- HEP Heat and Air
- Hospital-grade Filters

Hospital-grade Filters
Hospital-grade Filters | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Old Fort
Imagine breathing the crisp, mountain air of Old Fort even when you’re relaxing indoors. HEP’s hospital-grade filters partner with precisely calibrated heating and cooling systems to strip away up to 99.97% of airborne particulates—dust, pollen, pet dander, even microscopic pathogens—before they ever reach your lungs. Our technicians fine-tune airflow to each room, ensuring temperatures stay comfortable while humidity and contaminants stay in check, all without the annoying drafts or energy waste of standard setups.
With HEP, safeguarding your family’s health is as simple as flipping the thermostat. We blend cutting-edge filtration with whisper-quiet equipment and proactive maintenance plans, so your home stays a sanctuary of clean comfort through every season. Count on us for unmatched ventilation and air quality that lets you inhale confidence and exhale worry.
FAQs
What makes a filter “hospital-grade,” and why is it beneficial for homes and businesses in Old Fort?
Hospital-grade filters are rated MERV 13–16 or classified as true HEPA. They trap at least 90–99.97 % of particles down to 0.3 microns, including bacteria, some viruses, and fine dust. In Old Fort’s humid, pollen-rich mountain environment, these filters significantly reduce allergens, mold spores, and airborne pathogens, providing cleaner air for homes, schools, medical offices, and manufacturing spaces.
Will a hospital-grade HEPA or MERV 13–16 filter work with my existing HVAC system?
Most modern residential and light-commercial systems can accommodate up to a MERV 13 media filter without modification. Higher MERV ratings or true HEPA cartridges add more resistance to airflow; they usually require a dedicated filter housing, a bypass HEPA cabinet, or an upgraded blower motor. Our technicians measure your system’s static pressure on site in Old Fort and recommend the safest, most efficient option.
How often should I replace or service hospital-grade filters in the Old Fort climate?
Because Western North Carolina experiences heavy spring pollen and year-round humidity, we suggest inspecting MERV 13–16 filters every 3 months and replacing them every 6–9 months. HEPA systems typically use a pre-filter that should be changed 2–4 times per year; the main HEPA cartridge usually lasts 12–18 months. Regular preventive maintenance keeps airflow strong and preserves your warranty.
Can hospital-grade filtration help with allergens, mold, and wildfire smoke common to our region?
Yes. MERV 13–16 and HEPA filters capture pollen, ragweed, pet dander, and mold spores that thrive in Old Fort’s moist climate. They also remove particulate matter (PM2.5) from seasonal wildfire smoke drifting over the mountains. Many customers report noticeable relief from allergy and asthma symptoms after installation.
Will using a hospital-grade filter raise my energy bills?
High-efficiency filters are denser, but when they are properly sized and the blower is adjusted, most households see less than a 2–5 % change in electricity use. We balance the system, seal duct leaks, and, if needed, upgrade to an ECM (variable-speed) motor so the health benefits do not come at the expense of high utility costs.
What other air-quality solutions do you recommend alongside hospital-grade filters?
For the best results we often pair advanced filtration with (1) UV-C or LED germicidal lights to neutralize microbes on coils, (2) an energy-recovery ventilator (ERV) to bring in fresh outdoor air without wasting conditioned air, and (3) whole-house dehumidification to keep relative humidity around 45 %. Real-time air-quality monitors can alert you when filters need attention.