Can You Add HEPA Filters in Your HVAC System? 

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

HEPA, or high-efficiency particulate air, is the top measure for air filtration. These filters are frequently used in hospitals, as they remove at baseline 99.97% of particles as little as 0.3 microns. These filters can trap microscopic substances from the air such as mold, dust and pet dander. 

Because of their strong filtration capabilities, HEPA filters are deep and could reduce airflow in some home comfort systems. It’s critical to contact a heating and cooling pro like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning prior to installing one to prevent damage to your furnace. So, let’s discuss if you can use HEPA filters in your HVAC system. 

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

HEPA furnace filters were initially made to defend scientists against radiation as they created the atomic bomb during World War II. These fiberglass filters use intricate mesh that captures the majority of contaminants. Now, these filters are frequently installed in medical facilities, science labs and even homes. 

If you tried to install a HEPA filter in your furnace, you’d possibly have trouble getting adequate air from your vents. This is because your furnace’s blower motor isn’t made to work with such a deep filter. 

What MERV Rating Can My Furnace Work With? 

Filters are classified by their MERV rating, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The greater the number, the more efficient the filter is at capturing tiny substances. 

Here’s how standard household filters are categorized: 

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

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

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

Normally, the largest rating you can safely have in your furnace is MERV 13, but we advise checking with a heating and cooling company like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning prior to avoid damaging your furnace. 

HEPA filters in residences are commonly used in a separate whole-home air filtration system. This system is installed inside your ductwork and works alongside your HVAC system. 

To enhance filtration power, some models of these systems come with UV germicidal lights and activated carbon filters. Germicidal lights have been shown to consistently wipe out some viruses in residences under particular airflow situations. And activated carbon filters can eliminate most pungent smells, including cooking scents or tobacco smoke. 

What to Look for in a HEPA Filter for Your Home 

There are a couple of 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 down to .3 micron. These filtration systems typically have a multistep filtration process, with a prefilter for big particles, MERV 17 filter for the remaining particles and carbon filter for scents. 

Air purification systems are often 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 options. 

Some of these systems are created to work with distinct brands, while others work with all brands. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help you figure out what will provide you the best results in your situation. 

Here are a couple of things to look for when buying a filtration system for your residence: 

• Offers hospital-grade filtration (MERV 16 and up) 
• Filters contaminants, bioaerosols and smells 
• Provides filtration for your total residence, not merely a lone space 

• Doesn’t make ozone, which can cause 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 assist you with a free, no-obligation home comfort assessment. Your family’s comfort matters to us, so we’ll work together to help you find the best solution for your home. Contact us at 954-736-4314 today to schedule your appointment.