If you’re concerned about the indoor air quality in your Mobile home, HEPA filters are a easy approach to purify the air your family breathes.
HEPA, or high-efficiency particulate air, is the top measure for air filtration. These filters are frequently used in hospitals, as they remove at minimum 99.97% of particles as little as 0.3 microns. These filters can trap microscopic particles from the air including mold, dust and pet dander.
Due to their strong filtration efficiency, HEPA filters are thick and could lower airflow in some home comfort systems. It’s essential to talk to a heating and cooling Expert like Climate Control Service Experts prior to installing one to avoid damaging 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HEPA furnace filters were originally made to defend scientists against radiation as they developed the atomic bomb during World War II. These fiberglass filters are made from very thin mesh that captures many substances. In modern times, these filters are often seen in medical settings, science labs and even residences.
If you made an attempt to use a HEPA filter in your furnace, you’d possibly have problems receiving adequate air from your vents. This is due to the fact your furnace’s blower motor isn’t engineered to work with such a thick 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 better the filter is at capturing small substances.
Here’s how typical household filters stack up:
- Flat filters—MERV 5. Captures pollen and dust mites.
- Pleated filters—MERV 8. Filters pollen, dust mites and mold.
- Box filters—MERV 13. Filters pollen, dust mites, mold and some fumes.
Greater ratings, ranging from MERV 14-20, are used in commercial and medical centers. A HEPA filter typically ranks at MERV 17-20.
In most cases, the biggest rating you can safely use in your furnace is MERV 13, but we recommend consulting with a heating and cooling company like Climate Control Service Experts beforehand to keep clear of damage to your furnace.
HEPA filters in residential settings are often part of an independent whole-home air filtration system. This unit is secured in your ductwork and works alongside your HVAC system.
To boost filtration power, these systems sometimes have UV germicidal lights and activated carbon filters. Germicidal lights have been shown to reliably eliminate certain viruses in homes under specific airflow situations. And activated carbon filters can get rid of the majority of pungent scents, such as cooking odors or tobacco smoke.
What to Look for in a HEPA Filter for Your Residence
There are a couple of different styles that operate with your HVAC equipment—HEPA filtration systems, air filtration systems and media air cleaners.
A HEPA filtration system is most effective, with 99.97% efficiency for pollutants as miniscule as .3 micron. These filtration systems sometimes have a combined filtration process, with a prefilter for big particles, MERV 17 filter for the remaining pollutants and carbon filter for scents.
Air purification systems are often the complete package, with a hospital-grade MERV 16 filter, germicidal lights and carbon filters. A media air cleaner includes the filter and may come with carbon filtration options.
Some of these systems are compatible with distinct brands, while others work with all brands. Climate Control Service Experts can help you figure out what will give you the best results for your home.
Here are a few features to check for when getting a filtration system for your home:
- Delivers hospital-grade filtration (MERV 16 and up)
- Filters particles, bioaerosols and smells
- Delivers filtration for your whole residence, not just one area
- Doesn’t produce ozone, which could cause respiratory irritation
- Functions with smart thermostats
If you’re looking to boost the indoor air quality in your house, the Experts at Climate Control Service Experts are here to provide support with a free, no-obligation home comfort assessment. Your loved ones’ comfort is important to us, so we’ll work with you to help you choose the right solution for your budget. Contact us at 251-202-7503 now to book your appointment.