AC Filters for People with Allergies

Many people suffer from allergies, and indoor air quality (IAQ) either makes it easier or harder to deal with the unpleasant symptoms. If your goal is to improve IAQ and limit the existence of allergens in your home, installing the appropriate AC filter is vital. Learn which air filter ratings are preferred for people with allergies and guidelines for choosing 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 be 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 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?

Traditional AC filters are not well equipped to cut down on allergy symptoms. Most are only supposed to get rid of dust particles, textile fibers and other large airborne materials from entering your HVAC system. A higher-end filter is required to catch 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 denotes their effectiveness at capturing small particles on a scale of 1 to 20. Case in point, 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 will lower the airborne allergens for much-appreciated relief.

Be aware that MERV ratings of 17 to 20 describe high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters designed to remove at least 99.97 percent of particles as small 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 slow airflow so severely that they are not practical for residential properties. Contact a professional before installing a HEPA filter to determine if your air conditioning system is compatible.

Are Allergy Filters Worth the Cost?

While allergy air filters for AC units are typically more costly than standard filters, the benefits usually outweigh the costs for allergy sufferers. After all, spending money on a high-quality air conditioner filter for allergies helps maintain good indoor air quality and reduces allergy symptoms, boosting overall health and well-being. Plus, utilizing a filter with a higher MERV rating can prolong your HVAC system’s life by helping it stay clean and function effectively. Remember these long-term benefits of allergy filters when deciding whether to purchase one.

Recommendations for Choosing an AC Filter

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

• Consider the MERV rating: Go with a filter with a MERV rating that best matches your needs. For the majority of allergy sufferers, a filter rated MERV 11 to 13 features the very best balance between allergen capture and airflow efficiency.
• Choose the proper filter size: Air filters are made in various sizes, so select one that fits your HVAC system exactly. Ill-fitting filters allow allergens to blow right into your HVAC system, undermining the filter’s effectiveness. Refer to your HVAC system’s manual or ask a professional for help determining the proper filter size.
• Opt for a pleated electrostatic filter: Pleated filters have more 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 efficiently than standard filters with equivalent designs and materials.
• Replace your filter routinely: Once you install a filter, don’t forget to change it often for optimal performance. A good strategy 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 not sure about which filter is best 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 has 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. Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts can help you select and install the correct air filtration system for your household. For more information about our indoor air quality services, please call a Service Experts office near you today.