Keeping airborne contaminants at bay isn’t just about comfort—it’s about health, safety, and peace of mind. HVAC HEPA filters bring hospital-grade air cleaning straight into your home’s ductwork, trapping 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns. In this guide, you’ll learn how HEPA works, why it outperforms standard filters, installation and maintenance tips, and how Around the Clock Heating and Air Conditioning can help you breathe easier all year long.

Understanding HVAC HEPA Filters

What Is a HEPA Filter?

A HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter is a dense mat of randomly arranged fibers engineered to capture at least 99.97% of airborne particles ≥ 0.3 µm—think dust, pollen, mold spores, and some bacteria. Unlike one-inch retail filters, whole-home HEPA media installs in your air handler or a dedicated module, filtering every cubic foot of air moving through your system.

How HEPA Differs from Standard Filters

  • Fiberglass (MERV 1–4): Captures large debris but lets fine particles pass.
  • Pleated (MERV 8–13): Good for pollen and pet dander but not sub-micron particles.
  • True HEPA (MERV 16+): Uses diffusion, interception, and impaction to snag the tiniest contaminants—far beyond what you’ll get with standard pleated filters.

True HEPA vs. HEPA-Type

Only filters tested to remove 99.97% of 0.3 µm particles earn the “True HEPA” label. “HEPA-Type” or “HEPA-Like” products fall short of this benchmark and aren’t suitable for whole-home applications.

Key Benefits of HVAC HEPA Filters

Superior Particle Removal

HEPA media traps everything from dust mites to pollen to smoke particles, delivering noticeably cleaner air throughout your home.

Allergy and Asthma Relief

Clinical studies show HEPA filtration can cut airborne allergens by up to 90%, easing symptoms for allergy and asthma sufferers.

Odor and VOC Reduction

Pair your HEPA filter with an activated carbon stage to adsorb cooking odors, chemical vapors, and off-gassing from new furniture. Learn more about carbon pre-filters in our Carbon Clean media.

Pathogen Control

While not a medical device, HEPA filters can capture droplets that carry viruses and bacteria. For added germ-killing power, combine HEPA with UV-C germicidal lights—see our UV Germicidal Lights offerings.

Ratings and Standards: What “True HEPA” Means

A True HEPA system meets U.S. DOE and ASME standards for 99.97% removal at 0.3 µm. European H13 and H14 ratings require 99.95% and 99.995% efficiency, respectively. Always verify “True HEPA” in product specs—Lennox’s Healthy Climate® HEPA page explains these benchmarks in detail.

Installation Considerations

System Compatibility and Airflow

HEPA’s dense media increases static pressure. Many stock blowers can’t handle it without performance loss.

Dedicated HEPA Module vs. Blower Upgrade

  • Bypass Module: Installs alongside your air handler, filtering part of the return air only—ideal when your furnace blower is under-powered.
  • Blower Upgrade: Replaces your existing blower with a higher-capacity model to push air through the HEPA filter without strain.

DIY vs. Professional Installation

Swapping cartridges in an existing HEPA cabinet is DIY-friendly. For retrofits, duct modifications, or blower upgrades, our certified technicians ensure airtight seals and balanced airflow. Explore our full Air Cleaners & Purifiers lineup.

Maintenance and Replacement Tips

Replacement Frequency

  • HEPA Cartridge: Every 2–5 years, depending on dust load and pre-filter use.
  • Pre-Filter/Carbon Stage: Every 6–12 months to protect and extend HEPA life.

Pre-Filter Care

Wash or vacuum pre-filters monthly—this small step can double the lifespan of your main HEPA media.

Signs You Need a New Filter

  • Noticeable drop in airflow at vents
  • Recurring musty odors or visible dust around grilles
  • Return of allergy symptoms despite regular cleaning

Complementary Upgrades for Maximum Air Quality

UV Germicidal Lights

Install UV-C lamps in your air handler to neutralize microbes on coils and in moving air.

Activated Carbon Filters

For homes battling odors or VOCs, a carbon pre-filter adds powerful chemical adsorption.

Smart Controls and Zoning

Monitor air quality in real time and direct purified air where you need it most—pair your HEPA system with the ComfortSense 7000 thermostat or add Zoning Systems to customize airflow room by room.

Further Reading

For additional tips on improving your indoor air, check out our blog post:
How to Improve Air Quality in Your Home with HVAC Upgrades.

Call to Action

An HVAC HEPA filter is your frontline defense against airborne irritants, odors, and pathogens. Ready for hospital-grade air in every room?
Contact Around the Clock Heating and Air Conditioning today for a free consultation and estimate on HEPA filter installation or system upgrade.
➡️ Get Your Free Estimate!

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC HEPA Filters

What is an HVAC HEPA filter?

A HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter in your HVAC system is a dense mesh of fibers designed to trap at least 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns—think dust, pollen, mold spores, and even some bacteria.

How does a HEPA filter differ from a standard air filter?

Standard fiberglass or pleated filters usually capture larger debris like dust and lint, but HEPA filters go the extra mile, snagging microscopic particles that can trigger allergies or circulate viruses—making them a top pick for truly clean indoor air.

Can my existing HVAC system handle a HEPA filter?

Not always out of the box. HEPA’s dense media can restrict airflow, so you’ll want to check your system’s blower capacity. Sometimes an upgraded blower or a dedicated HEPA air cleaner module is needed to maintain proper circulation.

How often should I replace or clean a HEPA filter?

Typically every 6–12 months, depending on your household’s dust load and whether you have pets or smokers. If you notice reduced airflow or rising allergy symptoms, that’s your cue to swap it sooner.

Will installing a HEPA filter raise my energy bills?

A bit—because the blower works harder to push air through the dense filter media. Expect a 5–10% bump in fan energy use, but many find the trade-off worthwhile for superior air quality and health protection.

Are HEPA filters effective against COVID-19 and other viruses?

HEPA can capture airborne droplets and particles that carry viruses, significantly reducing their circulation. While no filter is a perfect shield, combining HEPA with good ventilation and UV lights boosts your defense.

What’s the difference between a true HEPA and HEPA-type filter?

True HEPA meets strict standards (99.97% at 0.3 microns). “HEPA-type” or “HEPA-style” often falls short—so be sure packaging or specs explicitly say “True HEPA.”

Can I install a HEPA filter myself?

If your system supports it, swapping filters is straightforward: power off, open the filter cabinet, slide the old filter out, insert the new HEPA filter (notching the airflow arrow), and secure the panel. For retrofits or blower upgrades, professional help is wise.

How do I maintain a HEPA filter housing?

Keep the filter door gasket clean and tight, inspect for gaps or leaks, and wipe out any settled dust before inserting the new filter. A snug fit ensures all air passes through the HEPA media, not around it.

Are there downsides to using a HEPA filter in HVAC?

Beyond slightly higher energy use and filter cost, very dense HEPA media can drive up static pressure, potentially reducing overall system efficiency if not properly configured. Balancing air quality gains against these factors is key—and our Around the Clock pros can help you strike the right balance.