Can You Use HEPA Filters with Your HVAC System? 

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

HEPA, or high-efficiency particulate air, is the top benchmark for air filtration. These filters are typically installed in hospitals, as they remove at baseline 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. These filters can remove microscopic particles from the air including mold, dust and pet dander. 

Because of their strong filtration efficiency, HEPA filters are dense and might reduce airflow in some home comfort systems. It’s critical to call a heating and cooling professional like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning prior to installing one to avoid damaging 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 Purify Air? 

HEPA furnace filters were initially made to protect scientists from radiation as they created the atomic bomb during World War II. These fiberglass filters are made from very thin mesh that captures many contaminants. Now, these filters are typically installed in medical facilities, science labs and even homes. 

If you attempted to install a HEPA filter in your furnace, you’d probably have problems having ample air from your vents. This is because your furnace’s blower motor isn’t engineered to work with such a dense filter. 

What MERV Rating Can My Furnace Work With? 

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

Here’s how common household filters rank: 

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

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

Higher ratings, such as MERV 14-20, are installed in commercial and medical centers. A HEPA filter commonly ranks at MERV 17-20. 

In most cases, the biggest rating you can safely install in your furnace is MERV 13, but we suggest checking 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 part of a stand-alone whole-home air filtration system. This equipment is installed in your ductwork and works in partnership with your HVAC system. 

To improve filtration power, some types of these systems include UV germicidal lights and activated carbon filters. Germicidal lights have been shown to dependably wipe out some viruses in houses under particular airflow situations. And activated carbon filters can get rid of the majority of pungent scents, including cooking odors or tobacco smoke. 

What to Look for in a HEPA Filter for Your House 

There are a few different solutions that work with your HVAC equipment—HEPA filtration systems, air filtration systems and media air cleaners. 

A HEPA filtration system is most effective, with 99.97% efficiency for particles as minuscule as .3 micron. These filtration systems typically have a multistep filtration process, with a prefilter for big particles, MERV 17 filter for the residual contaminants and carbon filter for smells. 

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 may come with carbon filtration upgrades. 

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

Here are a couple of components to check for when considering a filtration system for your home: 

• Provides hospital-grade filtration (MERV 16 and up) 
• Captures pollutants, bioaerosols and smells 
• Gives filtration for your complete house, not merely a lone area 

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

If you’re looking to increase the indoor air quality in your residence, the Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning are here to help with a free, no-obligation home comfort assessment. Your family’s comfort matters to us, so we’ll work together to help you choose the ideal solution for your budget. Contact us at 954-736-4314 today to schedule your appointment.