems are often the complete package, with a hospital-grade MERV 16 filter, germicidal lights and carbon filters. A media air cleaner is just the filter and can offer carbon filtration upgrades. 

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 give you the best results for your home. 

Here are a couple of things to be on the lookout for when getting a filtration system for your home: 

• Provides hospital-grade filtration (MERV 16 and up) 
• Filters particles, bioaerosols and odors 
• Provides filtration for your total residence, not just one area 

• Doesn’t create ozone, which might create respiratory irritation 
• Works with smart thermostats 

If you’re seeking to enhance the indoor air quality in your home, 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 choose the best solution for your home. Contact us at 866-397-3787 right away to request your appointment.