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 best for people with allergies and recommendations for identifying11 the right AC filter.
Allergens and Indoor Air Quality
Allergens are substances that trigger 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 be in the air or settle on surfaces, causing problems for allergy sufferers when inhaled, ingested or coming in contact with eyes. Having clean indoor air is a significant part of managing allergy symptoms, and using an effective AC filter to remove 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 merely supposed to get rid of dust particles, textile fibers and other large airborne materials from getting into your HVAC system. A higher-end filter is needed to capture32 allergens and stop them from circulating through your home.
The best 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. Case in point, a MERV 8 filter can catch pollen and mold spores, while a MERV 13 filter can remove smoke particles and large bacteria. An allergy air conditioner 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 very 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 well-suited for residential applications. Contact51 a professional before getting a HEPA filter to find out if your air conditioning system is compatible.
Are Allergy Filters Worth the Money?
While allergy air filters for an AC are typically more expensive than standard filters, the benefits usually outweigh the costs for allergy sufferers. After all, investing in a high-quality air conditioning filter for allergies helps maintain excellent indoor air quality and reduces allergy symptoms, boosting overall health and well-being. Additionally, utilizing a filter with a higher MERV rating can prolong your HVAC system’s life by helping it stay clean and work effectively. Remember these long-term benefits of allergy filters when determining whether to purchase one.
Techniques for Choosing an AC Filter
Identifying the right air filter is necessary for good IAQ and a reduction in allergy symptoms. Here are some essential tips and guidelines 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 most allergy sufferers, a filter rated MERV 11 to 13 provides the best balance between allergen capture and airflow efficiency.
- Choose the correct filter size: Air filters are made in various sizes, so select one that fits your HVAC system perfectly. Filters that are the wrong size allow allergens to blow right into your HVAC system, undermining the filter’s efficiency. Read 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 capturing allergens and are generally more effective than flat panel filters. Those with electrostatic characteristics are best of all. The electrostatic charge helps these filters attract and trap allergens more effectively than standard filters with equivalent designs and materials.
- Replace your filter regularly: Once you put in a filter, don't forget to change it often for maximum performance. A good strategy is to exchange disposable filters every 30 to 90 days, but check the manufacturer’s guidelines for the recommended replacement interval.
- Consult a professional: If you’re not sure about which filter is best 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, improving your air conditioner's 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 information about our indoor air quality services, please contact a Service Experts office near you today.