Can You Add HEPA Filters in Your HVAC System? 

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

HEPA, or high-efficiency particulate air, is the gold measure for air filtration. These filters are frequently installed in medical settings, as they remove at minimum 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. These filters can remove microscopic pollutants from the air including mold, dust and pet dander. 

On account of their powerful filtration efficiency, HEPA filters are dense and could lower airflow in some home comfort units. It’s essential to call a heating and cooling professional like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning in advance of installing one to avoid damaging your furnace. So, let’s review 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 originally produced to defend scientists against radiation as they created the atomic bomb during World War II. These fiberglass filters are made from very thin mesh that captures most contaminants. In modern times, these filters are often used in medical centers, science labs and even homes. 

If you attempted to install a HEPA filter in your furnace, you’d possibly have trouble having ample air from your vents. This is due to the fact your furnace’s blower motor isn’t made to work with such a deep filter. 

What MERV Rating Can My Furnace Use? 

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

Here’s how standard household filters rank: 

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

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

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

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

HEPA filters in residential settings are typically part of a separate whole-home air filtration system. This system is placed inside your ductwork and filters in partnership with your HVAC system. 

To enhance filtration power, these systems sometimes have UV germicidal lights and activated carbon filters. Germicidal lights have been shown to consistently wipe out some viruses in homes under particular airflow situations. And activated carbon filters can eliminate many pungent scents, like cooking smells or tobacco smoke. 

What to Look for in a HEPA Filter for Your Residence 

There are a few different options 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 contaminants as minuscule as .3 micron. These filtration systems sometimes have a multistep filtration process, with a prefilter for larger particles, MERV 17 filter for the leftover pollutants and carbon filter for smells. 

Air purification systems are usually the complete package, with a hospital-grade MERV 16 filter, germicidal lights and carbon filters. A media air cleaner includes the filter and might have carbon filtration add-ons. 

Some of these systems are designed to work with distinct brands, while others can be used with all brands. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help you decide what will work best for your home. 

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

• Delivers hospital-grade filtration (MERV 16 and up) 
• Captures pollutants, bioaerosols and smells 
• Provides filtration for your complete home, not only a lone room 

• Doesn’t create ozone, which could result in respiratory irritation 
• Functions with smart thermostats 

If you’re looking to improve the indoor air quality in your house, the Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning are here to help with a free, no-obligation home comfort assessment. Your loved ones’ comfort is our top priority, so we’ll work together to help you find the ideal solution for your budget. Contact us at 954-736-4314 now to request your appointment.