Can You Install HEPA Filters in Your HVAC System? 

If you’re concerned about the indoor air quality in your Fort Lauderdale house, HEPA filters are a powerful method to improve the air your loved ones breathe. 

HEPA, or high-efficiency particulate air, is the peak benchmark for air filtration. These filters are typically used in hospitals, as they trap at baseline 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. 

On account of their outstanding filtration efficiency, HEPA filters are deep and could restrict airflow in some home comfort systems. It’s crucial to talk to a heating and cooling professional like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning prior to installing one to prevent damage to your furnace. So, let’s review whether or not you can add HEPA filters in your HVAC system. 

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

HEPA furnace filters were primarily made to defend scientists against radiation as they worked on the atomic bomb during World War II. These fiberglass filters have very thin mesh that traps many contaminants. Today, these filters are frequently seen in medical centers, science labs and even homes. 

If you tried to have a HEPA filter in your furnace, you’d possibly have trouble receiving adequate air from your vents. This is due to the fact your furnace’s blower motor isn’t engineered to work with such a deep 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 more efficient the filter is at capturing small pollutants. 

Here’s how common household filters are categorized: 

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

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

Higher ratings, like MERV 14-20, are used in commercial and medical settings. A HEPA filter commonly ranks at MERV 17-20. 

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

HEPA filters in residential settings are commonly used in a separate whole-home air filtration system. This system is placed within your ductwork and purifies 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 consistently eliminate select viruses in homes under particular airflow situations. And activated carbon filters can get rid of most strong smells, such as cooking smells or tobacco smoke. 

What to Look for in a HEPA Filter for Your Residence 

There are several different solutions that operate with your HVAC unit—HEPA filtration systems, air filtration systems and media air cleaners. 

A HEPA filtration system provides the greatest 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 pollutants and carbon filter for smells. 

Air purification systems are often the full package, with a hospital-grade MERV 16 filter, germicidal lights and carbon filters. A media air cleaner is only the filter and may have carbon filtration upgrades. 

Some of these systems are compatible with distinct brands, while others can be used with all brands. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help you determine what will give you the best results for your home. 

Here are a couple of things to look for when considering a filtration system for your home: 

• Provides hospital-grade filtration (MERV 16 and up) 
• Filters particles, bioaerosols and smells 
• Delivers filtration for your complete residence, not only a single space 

• Doesn’t produce 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 are here to help with a free, no-obligation home comfort assessment. Your family’s comfort is our top priority, so we’ll work together to help you discover the right solution for your needs. Contact us at 954-736-4314 today to get your appointment.