Can You Use HEPA Filters with Your HVAC System? 

If you’re concerned about the indoor air quality in your Fort Lauderdale residence, HEPA filters are a effective way to enhance the air your loved ones breathe. 

HEPA, or high-efficiency particulate air, is the gold benchmark for air filtration. These filters are frequently used in hospitals, as they trap at least 99.97% of particles as tiny as 0.3 microns. These filters can trap microscopic pollutants from the air including mold, dust and pet dander. 

On account of their strong filtration efficiency, HEPA filters are dense and may reduce airflow in some home comfort units. It’s critical to talk to a heating and cooling professional like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning prior to installing one to avoid damaging your furnace. So, let’s review whether you can use HEPA filters in your HVAC system. 

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

HEPA furnace filters were initially made to safeguard scientists against radiation as they worked on the atomic bomb during World War II. These fiberglass filters use fine mesh that captures the majority of substances. Today, these filters are frequently used in medical facilities, science labs and even residences. 

If you tried to install a HEPA filter in your furnace, you’d potentially have issues receiving 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 Work With? 

Filters are graded by their MERV rating, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The higher the number, the more efficient the filter is at trapping tiny substances. 

Here’s how typical household filters stack up: 

• Flat filters—MERV 5. Captures 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 installed in commercial and medical facilities. A HEPA filter commonly ranks at MERV 17-20. 

Generally, the largest rating you can safely install in your furnace is MERV 13, but we advise 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 homes are typically installed in a stand-alone whole-home air filtration system. This system is installed within your ductwork and filters in partnership with your HVAC system. 

To enhance filtration power, some types of these systems have UV germicidal lights and activated carbon filters. Germicidal lights have been shown to reliably wipe out certain viruses in houses under particular airflow situations. And activated carbon filters can eliminate the majority of pungent odors, like cooking smells or tobacco smoke. 

What to Look for in a HEPA Filter for Your House 

There are a few 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 particles as small as .3 micron. These filtration systems often have a multiple-step filtration process, with a prefilter for big particles, MERV 17 filter for the remaining particles and carbon filter for odors. 

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 come with carbon filtration upgrades. 

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

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

• Provides hospital-grade filtration (MERV 16 and up) 
• Removes pollutants, bioaerosols and scents 
• Gives filtration for your complete residence, not only one room 

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

If you want to boost the indoor air quality in your house, the Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning are here to provide support with a free, no-obligation home comfort assessment. Your household’s comfort is important to us, so we’ll work as a team to help you choose the right solution for your budget. Contact us at 954-736-4314 right away to get your appointment.