HEPA, or High Efficiency Particulate Air, filters are widely known as the gold standard when it comes to air quality. What many people don’t realize is that they may not always be the best choice for your residential HVAC system. There are several things to consider before you install one of these filtration systems in your home.

HEPA filtration is incredibly effective at removing harmful pollutants from the air. Hospitals generally use these types of filters because of their ability to remove even the smallest particles, such as viruses and bacteria, from the air. So, why wouldn’t everyone want to have a HEPA filter in their home?

Pros

• 99 percent effective at removing particles down to 0.3 microns in size
• Highest MERV rating of all filters on the market (MERV rates filters based on the size of particles they’ll remove)

Cons

• Create added resistance that can diminish air flow
• Generally require professional installation and modifications to your current HVAC system
• Filters are expensive to replace
• Only target airborne particles, not gases
• Filters with MERV ratings of 12 to 16 can offer near-HEPA quality air filtration at a fraction of the price

The bottom line is that most homes don’t need the level of air purification that HEPA filtration provides. You have to weigh the added cost of installation and expense of replacing your HEPA filter several times a year with the benefit that it will provide over other less expensive, high-quality filters. Keep in mind that since HEPA filters only trap particles, it may be necessary to pair them with a carbon filter if you’re concerned about fumes such as cigarette smoke. Before you the drop extra money, consider all of your air cleaning options, and don’t forget that one of the best and cheapest ways to improve your indoor air quality is simple – open the window and let in some fresh air.

At Powers Heating & Air, we have been providing honest, dependable service to the Peachtree City area for more than 10 years. We are committed to helping you choose the best products and services to fit your needs and your budget. We make it easy to find information on indoor air quality products with our convenient online form.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Peachtree City, Georgia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

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