Can You Install HEPA Filters in Your HVAC System? 

If you’re worried about the indoor air quality in your the U.S. house, HEPA filters are a powerful way to purify the air your household breathes. 

HEPA, or high-efficiency particulate air, is the peak benchmark for air filtration. These filters are often used in medical centers, as they trap at baseline 99.97% of particles as little as 0.3 microns. These filters can capture microscopic substances from the air including mold, dust and pet dander. 

Because of their outstanding filtration performance, HEPA filters are thick and may reduce airflow in some home comfort units. It’s critical to talk to a heating and cooling Expert like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing in advance of installing one to avoid damaging 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 Work? 

HEPA furnace filters were originally produced to safeguard scientists against radiation as they developed the atomic bomb during World War II. These fiberglass filters have fine mesh that catches the majority of pollutants. Today, these filters are often used in medical settings, science labs and even houses. 

If you tried to have a HEPA filter in your furnace, you’d potentially have issues having adequate air from your vents. This is because your furnace’s blower motor isn’t engineered to work with such a deep filter. 

What MERV Rating Can My Furnace Use? 

Filters are ranked by their MERV rating, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The greater the number, the better the filter is at trapping small particles. 

Here’s how typical household filters stack up: 

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

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

Higher ratings, ranging from MERV 14-20, are in use in commercial and medical facilities. A HEPA filter usually ranks at MERV 17-20. 

In most cases, the highest rating you can safely use in your furnace is MERV 13, but we advise consulting with a heating and cooling company like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing first to avoid damaging your furnace. 

HEPA filters in residences are typically installed in a separate whole-home air filtration system. This equipment is placed inside your ductwork and runs alongside your HVAC system. 

To boost filtration power, some models of these systems have UV germicidal lights and activated carbon filters. Germicidal lights have been shown to consistently wipe out some viruses in residences under specific airflow situations. And activated carbon filters can wipe out many pungent odors, like cooking smells or tobacco smoke. 

What to Look for in a HEPA Filter for Your Residence 

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

A HEPA filtration system is most effective, with 99.97% efficiency for pollutants as little as .3 micron. These filtration systems often have a multiple-step filtration process, with a prefilter for larger particles, MERV 17 filter for the residual contaminants and carbon filter for scents. 

Air purification systems are typically the full package, with a hospital-grade MERV 16 filter, germicidal lights and carbon filters. A media air cleaner is just the filter and can have carbon filtration add-ons. 

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

Here are several features to look for when buying a filtration system for your house: 

• Offers hospital-grade filtration (MERV 16 and up) 
• Traps particles, bioaerosols and odors 
• Gives filtration for your whole house, not just a lone area 

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

If you’re seeking to increase the indoor air quality in your residence, the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing 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 choose the ideal solution for your budget. Contact us at 866-397-3787 right away to book your appointment.