If you typically struggle with allergies, then you know how frustrating it can be to enjoy daily life. But did you know your air conditioner can also be part of the problem or solution? Read on to learn what you should consider when buying an HVAC filter and how you can make the most of your unit to fight off allergies.
How Do Allergens Get Into Your Home?
Most people think pollen, dust, and other irritants drift into homes because of open windows and doors. Allergens can also enter your place via furry pets, dust mites that accumulate in upholstery and bedding, and even mold spores that form due to humidity. Additionally, having an air filter that isn’t working properly can end up introducing contaminated air and spreading it throughout your living space. To protect yourself from bothersome allergies, you’ll want to make sure your air conditioning system has the ideal functionality for your needs.
What to Consider When Getting an HVAC Air Filter
When looking for the proper HVAC air filter for your home, there are a couple of things you’ll want to look into. These factors include:
- MERV rating: This measures how well your HVAC can capture particles during the filtration process. MERV 8 is the basic level of protection to capture larger dust particles. MERV 13 filters, however, are highly recommended because they can trap much smaller particles, such as allergens, bacteria, and even some viruses.
- Fiberglass vs. Pleated Filters: Fiberglass usually comes with a lower cost compared to pleated filters, but they won’t be as effective at protecting against pollen and other particles due to their loose weave.
Optimizing Your HVAC System to Fight Allergies
To make the most of your air conditioning, it’s best to implement the following measures:
- Consistent Filter Replacement: Even great air filters will become ineffective if they get too dirty. Best practice is to replace yours every 1-3 months, depending on whether you have high dust levels, multiple pets, and the severity of your allergies.
- Routine HVAC Maintenance: Since dust and particles can bypass even the best of filters, you’ll want to schedule AC maintenance annually to ensure your system is working efficiently. This allows for better airflow and improved allergen capture rates.
- Indoor Humidity Control: Having high humidity allows allergens to more easily develop in your home, while very low levels increase airborne particles. Maintaining a humidity of 30-50% can help prevent dust mites and other irritants from forming.
- Sealing Air Leaks: A leak in your air ducts can allow particles to bypass the filtration system, so you’ll want them to be sealed completely to reduce the chances of allergies.
Maintaining or upgrading your air filter can be one of the keys to keeping pollen and other allergens at bay! Keep these few tips in mind so that you can have greater comfort while relaxing at home.
About the Company
At A&H Heating and Air, our team wants to ensure that our customers can get the most out of their air conditioning units so that they can enjoy greater comfort at home. We can discuss air filters for those struggling with allergies, and we even offer services like UV light air scrubbers and duct sealing to help improve indoor air quality. If you wish to learn more about HVAC systems and how to optimize your home unit, click on the link to check out our website or give our team a call today at 850-988-3116 to schedule a consultation.