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 are materials that generate allergic reactions in some individuals. Prevalent indoor allergens include:
Common outdoor allergens include:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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