AC Filters for People with Allergies

Many people are afflicted by 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 right AC filter is essential. Learn which air filter ratings are best for people with allergies and guidelines for finding the right AC filter.

Allergens and Indoor Air Quality

Allergens are elements that cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Common 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 irritation for allergy sufferers when inhaled, ingested or coming in contact with eyes. Keeping 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?

Standard AC filters are ill-equipped to reduce allergy symptoms. Most are only designed to stop dust particles, textile fibers and other large airborne materials from getting into your HVAC system. A higher-end filter is required to capture allergens and prevent them from circulating through your home.

The best AC 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 capture 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 will lower the airborne allergens for much-needed relief.

Please keep in mind 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 restrict 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.

Are Allergy Filters Worth the Cost?

While allergy air filters for AC units tend to be more costly than standard filters, the benefits usually outweigh the costs for allergy sufferers. After all, investing in a high-quality AC filter for allergies helps maintain superior indoor air quality and reduces allergy symptoms, improving overall health and well-being. Plus, using a filter with a higher MERV rating can prolong your HVAC system’s life by helping it stay clean and function efficiently. Remember these long-term benefits of allergy filters when deciding whether to purchase one.

Tips for Choosing an AC Filter

Selecting the best air filter is crucial for good IAQ and fewer allergy symptoms. Here are some essential tips and strategies to help you choose the perfect AC filter for allergies:

• Consider the MERV rating: Choose a filter with a MERV rating suited for your needs. For most allergy sufferers, a filter rated MERV 11 to 13 offers the best balance between allergen capture and airflow efficiency.
• Choose the proper filter size: Air filters come in various sizes, so select one that fits your HVAC system precisely. Ill-fitting filters allow allergens to blow right on by, undermining the filter’s effectiveness. Consult your HVAC system’s manual or reach out to a professional for help determining the correct filter size.
• Opt for a pleated electrostatic filter: Pleated filters have more surface area for capturing allergens and are typically more effective than flat panel filters. Those with electrostatic characteristics are even better. The electrostatic charge helps these filters attract and trap allergens more efficiently than standard filters with similar designs and materials.
• Replace your filter regularly: Once you select a filter, don’t forget to change it often for the best possible performance. The general rule is to exchange disposable filters every 30 to 90 days, but check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the recommended replacement interval.
• Contact a professional: If you’re unsure about which filter is the most suitable 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 suffers from allergies, asthma or other respiratory conditions, upgrading your air conditioner’s filter is one of the best things you can do to manage your symptoms. Air Engineers Service Experts can help you select and install the correct air filtration system for your home. For more information about our indoor air quality services, please contact a Service Experts office near you today.