Many people suffer from allergies, and indoor air quality (IAQ) either makes it easier or harder to manage symptoms. If your goal is to improve IAQ and limit the existence of allergens in your home, selecting the right AC filter is essential. Learn which air filter ratings are preferred for people with allergies and recommendations for choosing11 the right air conditioning system filter.
Allergens and Indoor Air Quality
Allergens are elements that generate 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 accumulate on surfaces, causing irritation for allergy sufferers when inhaled, ingested or coming in contact with eyes. Maintaining 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?
Traditional AC filters are ill-equipped to lessen allergy symptoms. Most are only designed to stop dust particles, textile fibers and other large airborne substances from getting into your HVAC system. A higher-end filter is required to trap32 allergens and stop them from circulating through your home.
The most effective air conditioning system filters for allergies have a high minimum efficiency reporting value, or MERV rating, which indicates37 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 conditioning filter with a high enough MERV rating will lower the airborne allergens for welcome relief.
Be aware44 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 very effective at removing allergens like dust, mold spores, bacteria and viruses from the air, most HEPA filters limit airflow so severely that they are not well-suited for residential properties. Consult51 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 AC units are typically higher priced than standard filters, the rewards usually outweigh the costs for allergy sufferers. After all, investing in a high-quality air conditioner filter to alleviate discomfort from allergies helps maintain excellent indoor air quality and reduces allergy symptoms, boosting overall health and well-being. Plus, installing a filter with a higher MERV rating can prolong your HVAC system’s life by helping it stay clean and work correctly. Remember these long-term benefits of allergy filters when deciding whether to buy yourself one.
Recommendations for Choosing an AC Filter
Selecting the correct air filter is vital for good IAQ and fewer allergy symptoms. Here are some essential tips and methods to help you choose the perfect HVAC system filter for allergies:
- Consider the MERV rating: Go with a filter with a MERV rating suited for 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 appropriate filter size: Air filters are made in various sizes, so select one that fits your HVAC system precisely. Filters that are the wrong size allow allergens to blow right through the filter, undermining the filter’s efficiency. Read your HVAC system’s manual or contact a professional for help determining the correct filter size.
- Think about a pleated electrostatic filter: Pleated filters have more surface area for collecting allergens and are generally more effective than flat panel filters. Those that have electrostatic characteristics are even better. The electrostatic charge helps these filters attract and capture allergens more efficiently than standard filters with similar designs and materials.
- Replace your filter regularly: Once you install a filter, remember to change it often for the best possible performance. A good strategy is to switch out 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 an experienced technician 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, 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 select118 and install the perfect air filtration system for your home. For more details about our indoor air quality services, please contact a Service Experts office near you today.