HEPA Filtration for Your Whole Portland Home
HEPA filters capture 99.97% of airborne particles - wildfire smoke, pollen, pet dander, dust mites. We install whole-home systems that protect every room, not just one.
HEPA vs Standard Filters: Understanding MERV Ratings
Standard HVAC Filters (MERV 8-11)
- •Captures basic dust, pollen, lint
- •Particles 3+ microns (visible dust)
- •NO wildfire smoke protection
- •Cost: $10-15 per filter
High-Efficiency HEPA (MERV 13-16)
- ✓99.97% particle removal (0.3 microns)
- ✓Wildfire smoke, PM2.5, viruses, bacteria
- ✓Hospital-grade air quality
- ✓Cost: $60-150 per filter
ULPA Filters (MERV 17-20)
99.999% removal at 0.12 microns. Used in cleanrooms and hospitals. Rarely needed for residential applications.
Most Portland homes are well-served by MERV 13-16 HEPA filtration, which provides excellent wildfire smoke and allergen protection.
Best HEPA Solutions for Portland's Climate
Wildfire Smoke: MERV 13 minimum, MERV 15-16 ideal
Portland's August-September wildfire season requires filters that capture microscopic PM2.5 particles. MERV 13 filters remove 90% of particles down to 1 micron, while MERV 15-16 provide 99.97% removal of 0.3-micron particles.
Portland Reality: During 2023 wildfires, indoor air was often as polluted as outdoor air without proper filtration.
Allergens: MERV 11-13
Spring pollen (birch, oak, maple), summer grass pollen, and fall ragweed require efficient filtration. MERV 11-13 filters effectively capture most pollen while maintaining good airflow.
Portland's pollen season runs May-October, making HEPA filtration essential for allergy sufferers.
Year-Round Protection: MERV 13
For year-round protection against all of Portland's air quality challenges, MERV 13 provides the best balance of filtration efficiency and system compatibility.
Plastic filter frames recommended for Portland's moisture levels to prevent mold growth.
HEPA Installation Options for Portland Homes
Retrofit Filters
Upgrade your existing filter rack to accommodate thicker HEPA filters. Most common solution for Portland homes.
- •Compatible with most HVAC systems
- •Minimal installation disruption
- •Cost-effective upgrade
$800-$1,200 installed
Media Cabinets
Thick filter cabinet added to ductwork for higher-efficiency filtration. Better for severe allergies or wildfire-prone areas.
- •Higher MERV rating capability
- •Longer filter life
- •Premium filtration performance
$1,200-$2,000 installed
Whole-Home Units
Dedicated HEPA filtration system with its own blower. Best for maximum air quality or when HVAC upgrade is needed.
- •Highest filtration efficiency
- •Independent operation
- •Complete air quality solution
$2,500-$4,000 installed
Will HEPA Work With Your Existing System?
Most HVAC Systems: Compatible with MERV 13
80% of Portland homes can use MERV 13 filters without modification. We evaluate static pressure, airflow, and blower capacity to ensure compatibility.
Good news: Most systems are compatible with HEPA filtration upgrades.
Older Systems: May need blower upgrade for MERV 15-16
Systems over 10 years old may require a variable-speed blower upgrade to handle the additional resistance of high-MERV filters.
We evaluate your system first and recommend the highest filtration level possible without compromising performance.
Our Evaluation Process
- 1.Measure current system airflow and static pressure
- 2.Assess blower capacity and motor strength
- 3.Recommend optimal filtration level for your home
- 4.Install upgrades if needed for higher filtration
HEPA Filter Maintenance & Replacement
MERV 13-16 Filters
- •Replace every 6-12 months
- •Check monthly during wildfire season
- •Replace when gray/black (clogged)
- •Cost: $60-$150 per filter
Our Maintenance Services
- ✓Filter delivery subscription available
- ✓Annual system inspection included
- ✓Performance testing and optimization
- ✓Emergency filter replacement during wildfires
HEPA Filtration Cost Breakdown
MERV 13 Retrofit
$800-$1,200
Installed
- • Filter rack upgrade
- • Compatibility assessment
- • Installation & testing
- • First filter included
MERV 15 Media Cabinet
$1,200-$2,000
Installed
- • Thick filter cabinet
- • Higher efficiency filtration
- • Ductwork integration
- • Blower upgrade if needed
True HEPA Whole-Home
$2,500-$4,000
Installed
- • Dedicated HEPA unit
- • Independent blower system
- • Maximum filtration efficiency
- • Complete air quality solution
Annual Maintenance Costs
$120-$300 per year
Filter replacements (2-4 filters per year depending on air quality)
What HEPA Filtration Does for Your Health
99.97% Allergen Removal
Captures pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and mold spores that trigger allergies and asthma.
PM2.5 Wildfire Smoke Removal
Filters microscopic smoke particles that penetrate homes during Portland's wildfire season.
Virus & Bacteria Capture
Removes airborne pathogens, important for families with children or immunocompromised members.
Significant Asthma Reduction
Clinical studies show HEPA filtration reduces asthma triggers and improves lung function.
Portland Wildfire Season Protection
AQI 150+ days per year - HEPA filtration keeps indoor air clean when outdoor air is hazardous.
Improved Sleep Quality
Cleaner air reduces nighttime allergies and respiratory issues for better rest.
HEPA Filtration FAQs
What's the difference between MERV 13 and true HEPA?
True HEPA captures 99.97% of 0.3-micron particles. MERV 13 captures 90% of particles down to 1 micron and about 50% at 0.3 microns. For residential use, MERV 13-16 gives you excellent protection - comparable to hospital-grade filtration - without the extreme airflow restriction of true HEPA.
Will a HEPA filter restrict airflow in my system?
HEPA filters do create more resistance than standard filters, and that can reduce airflow if your system can't handle it. We always check your blower capacity first and recommend upgrades if needed. Most systems built after 2005 handle MERV 13 fine.
How often do HEPA filters need replacement?
Every 6–12 months depending on air quality and how hard the system runs. During wildfire season, check monthly — if the filter looks gray or black, swap it out. We offer filter delivery subscriptions so replacements show up automatically.
Can I install HEPA filters myself or do I need a professional?
You can buy filters yourself, but getting the install right matters. We evaluate your system, make any modifications needed for proper fit, and verify airflow after installation. A filter that's too restrictive for your blower can damage the equipment — so it's worth doing correctly.
Do HEPA filters help with wildfire smoke?
Absolutely. HEPA filters are specifically designed to capture the microscopic PM2.5 particles that wildfire smoke is made of. During Portland's smoke season, a properly installed HEPA system keeps indoor air quality in the "good" range even when outdoor AQI exceeds 150.
What's the best HEPA solution for Portland homes?
For most Portland homes, a MERV 13 retrofit ($800–$1,200) handles wildfire smoke and allergens very well. For severe allergies or maximum protection, step up to a MERV 15 media cabinet ($1,200–$2,000). We'll look at your system, your concerns, and your budget to recommend the right option.