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 presence of allergens in your home, choosing the correct AC filter is essential. Learn which air filter ratings are the most useful for people with allergies and guidelines for identifying the right AC filter.

Allergens and Indoor Air Quality

Allergens are substances that generate allergic reactions in affected 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 capture allergens is a key component.

Do Filters Help Reduce Allergy Symptoms?

Regular AC filters are ill-equipped to reduce allergy symptoms. Most are merely developed to stop dust particles, textile fibers and other large airborne materials from getting into your HVAC system. A higher-end filter is necessary to trap allergens and stop them from circulating throughout your home.

The best AC filters for allergies have a high minimum efficiency reporting value, or MERV rating, which measures 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 reduces airborne allergens for much-needed relief.

Know 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 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 properties. Consult 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 an AC tend to be higher priced than standard filters, the advantages 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, installing a filter with a higher MERV rating can prolong your HVAC system’s life by helping it stay clean and work effectively. Remember these long-term benefits of allergy filters when deciding whether to invest in one.

Tips for Choosing an AC Filter

Identifying the right 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 appropriate for your needs. For most allergy sufferers, a filter rated MERV 11 to 13 provides 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 exactly. Filters that are the wrong size allow allergens to blow right into your HVAC system, undermining the filter’s effectiveness. Read your HVAC system’s manual or ask a professional for help determining the correct filter size.
• Think about a pleated electrostatic filter: Pleated filters have a greater surface area for capturing allergens and are typically more effective than flat panel filters. Those with electrostatic characteristics are better yet. The electrostatic charge helps these filters attract and catch allergens more efficiently than standard filters with similar designs and materials.
• Replace your filter regularly: Once you install a filter, remind yourself to change it often for optimal performance. A good rule of thumb is to exchange disposable filters every 30 to 90 days, but check the manufacturer’s guidelines for the recommended replacement interval.
• Consult a professional: If you’re unsure 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 suffers from allergies, asthma or other respiratory conditions, upgrading your AC filter is one of the best things you can do to manage your symptoms. Levy & Son Service Experts can help you find and install the perfect air filtration system for your residence. For more details about our indoor air quality services, please reach out to a Service Experts office near you today.