If you’re thinking about the indoor air quality in your residence, HEPA filters are a easy way to freshen the air your family breathes.
HEPA, or high-efficiency particulate air, is the peak benchmark for air filtration. These filters are often in use in hospitals, as they remove at least 99.97% of particles as tiny as 0.3 microns. These filters can remove microscopic substances from the air including mold, dust and pet dander.
Due to their powerful filtration capabilities, HEPA filters are thick and might lower airflow in some home comfort systems. It’s crucial to contact a heating and cooling pro like Service Experts before 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 primarily produced to defend scientists against radiation as they developed the atomic bomb during World War II. These fiberglass filters use fine mesh that catches most pollutants. Now, these filters are typically installed in medical facilities, science labs and even residences.
If you attempted to install a HEPA filter in your furnace, you’d potentially have problems getting enough air from your vents. This is since your furnace’s blower motor isn’t made to work with such a deep filter.
What MERV Rating Can My Furnace Handle?
Filters are categorized by their MERV rating, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The bigger the number, the more efficient the filter is at catching small substances.
Here’s how common 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. Traps pollen, dust mites, mold and some fumes.
Better ratings, like MERV 14-20, are installed in commercial and medical facilities. A HEPA filter commonly ranks at MERV 17-20.
Generally, the biggest rating you can safely install in your furnace is MERV 13, but we advise consulting with a heating and cooling company like Service Experts beforehand to avoid damaging your furnace.
HEPA filters in residences are frequently used in an independent whole-home air filtration system. This unit is secured within 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 dependably wipe out select viruses in residences under certain airflow situations. And activated carbon filters can get rid of the majority of strong smells, including cooking scents or tobacco smoke.
What to Look for in a HEPA Filter for Your residence
There are several different solutions that operate in partnership with your HVAC unit—HEPA filtration systems, air filtration systems and media air cleaners.
A HEPA filtration system is most effective, with 99.97% efficiency for particles as minuscule as .3 micron. These filtration systems typically have a multistep filtration process, with a prefilter for larger particles, MERV 17 filter for the leftover particles and carbon filter for smells.
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 can come with carbon filtration upgrades.
Some of these systems are designed to work with distinct brands, while others are compatible with all brands. Service Experts can help you figure out what will provide you the best results for your family.
Here are several things to check for when buying a filtration system for your family:
- Offers hospital-grade filtration (MERV 16 and up)
- Traps particles, bioaerosols and smells
- Provides filtration for your whole residence, not only one room
- Doesn’t make ozone, which might result in respiratory sensitivity
- Works with smart thermostats
If you're seeking to boost the indoor air quality in your residence, the Experts at Service Experts 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 best solution for your family. Contact us at (866) 963-7996 today to schedule your appointment.
