AC Filters for People with Allergies

Many people suffer from 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 presence of allergens in your home, installing the right AC filter is vital. Learn which air filter ratings are the most useful for people coping with allergies and tips for choosing the right AC filter.

Allergens and Indoor Air Quality

Allergens are substances that trigger 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 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 capture allergens is a key component.

Do Filters Help Reduce Allergy Symptoms?

Regular AC filters are not designed to lessen allergy symptoms. Most are merely developed to reduce dust particles, textile fibers and other large airborne substances from getting into your HVAC system. A higher-end filter is necessary to catch allergens and prevent them from circulating inside your home.

The ideal air conditioner filters for allergies have a high minimum efficiency reporting value, or MERV rating, which measures their effectiveness at capturing small particles on a scale of 1 to 20. For example, a MERV 8 filter can catch 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 reduces airborne allergens for much-appreciated 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 tiny 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 become impractical for residential applications. Consult a professional before getting a HEPA filter to find out if your air conditioning system is compatible.

Are Allergy Filters Worth the Expense?

While allergy air filters for air conditioners are typically 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 excellent indoor air quality and reduces allergy symptoms, boosting overall health and well-being. Additionally, utilizing a filter with a higher MERV rating can extend your HVAC system’s life by helping it stay clean and work correctly. Remember these long-term benefits of allergy filters when determining whether to purchase one.

Techniques for Choosing an AC Filter

Selecting the correct air filter is crucial for good IAQ and less severe allergy symptoms. Here are some essential tips and methods to help you choose the perfect 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 optimal balance between allergen capture and airflow efficiency.

• • Choose the correct filter size: Air filters come in various sizes, so select one that fits your HVAC system exactly. Ill-fitting filters allow allergens to blow right through the filter, undermining the filter’s effectiveness. Read your HVAC system’s manual or reach out to a professional for help determining the right filter size.

• • Try a pleated electrostatic filter: Pleated filters have more surface area for capturing allergens and are generally more effective than flat panel filters. Those with electrostatic characteristics are best of all. The electrostatic charge helps these filters attract and trap allergens more effectively than standard filters with equivalent designs and materials.

• • Replace your filter on a regular basis: Once you select a filter, remember to change it often for optimal performance. A good strategy is to switch out 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 uncertain about which filter is the most suitable 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 has allergies, asthma or other respiratory conditions, improving your air conditioner’s filter is one of the best 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 information about our indoor air quality services, please reach out to a Service Experts office near you today.