What is a HEPA Filter for a Furnace?

HEPA high-efficiency particulate filters are high-quality air filtration solutions that remove up to 99% of the smallest air particles. However, since these filters use significantly denser filtration material, they can overload the furnace. It is not recommended to install a HEPA filter in your oven, as it would severely restrict airflow.

HEPA

, or high-efficiency particulate air, is the ultimate standard for air filtration. These filters are frequently used in medical environments, as they filter at least 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.

These filters can remove microscopic substances from the air such as mold, dust and pet dander. For the most part, low-cost, disposable flat panel filters are designed to minimize wear and tear, a form of depreciation caused by large inorganic dust particles in HVAC mechanical components. They are not necessarily made to address the air quality issues experienced by home occupants. This is where HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters come into play. They are designed to close the gap and bring air filtration to a higher level of efficiency.

In fact, HEPA filters exceed MERV grade 16. These air filters can remove 99.97% of particles down to a size of 0.3 microns.

HEPA

stands for high-efficiency particulate air. You may have a HEPA filter for your vacuum, but did you know that there are HEPA filters for ovens? A HEPA filter is the best type you can get, as it removes more than 99% of particles that are 0.3 microns or larger in size. However, due to the coarse-grained filtration material used in such filters, a typical residential oven or air conditioner could not withstand the intense air pressure needed to pass through the material. This would restrict airflow from the ventilation grilles and possibly even damage the unit. It is also difficult for many existing HVAC (HVAC) systems to adopt a MERV 13 because of the increased fan load from finer filter media, which can actually cause more harm than good and reduce airflow if your system is not designed to handle that type of filter. The key mechanism of this unit is to extract a certain amount of air from the main duct, transport it through the assembled HEPA filter, and return the filtered air to the duct without hindering the air flow.

Some filter models can clean indoor air with higher efficiency levels than other types of filters. Alternatively, HEPA filtration options for residential spaces include external HEPA filters or whole-house air filters, types of filters that connect to the duct network via a small bypass circuit. In addition, dusty air filters can eliminate the efficiency of HEPA filters and cause contaminants to accumulate in ducts. A HEPA filter is essentially the ultimate solution in the world of air filters and far exceeds what a MERV 13 can do. However, filters with MERV ratings between 7 and 13 have been found to be as effective as true HEPA filters in filtering out most indoor particles that could cause adverse health effects. While higher-grade air filters are in a more expensive category, they are also better able to filter and remove air pollutants inside your home. This high rate of particulate capture comes at a cost that HEPA filters have more resistance to airflow than MERV filters. Before installing an air cleaner with a high MERV rating, make sure your heating or cooling equipment can handle it properly first.

If you want to have HEPA filters in your home, you can install a separate air filter that will allow your oven to continue to operate properly, but with the added benefits of HEPA filtration for the best air quality. A filter with a MERV rating of 13 to 16 is considered a high-range MERV filter and can remove up to 75% of all airborne particles 0.3 microns or greater from the air.