AC Filters for People with Allergies

Many people suffer from allergies, and indoor air quality (IAQ) either makes it easier or more challenging to control symptoms. If your goal is to improve IAQ and limit the amount of allergens in your home, selecting the appropriate AC filter is essential. Learn which air filter ratings are the most useful for people coping with allergies and recommendations for identifying the right air conditioner filter.

Allergens and Indoor Air Quality

Allergens are substances that generate 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 drift in the air or be found on surfaces, causing discomfort for allergy sufferers when inhaled, ingested or coming in contact with eyes. Having clean indoor air is a significant 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 lessen allergy symptoms. Most are merely developed to stop dust particles, textile fibers and other large airborne contaminants from entering your HVAC system. A higher-end filter is needed to catch allergens and restrict them from circulating throughout your home.

The most effective 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 trap pollen and mold spores, while a MERV 13 filter can remove smoke particles and large bacteria. An allergy air conditioner filter with a high enough MERV rating reduces airborne allergens for much-needed relief.

Please keep in mind 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 tiny as 0.3 microns in size. While this makes them very 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 situations. Consult 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 expensive than standard filters, the rewards usually outweigh the costs for allergy sufferers. After all, paying for a high-quality air conditioning filter for allergies helps maintain good indoor air quality and reduces allergy symptoms, strengthening 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 correctly. Remember these long-term benefits of allergy filters when making the decision of whether to purchase one.

Recommendations for Choosing an AC Filter

Identifying the correct air filter is necessary for good IAQ and a reduction in allergy symptoms. Here are some essential tips and strategies to help you choose the optimal AC filter for allergies:

• Consider the MERV rating: Choose a filter with a MERV rating appropriate for your needs. For the majority of allergy sufferers, a filter rated MERV 11 to 13 features the optimal balance between allergen capture and airflow efficiency.
• Choose the correct filter size: Air filters are offered in various sizes, so select one that fits your HVAC system perfectly. Ill-fitting filters allow allergens to blow right into your HVAC system, undermining the filter’s usefulness. 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 typically 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 comparable designs and materials.
• Replace your filter on a regular basis: Once you install a filter, remind yourself to change it often for maximum performance. A good strategy is to exchange disposable filters every 30 to 90 days, but check the manufacturer’s guidelines for the recommended replacement interval.
• Consult a professional: If you’re uncertain 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 HVAC system’s filter is one of the simplest things you can do to manage your symptoms. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help you choose and install the most appropriate air filtration system for your household. For more details about our indoor air quality services, please call a Service Experts office near you today.