Can You Add HEPA Filters in Your HVAC System? 

If you’re worried about the indoor air quality in your Fort Worth home, HEPA filters are a easy way to enhance the air your family breathes. 

HEPA, or high-efficiency particulate air, is the top benchmark for air filtration. These filters are frequently installed in medical centers, as they filter at baseline 99.97% of particles as tiny as 0.3 microns. These filters can trap microscopic pollutants from the air such as mold, dust and pet dander. 

Because of their strong filtration performance, HEPA filters are thick and may lower airflow in some home comfort equipment. It’s essential to contact a heating and cooling pro like Calverley Service Experts in advance of installing one to avoid damage to your furnace. So, let’s discuss whether you can add HEPA filters in your HVAC system. 

What Is a HEPA Filter and How Does It Work? 

HEPA furnace filters were initially made to defend scientists against radiation as they worked on the atomic bomb during World War II. These fiberglass filters have intricate mesh that traps many pollutants. Today, these filters are typically installed in medical settings, science labs and even houses. 

If you attempted to use a HEPA filter in your furnace, you’d more than likely have problems having ample air from your vents. This is because your furnace’s blower motor isn’t made 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 more efficient the filter is at trapping small pollutants. 

Here’s how common household filters rank: 

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

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

Greater ratings, such as MERV 14-20, are installed in commercial and medical centers. A HEPA filter commonly ranks at MERV 17-20. 

Normally, the biggest rating you can safely use in your furnace is MERV 13, but we advise asking a heating and cooling company like Calverley Service Experts beforehand to prevent damage to your furnace. 

HEPA filters in homes are often part of a stand-alone whole-home air filtration system. This equipment is installed inside your ductwork and works with your HVAC system. 

To enhance filtration power, some models of these systems have UV germicidal lights and activated carbon filters. Germicidal lights have been shown to reliably destroy certain viruses in houses under particular airflow circumstances. And activated carbon filters can get rid of the majority of strong scents, such as cooking odors or tobacco smoke. 

What to Look for in a HEPA Filter for Your Home 

There are several different solutions that operate 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 contaminants as small as .3 micron. These filtration systems often 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 usually the complete package, with a hospital-grade MERV 16 filter, germicidal lights and carbon filters. A media air cleaner is only the filter and might have carbon filtration options. 

Some of these systems are compatible with distinct brands, while others work with all brands. Calverley Service Experts can help you figure out what will give you the best results in your situation. 

Here are several components to check for when getting a filtration system for your house: 

• Offers hospital-grade filtration (MERV 16 and up) 
• Removes contaminants, bioaerosols and scents 
• Delivers filtration for your complete home, not merely a single space 

• Doesn’t make ozone, which may create respiratory sensitivity 
• Works with smart thermostats 

If you’re seeking to enhance the indoor air quality in your home, the Experts at Calverley Service Experts are here to assist you with a free, no-obligation home comfort assessment. Your loved ones’ comfort is our top priority, so we’ll work with you to help you discover the ideal solution for your home. Contact us at 817-380-5647 now to get your appointment.