AC Filters for People with Allergies

Many people are afflicted by allergies, and indoor air quality (IAQ) either makes it easier or more difficult to deal with the unpleasant symptoms. If your goal is to improve IAQ and limit the amount of allergens in your home, picking out the correct AC filter is essential. Learn which air filter ratings are preferred for people coping with allergies and recommendations for identifying the right AC filter.

Allergens and Indoor Air Quality

Allergens are materials 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?

Regular AC filters are ill-equipped to reduce allergy symptoms. Most are simply designed to reduce dust particles, textile fibers and other large airborne contaminants from entering your HVAC system. A higher-end filter is needed to capture allergens and prevent them from circulating throughout your home.

The most effective air conditioner filters for allergies have a high minimum efficiency reporting value, or MERV rating, which indicates their effectiveness at capturing small particles on a scale of 1 to 20. For instance, a MERV 8 filter can trap pollen and mold spores, while a MERV 13 filter can also remove very small smoke particles and large bacteria. An allergy air conditioning filter with a high enough MERV rating minimizes airborne allergens for welcome relief.

Know 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 small 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 slow airflow so severely that they are not well-suited for residential situations. Consult a professional before buying a HEPA filter to help decide if your air conditioning system is compatible.

Are Allergy Filters Worth the Expense?

While allergy air filters for air conditioners tend to be more costly than standard filters, the advantages usually outweigh the costs for allergy sufferers. After all, paying for a high-quality AC filter to alleviate discomfort from allergies helps maintain excellent indoor air quality and reduces allergy symptoms, boosting overall health and well-being. Plus, using a filter with a higher MERV rating can extend your HVAC system’s life by helping it stay clean and run correctly. Remember these long-term benefits of allergy filters when making the decision of whether to buy yourself one.

Recommendations for Choosing an AC Filter

Picking out the right air filter is necessary for good IAQ and a reduction in allergy symptoms. Here are some essential tips and strategies to help you choose the optimal air conditioner filter for allergies:

• Consider the MERV rating: Go with a filter with a MERV rating that best matches your needs. For the majority of 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 are made in various sizes, so select one that fits your HVAC system exactly. Filters that are the wrong size allow allergens to blow right on by, undermining the filter’s usefulness. Read 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 typically more effective than flat panel filters. Those that make use of electrostatic characteristics are even better. The electrostatic charge helps these filters attract and capture allergens more efficiently than standard filters with equivalent designs and materials.
• Replace your filter on a regular basis: Once you select a filter, remind yourself to change it often for optimal performance. A good rule of thumb is to replace disposable filters every 30 to 90 days, but check the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended replacement interval.
• Seek advice from a professional: If you’re uncertain 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 is afflicted with 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 choose and install the correct air filtration system for your residence. For more information about our indoor air quality services, please contact a Service Experts office near you today.