Many people experience allergies, and indoor air quality (IAQ) either makes it easier or more difficult to manage symptoms. If your goal is to improve IAQ and limit the presence of allergens in your home, choosing the appropriate AC filter is essential. Learn which air filter ratings are best for people with allergies and recommendations for choosing the right air conditioning system filter.
Allergens are substances that cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Common indoor allergens include:
Common outdoor allergens include:
These allergens can float in the air or accumulate on surfaces, causing discomfort for allergy sufferers when inhaled, ingested or coming in contact with eyes. Having clean indoor air is an important part of managing allergy symptoms, and using an effective AC filter to lower the amount of allergens is a key component.
Standard AC filters are not well equipped to reduce allergy symptoms. Most are simply developed to stop dust particles, textile fibers and other large airborne substances from invading your HVAC system. A higher-end filter is required to trap allergens and restrict 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. For example, a MERV 8 filter can trap pollen and mold spores, while a MERV 13 filter can capture smoke particles and large bacteria. An allergy AC filter with a high enough MERV rating minimizes 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 limit airflow so severely that they become impractical for residential situations. Contact a professional before installing a HEPA filter to determine if your air conditioning system is compatible.
While allergy air filters for air conditioners tend to be more expensive than standard filters, the advantages usually outweigh the costs for allergy sufferers. After all, spending money on a high-quality AC filter for allergies helps maintain good indoor air quality and reduces allergy symptoms, improving overall health and well-being. Plus, using a filter with a higher MERV rating can extend 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.
Selecting the correct air filter is crucial for good IAQ and a reduction in allergy symptoms. Here are some essential tips and guidelines to help you choose the optimal AC filter for allergies:
If you or someone in your household suffers from allergies, asthma or other respiratory conditions, upgrading your HVAC system’s filter is one of the simplest things you can do to manage your symptoms. Midway Services can help you select and install the most appropriate air filtration system for your household. For more information about our indoor air quality services, please call a Service Experts office near you today.
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