Many people are afflicted by allergies, and indoor air quality (IAQ) either makes it easier or more challenging to deal with the unpleasant symptoms. If your goal is to improve IAQ and limit the amount of allergens in your home, installing the appropriate AC filter is vital. Learn which air filter ratings are preferred for people coping with allergies and guidelines for finding11 the right AC filter.
Allergens and Indoor Air Quality
Allergens are elements that trigger allergic reactions in sensitive 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 be found on surfaces, causing discomfort for allergy sufferers when inhaled, ingested or coming in contact with eyes. Maintaining clean indoor air is an important part of managing allergy symptoms, and using an effective AC filter to remove allergens is a key component.
Do Filters Help Reduce Allergy Symptoms?
Regular AC filters are ill-equipped to lessen allergy symptoms. Most are simply supposed to get rid of dust particles, textile fibers and other large airborne materials from invading your HVAC system. A higher-end filter is needed to catch32 allergens and stop them from circulating inside your home.
The ideal 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 trap 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.
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 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 slow airflow so severely that they are not well-suited for residential situations. Seek advice from51 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 air conditioners are typically more expensive than standard filters, the benefits usually outweigh the costs for allergy sufferers. After all, spending money on a high-quality air conditioning filter to help reduce allergies helps maintain good indoor air quality and reduces allergy symptoms, strengthening overall health and well-being. Additionally, utilizing a filter with a higher MERV rating can extend your HVAC system’s life by helping it stay clean and function correctly. Remember these long-term benefits of allergy filters when making the decision of whether to purchase one.
Recommendations 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 perfect air conditioner filter for allergies:
- Consider the MERV rating: Pick a filter with a MERV rating suited for your needs. For most allergy sufferers, a filter rated MERV 11 to 13 features the best balance between allergen capture and airflow efficiency.
- Choose the appropriate filter size: Air filters come in various sizes, so select one that fits your HVAC system perfectly. Incorrectly sized filters allow allergens to blow right into your HVAC system, undermining the filter’s usefulness. Consult 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 usually more effective than flat panel filters. Those with electrostatic characteristics are better yet. 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 install a filter, remember to change it often for the best possible performance. The general rule is to exchange disposable filters every 30 to 90 days, but check the manufacturer’s instructions 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 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 ailments, upgrading your air conditioner's filter is one of the best things you can do to manage your symptoms. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help you choose118 and install the most appropriate air filtration system for your residence. For more information about our indoor air quality services, please contact a Service Experts office near you today.