Can I put a HEPA filter in my AC?

Author: Lillian Bayer  |  Last update: Friday, April 18, 2025

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 Heating & Air Conditioning before installing one to prevent damage to your furnace.

Are HEPA AC filters worth it?

HEPA filters are a great way to create a healthier living environment, while also reducing the amount of dust and debris around the home or office. HEPA filters can also reduce energy costs, as they trap airborne particles that can lead to blocked vents, causing the HVAC system to work harder.

Can you add an air purifier to your AC unit?

In most cases, it is possible to add an air purifier to an existing HVAC system.

Why are HEPA filters rarely used in homes?

Part of the reason that HEPA filters are so rarely used in HVAC systems is that they are extremely restrictive in terms of airflow. This means that the system needs to be extremely powerful and use additional fans in order to properly draw air through the HEPA filter and circulate it throughout the room or building.

How much does it cost to add an air purifier to HVAC?

Installing a whole-house air purifier costs $419 to $12,000, though most homeowners spend an average of $2,610. The price depends on several factors, though the type of filter you choose is significant.

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Can you add HEPA filter to HVAC?

Now, these filters are frequently seen in medical settings, science labs and even houses. If you tried to use a HEPA filter in your furnace, you'd more than likely have problems getting enough air from your vents. This is because your furnace's blower motor isn't engineered to work with such a dense filter.

Are HVAC air purifiers worth it?

Enhanced Respiratory Health

Chronic exposure to airborne allergens can contribute to respiratory issues, exacerbating conditions such as asthma or bronchitis. Whole house air purifiers can enhance respiratory health by significantly reducing the inhalation of irritants.

Is there anything better than a HEPA filter?

HEPA filters are most common filtration used for cleanrooms. ULPA filters are denser meaning they allow less particles to get thru the filter and catch smaller particles. HEPA filters catch 99.97% of particles at 0.3u. ULPA filters catch 99.999% of particles at 0.12u.

Do HEPA filters really clean the air?

HEPA (high efficiency particulate air [filter]) is a type of pleated mechanical air filter. This type of air filter can theoretically remove at least 99.97% of any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns (µm), which can include dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria.

What are the side effects of HEPA air purifier?

Headaches, sore throat, coughing, Asthma attacks, and difficulty breathing are a few of the symptoms that can be brought on by some air purifiers. Yes, that's right. Your air purifier may actually aggravate many of the health issues you hoped it would solve.

Where should you not put an air purifier?

Ensure your air purifier has enough clearance around it to function optimally. Avoid placing it behind furniture or in tight corners where airflow might be restricted. Ideally, there should be at least 3-5 feet of clear space around the unit to allow for unimpeded air intake and output.

Is there air purifier in AC?

Yes! Your AC's built-in mesh filter is not designed to provide clean air—it only captures large dust particles. The AIRTH AC Purifier upgrades your AC into a powerful air purifier, effectively removing fine dust, allergens, and pollutants.

What are the two disadvantages of HEPA filters?

Cons of Using a HEPA Filter
  • Won't remove every particle: Unfortunately, HEPA filters will not remove pollutants from the air that are smaller than 0.3 microns, including viruses, some bacteria, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). ...
  • Requires frequent replacement: HEPA filters trap most particulates in the air.

Where to put a HEPA filter?

Place your device at least 6 inches from walls, furniture, or other items while in use. Place your air purifier near the most likely source of indoor air pollution. Consider investing in an air purifier that shuts off automatically with a timer. Place your air purifier in a room where you spend most of your time.

What do doctors say about air purifiers?

Medical professionals suggest prioritizing maintaining a clean home and frequently sanitizing frequently used surfaces. Air purifiers should just be an accessory to your cleaning routine, not a priority.

Does a HEPA filter make your house less dusty?

Air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters offer an effective solution for reducing indoor dust levels and improving overall air quality.

Do HEPA filters cool the air?

They do not “cool the room” but rather lower a person's temperature through the “wind-chill” effect. However, this process is very effective at improving comfort in warm conditions. How much cooler you will feel in that airflow depends on the airflow rate of the air purifier, which often isn't that high.

What do HEPA filters not remove?

HEPA filters will not remove most viruses, because they are simply too small. HEPA filters will also not remove VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, as they are also too small. Still, HEPA filter technology can be combined with other technologies that will remove these things from your air too.

What type of AC filter is best?

HEPA Air Filters

A HEPA filter is a type of pleated mechanical air filter and is extremely efficient and effective. According to the Environmental Protection Agency can theoretically remove 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns.

Do HEPA filters improve indoor air quality?

By removing these pollutants from the air, HEPA filters significantly reduce the risk of respiratory problems and allergies. Mitigating Health Risks: Airborne pollutants can pose severe health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues.

Is AC or a HEPA purifier better?

Also, air conditioning systems usually include a series of filters to remove certain particles from the air. So air conditioners do purify the air to some extent, but that's not their main function. These filters will not be fine enough to catch the sort of particles that a HEPA filter can catch.

Can you add an air purifier to your HVAC system?

There are a few different types of air purifiers that can be added to a home's HVAC system. The type you choose will be based on the particulates that you're looking to remove and what kind of technology you want to invest in.

Are HEPA filters for HVAC worth it?

If you're concerned about the indoor air quality in your the U.S. home, HEPA filters are a great approach to enhance the air your family breathes. HEPA, or high-efficiency particulate air, is the peak standard for air filtration.

Do HEPA filters remove mold?

Studies have shown HEPA filters remove between 99.97% to 99.99% of mold spores from the air when used properly. Any mold spores that get trapped in the filter become permanently stuck and unable to spread and grow into mold colonies.

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