AC Filters for People with Allergies

Many people suffer from 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 existence of allergens in your home, installing the right AC filter is essential. Learn which air filter ratings are preferred for people with allergies and recommendations for finding the right air conditioning system filter.

Allergens and Indoor Air Quality

Allergens are substances that cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Prevalent 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. Maintaining clean indoor air is a critical part of managing allergy symptoms, and using an effective AC filter to lower the amount of allergens is a key component.

Do Filters Help Reduce Allergy Symptoms?

Traditional 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 invading your HVAC system. A higher-end filter is needed to catch allergens and restrict them from circulating through your home.

The ideal air conditioning system filters for allergies have a high minimum efficiency reporting value, or MERV rating, which denotes their effectiveness at capturing small particles on a scale of 1 to 20. For instance, a MERV 8 filter can capture 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.

Know 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 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 slow airflow so severely that they are not well-suited for residential properties. Consult a professional before installing 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 are often more costly than standard filters, the rewards usually outweigh the costs for allergy sufferers. After all, investing in a high-quality air conditioner filter to help reduce allergies helps maintain good indoor air quality and reduces allergy symptoms, boosting overall health and well-being. In addition, using a filter with a higher MERV rating can extend your HVAC system’s life by helping it stay clean and function efficiently. Remember these long-term benefits of allergy filters when determining whether to invest in one.

Techniques for Choosing an AC Filter

Identifying the correct air filter is necessary for good IAQ and fewer allergy symptoms. Here are some essential tips and guidelines to help you choose the most appropriate 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 offers the very best balance between allergen capture and airflow efficiency.
• Choose the proper filter size: Air filters come in various sizes, so select one that fits your HVAC system perfectly. Filters that are the wrong size 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 correct filter size.
• Opt for a pleated electrostatic filter: Pleated filters have a greater surface area for capturing allergens and are usually more effective than flat panel filters. Those that make use of electrostatic characteristics are better yet. The electrostatic charge helps these filters attract and catch allergens more effectively than standard filters with similar designs and materials.
• Replace your filter on a regular basis: Once you install a filter, don’t forget to change it often for optimal performance. A good strategy is to exchange disposable filters every 30 to 90 days, but check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the recommended replacement interval.
• Seek advice from a professional: If you’re unsure about which filter is right for your needs or how to maintain your HVAC system properly, ask a licensed professional 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 ailments, replacing 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 perfect air filtration system for your home. For more suggestions about our indoor air quality services, please call a Service Experts office near you today.