Many people are afflicted by 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 amount of allergens in your home, picking out the appropriate AC filter is vital. Learn which air filter ratings are best for people living with allergies and tips for finding11 the right AC filter.
Allergens and Indoor Air Quality
Allergens are elements that generate allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Prevalent 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 irritation for allergy sufferers when inhaled, ingested or coming in contact with eyes. Keeping 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 merely designed to get rid of dust particles, textile fibers and other large airborne materials from getting into your HVAC system. A higher-end filter is necessary to catch32 allergens and restrict them from circulating through your home.
The best air conditioner filters for allergies have a high minimum efficiency reporting value, or MERV rating, which denotes37 their effectiveness at capturing small particles on a scale of 1 to 20. For example, a MERV 8 filter can capture pollen and mold spores, while a MERV 13 filter can capture smoke particles and large bacteria. An allergy air conditioning filter with a high enough MERV rating reduces airborne allergens for much-needed relief.
Please keep in mind44 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 little 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 become impractical for residential situations. Seek advice from51 a professional before getting a HEPA filter to find out if your air conditioning system is compatible.
Are Allergy Filters Worth the Cost?
While allergy air filters for an AC are typically more expensive than standard filters, the rewards usually outweigh the costs for allergy sufferers. After all, investing in a high-quality AC filter to help reduce allergies helps maintain good indoor air quality and reduces allergy symptoms, improving overall health and well-being. Additionally, installing a filter with a higher MERV rating can lengthen 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 invest in one.
Tips for Choosing an AC Filter
Identifying the right air filter is crucial for good IAQ and a reduction in 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 ideal 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 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 reach out to a professional for help determining the proper filter size.
- Try a pleated electrostatic filter: Pleated filters have a larger surface area for collecting allergens and are generally more effective than flat panel filters. Those that have electrostatic characteristics are best of all. The electrostatic charge helps these filters attract and trap allergens more efficiently than standard filters with similar designs and materials.
- Replace your filter on a regular basis: Once you select a filter, remember to change it often for maximum 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.
- Contact 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 licensed professional 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 ailments, improving your HVAC system's filter is one of the simplest things you can do to manage your symptoms. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help you choose118 and install the correct air filtration system for your home. For more suggestions about our indoor air quality services, please contact a Service Experts office near you today.