AC Filters for People with Allergies

Many people experience 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 imperative. Learn which air filter ratings are preferred for people coping with allergies and recommendations for choosing the right AC filter.

Allergens and Indoor Air Quality

Allergens are substances that cause allergic reactions in affected 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 be found on surfaces, causing problems for allergy sufferers when inhaled, ingested or coming in contact with eyes. Keeping clean indoor air is a critical part of managing allergy symptoms, and using an effective AC filter to remove allergens is a key component.

Do Filters Help Reduce Allergy Symptoms?

Traditional AC filters are not designed to lessen allergy symptoms. Most are only supposed to stop dust particles, textile fibers and other large airborne substances from entering your HVAC system. A higher-end filter is needed to trap allergens and stop them from circulating inside your home.

The best air conditioning system 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 capture 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 take out at least 99.97 percent of particles as little 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 become impractical for residential applications. Seek advice from a professional before getting 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 are often more expensive than standard filters, the benefits usually outweigh the costs for allergy sufferers. After all, investing in a high-quality AC filter to help reduce allergies helps maintain superior indoor air quality and reduces allergy symptoms, strengthening overall health and well-being. Additionally, utilizing a filter with a higher MERV rating can prolong 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 invest in one.

Recommendations for Choosing an AC Filter

Identifying the right air filter is crucial for good IAQ and fewer allergy symptoms. Here are some essential tips and methods to help you choose the perfect air conditioner filter for allergies:

• Consider the MERV rating: Pick a filter with a MERV rating suited for your needs. For many 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 exactly. Filters that are the wrong size allow allergens to blow right on by, undermining the filter’s efficiency. Refer to your HVAC system’s manual or contact a professional for help determining the proper filter size.
• Try a pleated electrostatic filter: Pleated filters have a greater surface area for capturing allergens and are typically more effective than flat panel filters. Those with electrostatic characteristics are best of all. The electrostatic charge helps these filters attract and capture allergens more effectively than standard filters with comparable designs and materials.
• Replace your filter on a regular basis: Once you select a filter, remember to change it often for the best possible performance. A good rule of thumb is to replace disposable filters every 30 to 90 days, but check the manufacturer’s guidelines for the recommended replacement interval.
• Contact a professional: If you’re unsure 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 problems, upgrading your HVAC system’s filter is one of the best things you can do to manage your symptoms. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you select and install the most appropriate air filtration system for your home. For more details about our indoor air quality services, please call a Service Experts office near you today.