Many people experience allergies, and indoor air quality (IAQ) either makes it easier or harder to control symptoms. If your goal is to improve IAQ and limit the presence of allergens in your home, picking out the correct AC filter is imperative. Learn which air filter ratings are best for people living with allergies and recommendations for identifying11 the right AC filter.
Allergens and Indoor Air Quality
Allergens are substances that generate allergic reactions in affected individuals. Common indoor allergens include:
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
- Mold spores
- Tobacco smoke
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Bacteria and viruses
Common outdoor allergens include:
- Pollen
- Ragweed
- Wildfire smoke
- Smog and ozone
These allergens can be in the air or settle on surfaces, causing problems for allergy sufferers when inhaled, ingested or coming in contact with eyes. Maintaining clean indoor air is a critical part of managing allergy symptoms, and using an effective AC filter to remove allergens is a key component.
Do Filters Help Reduce Allergy Symptoms?
Traditional AC filters are ill-equipped to cut down on allergy symptoms. Most are only supposed to get rid of dust particles, textile fibers and other large airborne substances from getting into your HVAC system. A higher-end filter is needed to capture32 allergens and prevent them from circulating through your home.
The ideal air conditioner filters for allergies have a high minimum efficiency reporting value, or MERV rating, which measures37 their effectiveness at capturing small particles on a scale of 1 to 20. For example, a MERV 8 filter can trap pollen and mold spores, while a MERV 13 filter can remove smoke particles and large bacteria. An allergy AC filter with a high enough MERV rating will lower the airborne allergens for much-needed relief.
Know44 that MERV ratings of 17 to 20 describe high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters designed to capture at least 99.97 percent of particles as tiny as 0.3 microns in size. While this makes them highly effective at removing allergens like dust, mold spores, bacteria and viruses from the air, most HEPA filters restrict airflow so severely that they are not practical for residential properties. Contact51 a professional before getting a HEPA filter to help decide if your air conditioning system is compatible.
Are Allergy Filters Worth the Expense?
While allergy air filters for air conditioners tend to be higher priced than standard filters, the rewards usually outweigh the costs for allergy sufferers. After all, investing in a high-quality air conditioning filter for allergies helps maintain superior indoor air quality and reduces allergy symptoms, boosting overall health and well-being. In addition, utilizing a filter with a higher MERV rating can lengthen your HVAC system’s life by helping it stay clean and function effectively. Remember these long-term benefits of allergy filters when making the decision of whether to invest in one.
Tips for Choosing an AC Filter
Picking out the correct air filter is vital for good IAQ and a reduction in allergy symptoms. Here are some essential tips and strategies to help you choose the optimal AC filter for allergies:
- Consider the MERV rating: Go with a filter with a MERV rating suited for your needs. For many allergy sufferers, a filter rated MERV 11 to 13 features the very best balance between allergen capture and airflow efficiency.
- Choose the proper filter size: Air filters come in various sizes, so select one that fits your HVAC system exactly. Filters that are the wrong size allow allergens to blow right into your HVAC system, undermining the filter’s usefulness. Refer to your HVAC system’s manual or reach out to a professional for help determining the correct filter size.
- Try a pleated electrostatic filter: Pleated filters have a larger surface area for capturing allergens and are usually more effective than flat panel filters. Those with electrostatic characteristics are best of all. The electrostatic charge helps these filters attract and catch allergens in a more efficient manner than standard filters with similar designs and materials.
- Replace your filter routinely: Once you select a filter, remind yourself to change it often for the best possible performance. A good rule of thumb is to switch out disposable filters every 30 to 90 days, but check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the recommended replacement interval.
- Consult a professional: If you’re unsure about which filter is the most suitable for your needs or how to maintain your HVAC system properly, ask a skilled Expert to help you make an informed decision.
Install a High-Quality Air Filtration System in Your Home
If you or someone in your household has allergies, asthma or other respiratory conditions, improving your AC filter is one of the easiest things you can do to manage your symptoms. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help you find118 and install the most appropriate air filtration system for your household. For more suggestions about our indoor air quality services, please reach out to a Service Experts office near you today.