AC Filters for People with Allergies

Many people experience allergies, and indoor air quality (IAQ) either makes it easier or more difficult to manage symptoms. If your goal is to improve IAQ and limit the existence of allergens in your home, picking out the right AC filter is imperative. Learn which air filter ratings are best for people with allergies and guidelines for identifying the right air conditioner filter.

Allergens and Indoor Air Quality

Allergens are elements that cause 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 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 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 not designed to reduce allergy symptoms. Most are simply supposed to get rid of dust particles, textile fibers and other large airborne substances from entering your HVAC system. A higher-end filter is necessary to catch allergens and prevent them from circulating throughout your home.

The ideal 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. Case in point, a MERV 8 filter can trap pollen and mold spores, while a MERV 13 filter can capture smoke particles and large bacteria. An allergy air conditioner filter with a high enough MERV rating will lower the airborne allergens for much-appreciated relief.

Be aware 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 small as 0.3 microns in size. While this makes them highly 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 applications. Seek advice from a professional before getting a HEPA filter to help decide if your air conditioning system is compatible.

Are Allergy Filters Worth the Money?

While allergy air filters for air conditioners tend to be more costly than standard filters, the benefits usually outweigh the costs for allergy sufferers. After all, paying for a high-quality AC filter for allergies helps maintain good 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 work effectively. Remember these long-term benefits of allergy filters when determining whether to invest in one.

Tips for Choosing an AC Filter

Picking out the best air filter is vital for good IAQ and a reduction in allergy symptoms. Here are some essential tips and strategies to help you choose the perfect HVAC system filter for allergies:

  • Consider the MERV rating: Choose a filter with a MERV rating that best matches your needs. For many allergy sufferers, a filter rated MERV 11 to 13 features the very best 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 perfectly. Incorrectly sized filters allow allergens to blow right into your HVAC system, undermining the filter’s effectiveness. Refer to your HVAC system’s manual or contact a professional for help determining the correct filter size.
  • Try a pleated electrostatic filter: Pleated filters have a greater surface area for collecting allergens and are generally more effective than flat panel filters. Those with electrostatic characteristics are even better. The electrostatic charge helps these filters attract and catch allergens more effectively than standard filters with similar designs and materials.
  • Replace your filter regularly: Once you install a filter, remind yourself to change it often for the best possible performance. A good rule of thumb is to exchange disposable filters every 30 to 90 days, but check the manufacturer’s guidelines for the recommended replacement interval.
  • Seek advice from a professional: If you’re uncertain about which filter is right 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 conditions, upgrading your air conditioner’s filter is one of the easiest things you can do to manage your symptoms. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you choose and install the correct air filtration system for your residence. For more suggestions about our indoor air quality services, please contact a Service Experts office near you today.

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