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, selecting the right AC filter is imperative. Learn which air filter ratings are the most useful for people with allergies and recommendations for identifying11 the right AC filter.
Allergens and Indoor Air Quality
Allergens are materials that trigger allergic reactions in sensitive 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 drift in the air or be found on surfaces, causing irritation for allergy sufferers when inhaled, ingested or coming in contact with eyes. Having clean indoor air is a critical part of managing allergy symptoms, and using an effective AC filter to capture allergens is a key component.
Do Filters Help Reduce Allergy Symptoms?
Standard AC filters are not well equipped to cut down on allergy symptoms. Most are only designed to get rid of dust particles, textile fibers and other large airborne contaminants from entering your HVAC system. A higher-end filter is necessary to capture32 allergens and restrict them from circulating throughout your home.
The ideal air conditioning system 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 capture pollen and mold spores, while a MERV 13 filter can also remove very small smoke particles and large bacteria. An allergy AC filter with a high enough MERV rating will lower the airborne allergens for much-appreciated relief.
Know44 that MERV ratings of 17 to 20 describe high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters designed to remove at least 99.97 percent of particles as tiny 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 limit airflow so severely that they become impractical for residential applications. Contact51 a professional before getting a HEPA filter to help decide if your air conditioning system is compatible.
Are Allergy Filters Worth the Cost?
While allergy air filters for an AC are typically higher priced than standard filters, the advantages usually outweigh the costs for allergy sufferers. After all, paying for a high-quality air conditioning filter for allergies helps maintain excellent indoor air quality and reduces allergy symptoms, boosting overall health and well-being. In addition, utilizing a filter with a higher MERV rating can prolong 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 buy yourself one.
Recommendations for Choosing an AC Filter
Picking out the right air filter is crucial for good IAQ and fewer allergy symptoms. Here are some essential tips and strategies to help you choose the most appropriate AC filter for allergies:
- Consider the MERV rating: Choose a filter with a MERV rating suited for your needs. For many allergy sufferers, a filter rated MERV 11 to 13 features the best balance between allergen capture and airflow efficiency.
- Choose the proper filter size: Air filters are made in various sizes, so select one that fits your HVAC system precisely. Ill-fitting filters allow allergens to blow right through the filter, undermining the filter’s efficiency. Refer to your HVAC system’s manual or contact a professional for help determining the proper filter size.
- Think about a pleated electrostatic filter: Pleated filters have a larger surface area for catching allergens and are typically more effective than flat panel filters. Those that have electrostatic characteristics are even better. The electrostatic charge helps these filters attract and trap allergens more effectively than standard filters with equivalent designs and materials.
- Replace your filter on a regular basis: Once you put in a filter, remind yourself to change it often for the best possible performance. A good strategy is to replace disposable filters every 30 to 90 days, but check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the recommended replacement interval.
- Consult a professional: If you’re uncertain 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 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 most appropriate air filtration system for your residence. For more details about our indoor air quality services, please call a Service Experts office near you today.