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 existence of allergens in your home, picking out the correct AC filter is vital. Learn which air filter ratings are preferred for people living with allergies and guidelines for identifying11 the right AC filter.
Allergens and Indoor Air Quality
Allergens are materials that cause allergic reactions in affected 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 float in the air or accumulate on surfaces, causing discomfort for allergy sufferers when inhaled, ingested or coming in contact with eyes. Having clean indoor air is an important 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 ill-equipped to lessen allergy symptoms. Most are merely developed to get rid of dust particles, textile fibers and other large airborne materials from entering your HVAC system. A higher-end filter is needed to capture32 allergens and stop them from circulating through your home.
The best 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 example, 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 conditioning filter with a high enough MERV rating will lower the airborne allergens for welcome relief.
Know44 that MERV ratings of 17 to 20 describe high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters designed to take out 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 become impractical for residential situations. Contact51 a professional before getting a HEPA filter to find out if your air conditioning system is compatible.
Are Allergy Filters Worth the Expense?
While allergy air filters for an AC are typically more costly than standard filters, the benefits usually outweigh the costs for allergy sufferers. After all, investing in a high-quality air conditioner filter to alleviate discomfort from allergies helps maintain good indoor air quality and reduces allergy symptoms, improving overall health and well-being. Additionally, utilizing a filter with a higher MERV rating can lengthen your HVAC system’s life by helping it stay clean and run effectively. Remember these long-term benefits of allergy filters when deciding whether to buy yourself one.
Recommendations for Choosing an AC Filter
Picking out the best air filter is necessary for good IAQ and less severe allergy symptoms. Here are some essential tips and guidelines to help you choose the optimal HVAC system filter for allergies:
- Consider the MERV rating: Pick a filter with a MERV rating that best matches your needs. For many allergy sufferers, a filter rated MERV 11 to 13 offers the ideal balance between allergen capture and airflow efficiency.
- Choose the correct 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 usefulness. Consult 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 larger surface area for collecting 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 capture allergens in a more efficient manner than standard filters with comparable 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. The general rule is to switch out disposable filters every 30 to 90 days, but check the manufacturer’s guidelines for the recommended replacement interval.
- Contact 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 has allergies, asthma or other respiratory ailments, 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 perfect air filtration system for your home. For more information about our indoor air quality services, please contact a Service Experts office near you today.