Can You Use HEPA Filters with Your HVAC System? 

If you’re worried about the indoor air quality in your Fort Lauderdale house, HEPA filters are a easy approach to freshen the air your family breathes. 

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

Because of their strong filtration performance, HEPA filters are deep and may restrict airflow in some home comfort systems. It’s crucial to contact a heating and cooling pro like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning prior to installing one to avoid damage to your furnace. So, let’s discuss 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 initially produced to safeguard scientists against radiation as they worked on the atomic bomb during World War II. These fiberglass filters are made from intricate mesh that traps many pollutants. Now, these filters are often seen in medical centers, science labs and even residences. 

If you made an attempt to install a HEPA filter in your furnace, you’d potentially have trouble having adequate air from your vents. This is because your furnace’s blower motor isn’t engineered to work with such a thick filter. 

What MERV Rating Can My Furnace Use? 

Filters are graded by their MERV rating, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The higher the number, the greater the filter is at capturing microscopic pollutants. 

Here’s how standard household filters stack up: 

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

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

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

Generally, the largest rating you can safely have in your furnace is MERV 13, but we advise checking with a heating and cooling company like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning beforehand to avoid damaging your furnace. 

HEPA filters in residential settings are frequently installed in a separate whole-home air filtration system. This equipment is secured in your ductwork and operates in partnership with your HVAC system. 

To boost filtration power, some models of these systems include UV germicidal lights and activated carbon filters. Germicidal lights have been shown to reliably wipe out some viruses in houses under specific airflow circumstances. And activated carbon filters can get rid of most 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 work in partnership with your HVAC system—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 sometimes have a multiple-step filtration process, with a prefilter for large particles, MERV 17 filter for the leftover particles and carbon filter for scents. 

Air purification systems are often the total package, with a hospital-grade MERV 16 filter, germicidal lights and carbon filters. A media air cleaner is just the filter and may come with carbon filtration add-ons. 

Some of these systems are created to work with distinct brands, while others work with all brands. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help you determine what will provide you the best results for your home. 

Here are several features to look for when getting a filtration system for your residence: 

• Offers hospital-grade filtration (MERV 16 and up) 
• Filters pollutants, bioaerosols and odors 
• Delivers filtration for your whole home, not just a lone room 

• Doesn’t make ozone, which might cause respiratory inflammation 
• Compatible with smart thermostats 

If you’re seeking to improve the indoor air quality in your home, the Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning are here to assist you with a free, no-obligation home comfort assessment. Your family’s comfort is important to us, so we’ll work as a team to help you discover the best solution for your home. Contact us at 954-736-4314 today to get your appointment.