Many people experience allergies, and indoor air quality (IAQ) either makes it easier or more challenging to manage symptoms. If your goal is to improve IAQ and limit the presence of allergens in your home, choosing the correct AC filter is essential. Learn which air filter ratings are preferred for people with allergies and recommendations for identifying11 the right air conditioning system filter.
Allergens and Indoor Air Quality
Allergens are materials that generate allergic reactions in some individuals. Frequent 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 float in the air or be found on surfaces, causing problems for allergy sufferers when inhaled, ingested or coming in contact with eyes. Maintaining clean indoor air is a significant part of managing allergy symptoms, and using an effective AC filter to capture allergens is a key component.
Do Filters Help Reduce Allergy Symptoms?
Traditional AC filters are not well equipped to cut down on allergy symptoms. Most are only supposed to reduce dust particles, textile fibers and other large airborne materials from getting into your HVAC system. A higher-end filter is required to capture32 allergens and restrict them from circulating through your home.
The ideal AC 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 instance, a MERV 8 filter can trap pollen and mold spores, while a MERV 13 filter can also remove very small smoke particles and large bacteria. An allergy air conditioning filter with a high enough MERV rating minimizes airborne allergens for welcome 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 small as 0.3 microns in size. While this makes them extremely good at removing allergens like dust, mold spores, bacteria and viruses from the air, most HEPA filters restrict airflow so severely that they are not well-suited for residential properties. Contact51 a professional before getting a HEPA filter to determine if your air conditioning system is compatible.
Are Allergy Filters Worth the Money?
While allergy air filters for an AC are often higher priced than standard filters, the rewards usually outweigh the costs for allergy sufferers. After all, paying for a high-quality air conditioning filter to alleviate discomfort from allergies helps maintain excellent indoor air quality and reduces allergy symptoms, improving overall health and well-being. In addition, using a filter with a higher MERV rating can extend your HVAC system’s life by helping it stay clean and run efficiently. Remember these long-term benefits of allergy filters when deciding whether to buy yourself one.
Tips for Choosing an AC Filter
Selecting the correct air filter is vital for good IAQ and a reduction in allergy symptoms. Here are some essential tips and guidelines to help you choose the perfect HVAC system filter for allergies:
- Consider the MERV rating: Go with a filter with a MERV rating that best matches your needs. For many allergy sufferers, a filter rated MERV 11 to 13 offers the optimal balance between allergen capture and airflow efficiency.
- Choose the appropriate filter size: Air filters are made in various sizes, so select one that fits your HVAC system precisely. Filters that are the wrong size allow allergens to blow right on by, undermining the filter’s usefulness. Read your HVAC system’s manual or ask a professional for help determining the proper filter size.
- Think about a pleated electrostatic filter: Pleated filters have a greater surface area for catching allergens and are generally more effective than flat panel filters. Those that make use of electrostatic characteristics are better yet. The electrostatic charge helps these filters attract and catch allergens more efficiently than standard filters with equivalent designs and materials.
- Replace your filter regularly: Once you select a filter, don't forget to change it often for maximum performance. A good rule of thumb is to switch out disposable filters every 30 to 90 days, but check the manufacturer’s guidelines for the recommended replacement interval.
- Seek advice from 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 suffers from allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems, upgrading your HVAC system's filter is one of the best things you can do to manage your symptoms. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help you find118 and install the correct air filtration system for your household. For more suggestions about our indoor air quality services, please call a Service Experts office near you today.