Can AC Filters Help Stop Allergies and Asthma?
During the springtime in Wisconsin, many people struggle with allergies and asthma.
As anybody that suffers with allergies knows, the quality of air in our homes or workplaces can significantly influence our comfort and health.
Coughing, sneezy, sniffling, and wheezing are no fun, despite the beautiful springtime weather.
If you are an allergy sufferer, you might benefit from some residential air filters that can help create cleaner air in your home.
In this article, we will look at how AC filters can help stop allergies in your home, and which filters are best for air purification and allergy relief.
How Do AC Filters Work to Create Cleaner Air?
AC filters are a part of your air conditioning system that helps to purify indoor air by trapping airborne particles.
As your air conditioning draws in air, the fan propels it through ductwork and the air filter.
The porous barrier, which is often pleated paper or synthetic material, captures contaminants like dust, pollen, and pet dander.
Some AC filters utilize also electrostatic charges to attract particles. High-efficiency filters (HEPA) employ a dense mesh to capture even microscopic pollutants.
Once it passed through the air filter, theclean air then circulates back into your living spaces.
What is a MERV Filter Ratings?
Each HVAC filter has a MERV rating, which stands for minimum efficiency reporting value. This MERV filter rating which indicates its particle capture efficiency. The MERV rating is developed by ASHRAE (formerly the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers).
The filter company 3M also has created their own classification systems called MPR (microparticle performance rating) and Home Depot also rates their own AC filters by FPR (filter performance rating).
Over time, as an AC filter become clogged, it slowly becomes less efficient and the quality of airflow becomes worse.
Many people don't realize that regular air filter replacement is vital for maintaining clean air and optimal HVAC performance. Essentially, the AC filter acts as a continuous air purifier within your home's climate control system.
Better indoor air quality starts with understanding how your HVAC system can either help fight against allergens or, if not properly maintained, contribute to poor air conditions.
What Are The Different Types of AC Filters?
There are many air filter options when it comes to your air conditioner. The most common air filter types are:
Fiberglass Filter
Polyester Filter
Washable Filters
Pleated Filter
Electrostatic filters
Each filter type offers different benefits, and choosing the best air filter depends on cost, and also what level of air filtering you need.
According to Consumer Reports, the thicker the filter, the better the air quality. Thicker filters may not fit in all systems, so it is wise to consult an HVAC technician to decide.
Do AC Filters help with Allergies?
The air filter inside your HVAC system in your home plays a crucial role in allergy relief. A dirty AC filter can allow more airborne allergens into your home, and keep them circulating through the ducts and vents.
By regulating temperature, humidity, and air quality, an HVAC system can create environments less prone to host allergens like dust mites, mold, and pollen. These contaminants are common triggers for seasonal allergies and asthma flare-ups.
Regular cleaning or replacement of your AC filter will dramatically reduce the airborne particles that can cause allergic reactions.
An air conditioning system that is not operating efficiently, or has not had regular maintenance can also circulate and increase the number of irritants in the air.
HVAC Maintenance Can Help Allergy Sufferers
Regular maintenance of your HVAC system is vital, especially for those with allergies and asthma. Here are some essential tips we recommend to ensure your system helps rather than hinders your condition:
- Change Air Filters Regularly: This is one of the most straightforward and effective ways to keep your air clean. Filters trap a lot of the particles that can trigger allergies. Depending on your specific sensitivities and the type of filters your system uses, it might be necessary to change them more frequently than the standard recommendation.
- Schedule Annual HVAC Maintenance: Having our professionals inspect your HVAC system annually ensures it operates efficiently and helps identify potential issues before they become major. During these check-ups, we clean coils and fans, which can accumulate dirt and debris that reduce your system’s efficiency and contaminate the air.
- Consider a Duct Cleaning: Your home's ductwork can be a major collector of dust, pet dander, and other allergens. Regular duct cleaning helps to reduce the amount of these irritants circulating through your home, drastically improving the quality of the indoor air.
Implementing these maintenance tips can significantly reduce allergy symptoms and improve overall air quality, making your home a more comfortable environment for everyone, especially those with respiratory conditions.
HVAC Solutions to Improve Indoor Air Quality
To significantly enhance the air quality in homes, especially for those suffering from allergies and asthma, we employ several advanced HVAC solutions. One effective approach is the integration of HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters into your system. An HEPA filter is particularly adept at trapping microscopic particles that standard filters may miss, including pollen, pet dander, and dust mites.
Additionally, installing whole-home dehumidifiers or air filtration such as IAQ or Air Scrubbers can control the humidity levels inside your house, creating an environment that is less hospitable to allergens like mold and mildew.
Air purifiers work can alongside your HVAC system to clean the air that circulates through your home. These purifiers can neutralize a large percentage of airborne contaminants, providing relief from allergy symptoms.
If you have severe allergies, you can also consider using UV lamps. These air filtration devices are installed within the ductwork and help kill mold and bacteria that can grow in the moist environment of central air systems.
With more care and attention, you can transform your home into a sanctuary of clean air, free from the pollutants and allergens that aggravate respiratory conditions.
How to Choose the Right Filter for Allergy and Asthma Relief
Selecting the right HVAC system for allergy and asthma relief involves considering several factors to ensure the system meets your specific needs. Firstly, it's crucial to evaluate the system's ability to filter and purify air. Systems that can integrate with HEPA filters or that come with highly rated built-in filters are usually preferred.
The capacity of the system also plays a vital role. A unit too small won’t efficiently filter and circulate air in your living spaces, while an overly large system can lead to excessive humidity levels, contributing further to mold growth and deteriorated air quality. We can help you determine the appropriate size based on the square footage of your home and your specific health needs.
Lastly, consider the system’s maintenance requirements. Opt for units that are easier to maintain, as regular maintenance is key to keeping air quality high. Features like easy-to-change filters and alert systems for filter changes can make maintenance simpler, ensuring that your system continues to function effectively to improve indoor air quality.
Need Help with Choosing the Right AC Filter?
At Burkhardt Heating & Cooling, we understand the importance of maintaining a healthy living environment, especially for those with allergies and asthma concerns.
Our HVAC technicians are dedicated to helping you understand the role your HVAC filter plays in managing indoor air quality. Our team can provide practical solutions to improve indoor air quality, and choosing the right HVAC filter.
Alongside regular HVAC system maintenance, the Burkhardt Heating and Cooling team can help you significantly reduce the presence of indoor allergens and irritants that can cause an allergic reaction.
This not only helps those with allergies and asthma but also enhances the overall comfort for all occupants.
Whether you are looking to upgrade your existing HVAC system or want to optimize for air quality, we are here to guide you.
Our approach focuses on providing tailored solutions that fit your specific needs and budget.
Reach out to our friendly team today and we will guide you through the process of choosing an AC filter that helps reduce allergies in your home.
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