Question: I presently have a Honeywell f100 media filter. Would it be possible to replace it with a HEPA Pure and put a carbon filter with it and use the same housing that the Honeywell f100 currently has? Will the HEPA pure cause an air flow restriction problem for my home unit? How often to they need to change in an average home?
Really you have to decide which is more important, using the carbon filter as a secondary filter or using an efficient filter. You can use media filter pads which are decent filters and install carbon pads with them. With media pad filters you will be sacrificing some efficiency but carbon pads are available to use with them.
The Honeywell F100 has a MERV rating of 10 which is quite efficient.
Upgrading to a HEPA filter would increase filtering efficiency. HEPA filters have a MERV rating in the 14 - 15 range which is very high on the MERV scale.
HEPA filters are very efficient and they do restrict air flow. Any system that uses a HEPA filter must have a properly sized duct system and the filter must be maintained properly. If you have not had problems with poor air flow in your air conditioner you could certainly try one. Monitor the system closely for changes in operation. The best thing to do would be to have an HVAC technician check your system to determine if a HEPA filter is advisable. Many contractors don’t recommend using them because of the negative impact on air flow and operating efficiency but for a person dealing with allergies they are often necessary.
Another option is to upgrade to a Nordic Pure pleated filter which has a MERV rating of 12. This is between the one you are currently using and the HEPA filter. More about pleated air filters.
I would not recommend using a secondary filter with the Nordic Pure, the Honeywell F100 or a HEPA filter.