AC Filters for People with Allergies

Many people suffer from allergies, and indoor air quality (IAQ) either makes it easier or harder to manage symptoms. If your goal is to improve IAQ and limit the existence of allergens in your home, selecting the appropriate AC filter is vital. Learn which air filter ratings are best for people with allergies and tips for finding the right air conditioner filter.

Allergens and Indoor Air Quality

Allergens are materials that generate allergic reactions in some 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 float in the air or accumulate 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 lower the amount of allergens is a key component.

Do Filters Help Reduce Allergy Symptoms?

Regular AC filters are ill-equipped to lessen allergy symptoms. Most are only designed to get rid of dust particles, textile fibers and other large airborne contaminants from entering your HVAC system. A higher-end filter is needed to trap allergens and stop them from circulating through your home.

The ideal air conditioner 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 example, a MERV 8 filter can catch 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 much-appreciated relief.

Please keep in mind 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 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 restrict airflow so severely that they are not well-suited for residential properties. Consult a professional before buying a HEPA filter to find out if your air conditioning system is compatible.

Are Allergy Filters Worth the Expense?

While allergy air filters for an AC are typically higher priced than standard filters, the benefits usually outweigh the costs for allergy sufferers. After all, paying for a high-quality air conditioner filter to alleviate discomfort from allergies helps maintain excellent indoor air quality and reduces allergy symptoms, strengthening overall health and well-being. Plus, installing a filter with a higher MERV rating can lengthen your HVAC system’s life by helping it stay clean and work efficiently. Remember these long-term benefits of allergy filters when determining whether to buy yourself one.

Tips for Choosing an AC Filter

Selecting the best air filter is necessary for good IAQ and less severe allergy symptoms. Here are some essential tips and strategies to help you choose the most appropriate AC filter for allergies:

• Consider the MERV rating: Choose a filter with a MERV rating appropriate for your needs. For most 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 come in various sizes, so select one that fits your HVAC system precisely. Incorrectly sized filters allow allergens to blow right through the filter, undermining the filter’s effectiveness. Refer to your HVAC system’s manual or reach out to a professional for help determining the correct filter size.
• Try a pleated electrostatic filter: Pleated filters have a larger surface area for catching allergens and are typically more effective than flat panel filters. Those that make use of electrostatic characteristics are best of all. The electrostatic charge helps these filters attract and trap allergens more efficiently than standard filters with similar designs and materials.
• Replace your filter routinely: Once you put in a filter, remind yourself to change it often for optimal performance. The general rule is to replace disposable filters every 30 to 90 days, but check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the recommended replacement interval.
• Contact a professional: If you’re uncertain 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 has allergies, asthma or other respiratory ailments, improving your HVAC system’s filter is one of the easiest things you can do to manage your symptoms. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you find and install the most appropriate air filtration system for your home. For more information about our indoor air quality services, please reach out to a Service Experts office near you today.