So do you guys think a Rav 4 blower can handle a HEPA filter.

It can handle the aftermarket carbon filters OK and also the ones with baking soda. IDK about serious HEPAS...might be too restrictive of the air flow so nothing comes out of the dash outlets.

 

it's fine you just might need to change it more often
based on dirt...dirt roads or construction or pollen...
set a/c to recirc more often to help

 

HEPA filters don't have to have more restriction, they often have more material to keep airflow the same.

 

A few thoughts on this item.
If you run the basic filter, just replace it more often, the product is least expensive.
Or run the charcoal filter, change it less often than the basic one, but this one costs more.

If you time each accordingly, the yearly cost is about the same.

Which method is better? Not sure, but I keep to a schedule because this filter gets dirty.

 

Some medical professionals are loaded down with highly contagious bacteria,etc. on the job. Then while commuting home the stuff from their uniform and shoes is circulating all over the interior.

Hepa filter aside, there’s likely more contamination via contact of clothing with seating surfaces etc. Doesn’t the facility employ universal precautions (gowns etc). Locker room for changing?

 

I don't think the hepa filter would kill the motor per say, it's just not a terrible robust design. If it goes down the line, so what at the cost of $165(removing 3 screws). I'd just change it out annually. I do for my elderly family member who is health compromised and disinfect the air ducts while in there.

 

The filters are so easy to replace you might as well buy one and test it out. I use the carbon filters and they work well for me. Most noticeable durning wildfires and everything is smokey, except for the inside of my car.

 

I believe the filter location only filters outside air not recirc

 

it filters all of it inside and out.


if the blower is running it pulls all of it down thru the filter box

the recirc doors are above the filter

 

you get a hepa filter to filter finer particles, not to last longer

 

the question was will a hepa filter have more restriction and will the blower motor handle it.

A concern was expressed that medical professionals will carry things on their person.

so a better filter will catch more airborne particles... clearly

you got contaminated people in your car? wipe down the surface with antibacterial wipes also

 

he question was will a hepa filter have more restriction and will the blower motor handle it.

Yes, and yes.
The blower will just keep doing it's thing, even if the filter is 100% clogged. You cannot get locked rotor with 100% clogged filter.

But restricted flow with better filtering may not be best. Airflow is key when it comes to tiny filter. Move more air, catch more dirt. The Hepa may reduce airflow to a point where it's catching less dirt.
I also think there's enough leakage in the filter cage to say Hepa is probably not worth it.

But, try a Hepa and a Charcoal filter, see what works best for you.

 

Thanks to everyone for the advice .