Should I Install a HEPA Filter at Home?

Adding a HEPA filter to your home can be a great way to combat allergies, improve the air quality of your home, and keep your family healthier. 

A HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) is a pleated mechanical air filter. It can theoretically remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria and airborne particles from the air it filters. 

There are different types of HEPA filters, and not all are made equal. When evaluating a filter, check the MERV rating. MERV stands for “Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values” and they range from 1 to 16. The higher the value, the smaller the particles that filter is able to trap. If you are concerned about a particular type of particle (e.g. pollen), make sure you choose a filter that can trap particles of that size. 

HEPA filters can be built-in to some homes as part of the HVAC system, or stand-alone air filters are available. Depending on the age and size of your home, a portable air filter may be best for you. The affordability of portable air filters makes them a great option. 

Filtering the air in your home can also improve the value of the property when you choose to sell. By removing pollutants from the air in the months or years leading up to listing, you’ll better preserve the home’s materials, from carpets and drywall, to textiles and windows. This is particularly important if you use tobacco at home, which can have a staining effect as well as cause odors. 

A filter that is owned can add value to the right buyer, but a rental HEPA filter can take value from the home as the equipment is not owned and the costs to buy-out can exceed the value of the HEPA filter, so use caution when making your purchase. 

If you’re thinking of adding an air filter to your home, we’d be happy to refer you to a trusted HVAC professional.