Can You Install HEPA Filters in Your HVAC System? 

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

HEPA, or high-efficiency particulate air, is the top standard for air filtration. These filters are frequently installed in medical centers, as they remove at baseline 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. These filters can capture microscopic particles from the air like mold, dust and pet dander. 

Because of their powerful filtration performance, HEPA filters are deep and can reduce airflow in some home comfort units. It’s crucial to contact a heating and cooling professional like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing before installing one to prevent damage to your furnace. So, let’s go over 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 originally designed to safeguard scientists against radiation as they developed the atomic bomb during World War II. These fiberglass filters have fine mesh that catches many contaminants. Today, these filters are frequently used in medical centers, science labs and even houses. 

If you made an attempt to use a HEPA filter in your furnace, you’d possibly have problems having adequate air from your vents. This is because your furnace’s blower motor isn’t designed 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 more efficient the filter is at trapping tiny pollutants. 

Here’s how common household filters stack up: 

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

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

Greater ratings, ranging from MERV 14-20, are used in commercial and medical facilities. A HEPA filter commonly ranks at MERV 17-20. 

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

HEPA filters in homes are typically used in a separate whole-home air filtration system. This equipment is secured inside your ductwork and purifies in partnership with your HVAC system. 

To increase filtration power, some models of these systems include UV germicidal lights and activated carbon filters. Germicidal lights have been shown to dependably eliminate select viruses in residences under certain airflow conditions. And activated carbon filters can eliminate most strong scents, including cooking scents or tobacco smoke. 

What to Look for in a HEPA Filter for Your Home 

There are a couple of different options that work alongside your HVAC unit—HEPA filtration systems, air filtration systems and media air cleaners. 

A HEPA filtration system delivers the highest effectiveness, with 99.97% efficiency for contaminants down to .3 micron. These filtration systems often have a multistep filtration process, with a prefilter for big particles, MERV 17 filter for the residual particles and carbon filter for scents. 

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 just the filter and might come with carbon filtration upgrades. 

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

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

• Provides hospital-grade filtration (MERV 16 and up) 
• Captures particles, bioaerosols and odors 
• Gives filtration for your complete house, not just a lone space 

• Doesn’t produce ozone, which can create respiratory irritation 
• Compatible with smart thermostats 

If you’re seeking to enhance the indoor air quality in your residence, the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing are here to provide support with a free, no-obligation home comfort assessment. Your loved ones’ comfort matters to us, so we’ll work together to help you find the right solution for your needs. Contact us at 866-397-3787 today to schedule your appointment.