Can You Install HEPA Filters in Your HVAC System? 

If you’re concerned about the indoor air quality in your Fort Lauderdale home, HEPA filters are a powerful method to improve the air your family breathes. 

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

On account of their powerful filtration capabilities, HEPA filters are thick and might restrict airflow in some home comfort units. It’s critical to contact a heating and cooling Expert like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning prior to installing one to avoid damage to your furnace. So, let’s review if you can install HEPA filters in your HVAC system. 

What Is a HEPA Filter and How Does It Work? 

HEPA furnace filters were primarily produced to defend scientists against radiation as they worked on the atomic bomb during World War II. These fiberglass filters are made from very thin mesh that captures the majority of pollutants. In modern times, these filters are typically used in medical centers, science labs and even residences. 

If you tried to use a HEPA filter in your furnace, you’d potentially have trouble receiving enough 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 Work With? 

Filters are ranked by their MERV rating, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The higher the number, the more effective the filter is at trapping tiny particles. 

Here’s how standard household filters stack up: 

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

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

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

Normally, the highest rating you can safely have in your furnace is MERV 13, but we recommend asking a heating and cooling company like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning beforehand to avoid damaging your furnace. 

HEPA filters in homes are often part of an independent whole-home air filtration system. This system is placed in your ductwork and filters alongside your HVAC system. 

To boost filtration power, some models of these systems come with UV germicidal lights and activated carbon filters. Germicidal lights have been shown to reliably wipe out some viruses in homes under certain airflow conditions. And activated carbon filters can get rid of the majority of pungent odors, including cooking smells or tobacco smoke. 

What to Look for in a HEPA Filter for Your Residence 

There are a couple of different styles that function with your HVAC equipment—HEPA filtration systems, air filtration systems and media air cleaners. 

A HEPA filtration system provides the greatest effectiveness, with 99.97% efficiency for pollutants as little as .3 micron. These filtration systems sometimes have a combined filtration process, with a prefilter for big particles, MERV 17 filter for the residual pollutants and carbon filter for scents. 

Air purification systems are typically the total 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 options. 

Some of these systems are created to work with certain brands, while others are compatible with all brands. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help you decide what will give you the best results for your family. 

Here are a few components to check for when buying a filtration system for your residence: 

• Delivers hospital-grade filtration (MERV 16 and up) 
• Captures particles, bioaerosols and scents 
• Delivers filtration for your whole home, not just a lone room 

• Doesn’t produce ozone, which might create respiratory sensitivity 
• Functions with smart thermostats 

If you want to enhance 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 household’s comfort is important to us, so we’ll work together to help you discover the best solution for your family. Contact us at 954-736-4314 right away to request your appointment.