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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 presence of allergens in your home, selecting the right AC filter is essential. Learn which air filter ratings are the most useful for people with allergies and guidelines for finding11 the right AC filter.

Allergens and Indoor Air Quality

Allergens are elements that trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Common 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 float in the air or accumulate on surfaces, causing irritation for allergy sufferers when inhaled, ingested or coming in contact with eyes. Keeping clean indoor air is an important 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 simply designed to stop dust particles, textile fibers and other large airborne substances from invading your HVAC system. A higher-end filter is needed to catch32 allergens and restrict them from circulating inside your home.

The most effective AC filters for allergies have a high minimum efficiency reporting value, or MERV rating, which denotes37 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 capture smoke particles and large bacteria. An allergy air conditioning filter with a high enough MERV rating will lower the airborne allergens for welcome relief.

Please keep in mind44 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 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 restrict airflow so severely that they become impractical for residential properties. Seek advice from51 a professional before installing a HEPA filter to find out if your air conditioning system is compatible.

Are Allergy Filters Worth the Cost?

While allergy air filters for AC units tend to be higher priced than standard filters, the advantages usually outweigh the costs for allergy sufferers. After all, spending money on a high-quality air conditioner filter to help reduce allergies helps maintain good indoor air quality and reduces allergy symptoms, improving overall health and well-being. In addition, installing a filter with a higher MERV rating can extend your HVAC system’s life by helping it stay clean and run efficiently. Remember these long-term benefits of allergy filters when deciding whether to purchase one.

Tips for Choosing an AC Filter

Picking out the correct air filter is crucial for good IAQ and fewer allergy symptoms. Here are some essential tips and guidelines to help you choose the optimal HVAC system filter for allergies:

  • Consider the MERV rating: Go with a filter with a MERV rating suited for your needs. For most allergy sufferers, a filter rated MERV 11 to 13 provides 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. Ill-fitting filters allow allergens to blow right through the filter, undermining the filter’s effectiveness. Refer to your HVAC system’s manual or ask a professional for help determining the proper filter size.
  • Think about a pleated electrostatic filter: Pleated filters have more surface area for catching allergens and are typically 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 comparable designs and materials.
  • Replace your filter routinely: Once you select 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 recommendations for the recommended replacement interval.
  • Contact a professional: If you’re not sure about which filter is right 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 suffers from allergies, asthma or other respiratory ailments, replacing your HVAC system's filter is one of the easiest things you can do to manage your symptoms. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help you choose118 and install the correct air filtration system for your home. For more suggestions about our indoor air quality services, please call a Service Experts office near you today.