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 effective method to freshen the air your family breathes. 

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

On account of their outstanding filtration performance, HEPA filters are dense and might reduce airflow in some home comfort units. It’s essential to talk to a heating and cooling pro like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning in advance of installing one to avoid damage to your furnace. So, let’s review whether 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 produced to protect scientists from radiation as they developed the atomic bomb during World War II. These fiberglass filters are made from intricate mesh that traps many contaminants. Now, these filters are often installed in medical facilities, science labs and even homes. 

If you attempted to install a HEPA filter in your furnace, you’d possibly have issues receiving adequate air from your vents. This is since your furnace’s blower motor isn’t designed to work with such a dense filter. 

What MERV Rating Can My Furnace Use? 

Filters are classified by their MERV rating, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The bigger the number, the better the filter is at trapping small particles. 

Here’s how standard household filters are categorized: 

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

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

Greater ratings, ranging from MERV 14-20, are installed in commercial and medical settings. A HEPA filter typically ranks at MERV 17-20. 

Generally, the largest 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 first to keep clear of damage to your furnace. 

HEPA filters in residences are commonly installed in a stand-alone whole-home air filtration system. This unit is installed inside your ductwork and runs 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 wipe out select viruses in houses under particular airflow circumstances. And activated carbon filters can get rid of the majority of pungent smells, such as cooking odors or tobacco smoke. 

What to Look for in a HEPA Filter for Your Residence 

There are several different styles that function in partnership with your HVAC equipment—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 typically have a combined filtration process, with a prefilter for big particles, MERV 17 filter for the residual pollutants and carbon filter for odors. 

Air purification systems are often the complete package, with a hospital-grade MERV 16 filter, germicidal lights and carbon filters. A media air cleaner is only the filter and may offer 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 work best in your situation. 

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

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

• Doesn’t produce ozone, which can cause respiratory inflammation 
• Compatible with smart thermostats 

If you’re looking to increase the indoor air quality in your house, the Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning are here to assist you with a free, no-obligation home comfort assessment. Your family’s comfort is important to us, so we’ll work with you to help you find the best solution for your family. Contact us at 954-736-4314 right away to schedule your appointment.