AC Filters for People with Allergies

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 existence of allergens in your home, installing the right AC filter is imperative. Learn which air filter ratings are preferred for people with allergies and guidelines for identifying the right air conditioning system filter.

Allergens and Indoor Air Quality

Allergens are materials that cause 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 float in the air or settle on surfaces, causing problems for allergy sufferers when inhaled, ingested or coming in contact with eyes. Maintaining clean indoor air is an important 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 ill-equipped to cut down on allergy symptoms. Most are simply developed to reduce dust particles, textile fibers and other large airborne materials from entering your HVAC system. A higher-end filter is required to capture 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 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 conditioning filter with a high enough MERV rating minimizes airborne allergens for much-needed relief.

Know 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 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 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 Expense?

While allergy air filters for AC units tend to be more costly than standard filters, the rewards usually outweigh the costs for allergy sufferers. After all, investing in a high-quality AC filter to help reduce allergies helps maintain superior indoor air quality and reduces allergy symptoms, improving overall health and well-being. In addition, 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 buy yourself one.

Recommendations for Choosing an AC Filter

Identifying the best air filter is necessary for good IAQ and less severe allergy symptoms. Here are some essential tips and methods to help you choose the perfect HVAC system filter for allergies:

  • Consider the MERV rating: Choose a filter with a MERV rating that best matches your needs. For most allergy sufferers, a filter rated MERV 11 to 13 offers 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 exactly. Ill-fitting filters allow allergens to blow right through the filter, undermining the filter’s effectiveness. Consult your HVAC system’s manual or ask a professional for help determining the correct filter size.
  • Try a pleated electrostatic filter: Pleated filters have more surface area for catching allergens and are generally more effective than flat panel filters. Those that have electrostatic characteristics are best of all. The electrostatic charge helps these filters attract and capture allergens more efficiently than standard filters with comparable designs and materials.
  • Replace your filter on a regular basis: Once you put in a filter, remind yourself to change it often for the best possible performance. A good strategy is to switch out disposable filters every 30 to 90 days, but check the manufacturer’s guidelines for the recommended replacement interval.
  • Seek advice from a professional: If you’re uncertain about which filter is right for your needs or how to maintain your HVAC system properly, ask an experienced technician 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 problems, replacing your HVAC system’s filter is one of the best things you can do to manage your symptoms. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you select and install the correct air filtration system for your residence. For more suggestions about our indoor air quality services, please contact a Service Experts office near you today.