Can You Add HEPA Filters in Your HVAC System? 

If you’re thinking about the indoor air quality in your Fort Lauderdale residence, 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 frequently installed in hospitals, as they remove at minimum 99.97% of particles as little as 0.3 microns. These filters can capture microscopic substances from the air like mold, dust and pet dander. 

On account of their powerful filtration efficiency, HEPA filters are dense and might reduce airflow in some home comfort units. It’s crucial to call a heating and cooling pro like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning before installing one to avoid damage to your furnace. So, let’s discuss whether you can install HEPA filters in your HVAC system. 

What Is a HEPA Filter and How Does It Work? 

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

If you attempted to use a HEPA filter in your furnace, you’d more than likely have problems getting adequate air from your vents. This is since your furnace’s blower motor isn’t made to work with such a deep filter. 

What MERV Rating Can My Furnace Handle? 

Filters are classified by their MERV rating, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The greater the number, the greater the filter is at catching tiny particles. 

Here’s how common household filters are categorized: 

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

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

Greater ratings, ranging from MERV 14-20, are in use in commercial and medical settings. A HEPA filter typically ranks at MERV 17-20. 

Generally, the biggest rating you can safely install in your furnace is MERV 13, but we recommend consulting with a heating and cooling company like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning first to keep clear of damage to your furnace. 

HEPA filters in residences are typically installed in a stand-alone whole-home air filtration system. This unit is placed within your ductwork and runs in partnership with your HVAC system. 

To increase filtration power, some models of these systems have UV germicidal lights and activated carbon filters. Germicidal lights have been shown to reliably destroy certain viruses in homes under certain airflow conditions. And activated carbon filters can eliminate most pungent odors, including cooking smells or tobacco smoke. 

What to Look for in a HEPA Filter for Your Residence 

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

A HEPA filtration system provides the greatest effectiveness, with 99.97% efficiency for pollutants as small as .3 micron. These filtration systems often have a combined filtration process, with a prefilter for big particles, MERV 17 filter for the leftover contaminants and carbon filter for odors. 

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

Some of these systems are designed to work with certain brands, while others are compatible with all brands. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help you determine what will work best for your family. 

Here are a couple of things to check for when getting a filtration system for your home: 

• Offers hospital-grade filtration (MERV 16 and up) 
• Traps contaminants, bioaerosols and odors 
• Provides filtration for your whole residence, not just one area 

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

If you want to enhance the indoor air quality in your home, the Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning are here to provide support with a free, no-obligation home comfort assessment. Your family’s comfort matters to us, so we’ll work as a team to help you find the ideal solution for your family. Contact us at 954-736-4314 now to request your appointment.