Can You Use HEPA Filters with Your HVAC System? 

If you’re concerned about the indoor air quality in your the U.S. home, HEPA filters are a easy approach to improve the air your household breathes.

HEPA, or high-efficiency particulate air, is the top benchmark for air filtration. These filters are typically used in medical settings, as they filter at least 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. These filters can remove microscopic particles from the air such as mold, dust and pet dander.

Because of their outstanding filtration efficiency, HEPA filters are thick and could reduce airflow in some home comfort equipment. It’s important to contact a heating and cooling pro like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing before installing one to avoid damage to your furnace. So, let’s review whether or not you can add HEPA filters in your HVAC system.

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

HEPA furnace filters were primarily made to defend scientists against radiation as they created the atomic bomb during World War II. These fiberglass filters are made from fine mesh that captures many contaminants. Today, these filters are frequently used in medical centers, science labs and even homes.

If you tried to use a HEPA filter in your furnace, you’d potentially have trouble getting ample 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 Use?

Filters are graded by their MERV rating, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The greater the number, the more effective the filter is at catching tiny pollutants.

Here’s how standard household filters are categorized:

    • Flat filters—MERV 5. Captures 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, such as MERV 14-20, are installed in commercial and medical facilities. A HEPA filter usually ranks at MERV 17-20.

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

HEPA filters in residential settings are often used in a separate whole-home air filtration system. This unit is secured in your ductwork and purifies in partnership with your HVAC system.

To increase filtration power, some types of these systems include UV germicidal lights and activated carbon filters. Germicidal lights have been shown to reliably wipe out select viruses in residences under certain airflow situations. And activated carbon filters can wipe out most strong smells, such as cooking smells or tobacco smoke.

What to Look for in a HEPA Filter for Your Home

There are a few different styles that operate with your HVAC system—HEPA filtration systems, air filtration systems and media air cleaners.

A HEPA filtration system delivers the highest effectiveness, with 99.97% efficiency for particles as minuscule as .3 micron. These filtration systems sometimes have a multiple-step filtration process, with a prefilter for larger particles, MERV 17 filter for the remaining 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 includes the filter and may offer carbon filtration options.

Some of these systems are created to work with certain brands, while others work with all brands. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you decide what will work best in your situation.

Here are several features to check for when considering a filtration system for your family:

    • Offers hospital-grade filtration (MERV 16 and up)
    • Removes pollutants, bioaerosols and smells
    • Gives filtration for your complete house, not merely a lone room
    • Doesn’t make ozone, which can create respiratory sensitivity

If you want to improve the indoor air quality in your home, the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing are here to assist you with a free, no-obligation home comfort assessment. Your family’s comfort is our top priority, so we’ll work together to help you choose the right solution for your home. Contact us at 866-397-3787 right away to schedule your appointment.