Can You Use HEPA Filters with Your HVAC System? 

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

HEPA, or high-efficiency particulate air, is the peak measure for air filtration. These filters are often in use in medical settings, as they remove at least 99.97% of particles as tiny as 0.3 microns. These filters can trap microscopic particles from the air like mold, dust and pet dander. 

As a result of their outstanding filtration performance, HEPA filters are dense and might restrict airflow in some home comfort units. It’s essential to call a heating and cooling professional like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning prior to installing one to prevent damage to your furnace. So, let’s discuss 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 initially produced to safeguard scientists against radiation as they created the atomic bomb during World War II. These fiberglass filters have intricate mesh that catches the majority of pollutants. Now, these filters are often seen in medical settings, science labs and even homes. 

If you attempted to use a HEPA filter in your furnace, you’d possibly have issues receiving ample air from your vents. This is since your furnace’s blower motor isn’t made to work with such a thick 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 greater the filter is at trapping tiny substances. 

Here’s how standard household filters rank: 

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

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

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

HEPA filters in residences are commonly part of a separate whole-home air filtration system. This unit is secured inside your ductwork and filters with your HVAC system. 

To increase filtration power, some models of these systems have UV germicidal lights and activated carbon filters. Germicidal lights have been shown to consistently wipe out certain viruses in residences under particular airflow circumstances. And activated carbon filters can eliminate many offensive smells, such as cooking odors or tobacco smoke. 

What to Look for in a HEPA Filter for Your Home 

There are several different solutions that function alongside your HVAC unit—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 larger particles, MERV 17 filter for the residual contaminants and carbon filter for odors. 

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 may have carbon filtration upgrades. 

Some of these systems are compatible with distinct brands, while others can be used with all brands. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help you determine what will give you the best results in your situation. 

Here are a few features to be on the lookout for when getting a filtration system for your house: 

• Delivers hospital-grade filtration (MERV 16 and up) 
• Captures contaminants, bioaerosols and odors 
• Gives filtration for your complete home, not just one area 

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

If you want to boost the indoor air quality in your residence, the Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning are here to provide support with a free, no-obligation home comfort assessment. Your family’s comfort matters to us, so we’ll work with you to help you choose the ideal solution for your family. Contact us at 954-736-4314 now to schedule your appointment.