HEPA Filtration
HEPA Filtration | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Kingsport
Homeowners and businesses across Kingsport turn to HEP for cleaner, healthier indoor air. Our certified technicians retrofit and maintain high-efficiency HEPA filtration systems that trap 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns—dust, pollen, pet dander, and even many airborne pathogens never make it past the filter. Paired with precision-tuned heating and cooling equipment, these systems balance temperature and humidity while continuously refreshing stale air, so every room feels crisp, comfortable, and easy to breathe in all year long.
Whether you’re renovating an older property or protecting a brand-new build, HEP designs custom solutions that meet strict EPA, ASHRAE, and ENERGY STAR standards for ventilation and air quality. From smart thermostats and sealed ductwork to UV germicidal lights and whole-home dehumidifiers, we combine proven technology with 24/7 emergency service and rock-solid warranties to give your family peace of mind—and the cleanest air in Northeast Tennessee.
FAQs
What exactly is HEPA filtration and why is it recommended for homes in Kingsport?
HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. A certified HEPA filter removes at least 99.97 % of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns—capturing dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, some bacteria, and even wildfire smoke. Kingsport’s four-season climate, spring pollen surges from Appalachian vegetation, and humid summers that foster mold growth make fine-particle removal especially important for maintaining healthy indoor air quality.
If I already have a central HVAC system, do I still need a separate HEPA filtration unit?
Standard HVAC filters (often rated MERV 6–8) are intended mainly to protect your equipment, not your lungs. They catch large debris but let most microscopic particles pass through. A whole-home HEPA bypass unit or an in-duct HEPA box can be tied into your existing supply or return plenum to give you hospital-grade filtration without replacing your furnace or heat pump. The result is dramatically cleaner air that your normal 1-inch filter simply cannot achieve.
How often do HEPA filters need to be changed and what maintenance is involved?
In a residential setting the primary HEPA cartridge typically lasts 2–3 years, depending on local air quality and how many hours your blower runs. Pre-filters that trap larger dust and hair should be changed every 3–6 months, and most units include a charcoal or activated-carbon stage that should be replaced annually to control odors and VOCs. Our Kingsport technicians perform a full inspection, pressure check, and gasket seal test during routine HVAC tune-ups to ensure the HEPA housing remains airtight.
Will a HEPA filtration system really help with allergies and asthma common in East Tennessee?
Yes. Ragweed, tree pollen, and mold spores are leading allergy triggers in the Tri-Cities area, and they all fall within the particle sizes a HEPA filter is designed to trap. Clinical studies show that reducing particulate counts below 3 µg/m³ can decrease asthma flares by up to 60 %. Clients in Kingsport who added whole-home HEPA filtration report fewer allergy medications, better sleep, and visibly less dust on furniture.
How much additional energy will a HEPA unit use and will it affect my HVAC airflow?
Most whole-home HEPA systems are "bypass" units with their own variable-speed fan that draws only 50–120 watts—roughly the cost of running a few LED light bulbs. Because the HEPA filter sits in a parallel duct loop, it imposes minimal added resistance on your main supply airflow. Expect a monthly electric cost of about $3–$5 when operated continuously, far less than portable room air cleaners that do not treat the entire house.
Can I retrofit a HEPA system into my existing ductwork or do I need to replace my furnace?
In almost every case a HEPA filtration module can be retrofitted. Our installers cut a short bypass duct between the return trunk and supply plenum, mount the sealed HEPA cabinet, and wire its blower to run in tandem with your HVAC or on a stand-alone timer. The entire process usually takes one day with no structural changes to your furnace or air conditioner. If your ductwork is extremely undersized or leaking, we may recommend sealing or resizing first to ensure optimal performance.