AC Filters for People with Allergies
Many people experience allergies, and indoor air quality (IAQ) either makes it easier or more difficult to control symptoms. If your goal is to improve IAQ and limit the amount of allergens in your home, choosing the correct AC filter is imperative. Learn which air filter ratings are the most useful for people living with allergies and tips for identifying the right air conditioner filter.
Allergens and Indoor Air Quality
Allergens are materials that trigger allergic reactions in affected individuals. Prevalent indoor allergens include:
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- Dust mites
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- Pet dander
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- Mold spores
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- Tobacco smoke
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- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
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- Bacteria and viruses
Common outdoor allergens include:
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- Pollen
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- Ragweed
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- Wildfire smoke
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- 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. Having 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 reduce allergy symptoms. Most are simply developed to stop dust particles, textile fibers and other large airborne substances from entering your HVAC system. A higher-end filter is necessary to capture allergens and prevent them from circulating inside your home.
The best AC 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 example, 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 AC filter with a high enough MERV rating reduces airborne allergens for much-needed relief.
Know 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 extremely good at removing allergens like dust, mold spores, bacteria and viruses from the air, most HEPA filters limit airflow so severely that they become impractical for residential properties. Seek advice from a professional before getting a HEPA filter to determine if your air conditioning system is compatible.
Are Allergy Filters Worth the Expense?
While allergy air filters for air conditioners are typically more expensive than standard filters, the rewards usually outweigh the costs for allergy sufferers. After all, paying for a high-quality air conditioning filter to alleviate discomfort from allergies helps maintain good indoor air quality and reduces allergy symptoms, boosting 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 function correctly. Remember these long-term benefits of allergy filters when deciding whether to purchase one.
Tips for Choosing an AC Filter
Selecting the right air filter is crucial for good IAQ and a reduction in allergy symptoms. Here are some essential tips and guidelines to help you choose the most appropriate air conditioner filter for allergies:
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- Consider the MERV rating: Pick a filter with a MERV rating that best matches your needs. For most allergy sufferers, a filter rated MERV 11 to 13 features the very best balance between allergen capture and airflow efficiency.
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- Choose the correct filter size: Air filters are offered in various sizes, so select one that fits your HVAC system exactly. Filters that are the wrong size allow allergens to blow right through the filter, undermining the filter’s usefulness. Read your HVAC system’s manual or contact a professional for help determining the correct filter size.
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- 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 make use of electrostatic characteristics are best of all. The electrostatic charge helps these filters attract and trap allergens in a more efficient manner than standard filters with equivalent designs and materials.
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- Replace your filter routinely: Once you put in a filter, remind yourself to change it often for maximum performance. A good rule of thumb is to exchange disposable filters every 30 to 90 days, but check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the recommended replacement interval.
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- Contact 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 conditions, replacing your air conditioner’s filter is one of the simplest things you can do to manage your symptoms. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help you find 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.