Tips for Finding the Best HVAC Filter To Fight Off Allergies
Spring is here, and with it come warmer days, greener hills, and beautiful blossoms of every kind. Unfortunately, spring also brings a host of airborne allergens that can make the gorgeous, pleasant days pretty hard to enjoy. Homeowners who are hit especially hard every spring may find themselves at the end of their rope when it comes to keeping allergies at bay.
Retreating indoors is the common instinct, but since indoor air is constantly recycled and recirculated, any airborne pollutants that make it inside tend to get trapped and build up to high concentrations. That’s where the HVAC filter comes in. Its job is to capture pollutants as the unit pulls in air to be cooled and distributed throughout the house. But not all filters are created equal. Read on to learn about the different types of filters and their relative efficacy at warding off allergies.
Fiberglass Air Filters
Fiberglass AC filters are the most common and least expensive filters around. They are made from spun glass fibers, which form a porous barrier to capture particles. These allow for powerful airflow, but as a result, they are not very effective at stopping smaller particles. To understand why it’s helpful to look at the MERV rating of fiberglass filters.
Simply put, the MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating of an HVAC filter denotes its efficiency at capturing airborne particles, with 1 being the least efficient and 16 being the most efficient. Fiberglass filters have a MERV rating of around 1 to 4, which means they only capture a fairly small percentage of particles. They also tend to become clogged very quickly, so it’s imperative to replace them every 30 days or so.
Reusable or Washable Air Filters
Next up are reusable filters, which capture particles by filtering air through several layers of woven polypropylene or similar material, each of which holds an electrostatic charge. This static electricity gives airborne particles a positive charge, essentially causing them to become attracted to the filter and stuck in place.
Many homeowners like these filters because they tend to last for many years and can be unplugged and washed with water rather than replaced outright. However, these also have a MERV rating of around 4 or lower, which means they aren’t very effective against common, small-particle allergens like mold and pollen.
HEPA Air Filters
Finally, there are HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters. These heavy-duty filters don’t mess around when it comes to capturing even very tiny particles - hence the name. These actually go beyond the standard MERV scale, as they can effectively trap a very high percentage of just about any particulate matter, including mold, pollen, dust mites, bacteria, and even smoke.
These are undoubtedly the best filters for those who suffer from allergies. The trouble is, they are very dense and can severely constrict airflow if the AC unit isn’t powerful enough to handle it - which can damage the unit or cause it to wear out prematurely. A pleated filter with a mid-to-high MERV rating may do the trick for some homeowners, but those who get knocked down by allergies may need the comprehensive protection of a HEPA filter.
In any case, it’s always best to consult with an HVAC professional to determine whether the AC unit can handle a given filter type without sacrificing unit efficiency.
About Chad’s AC Direct
The friendly experts at Chad’s AC Direct have been delivering superior service to the Montgomery, Alabama community for years. Their licensed and background-checked technicians are punctual, respectful, and don’t work on commission - which means they’ll never upsell or recommend unnecessary products. They always offer transparent, flat-rate pricing, 24/7 emergency AC service, and an airtight satisfaction guarantee on every job.
What a Relief: Here’s How Air Filters Can Relieve Allergies
In the era of viruses and bacteria, there are two types of people. There are the ones who let out a cough or a sneeze in public (with their mask on, of course), and there are the ones who turn to look at them with a piercing glare for a few seconds and quickly run in the opposite direction.
The current state of the global situation has a lot of people on edge, to the point where they have become suspicious of everyone around them. However, many people are coughing and sneezing simply because they have seasonal allergies. Luckily, there are medications and other solutions that can help with this, including a few types of air filters to install in the home.
Trap 99% of Allergens With HEPA Filters
One little dust bunny can be hard to spot, but that’s all it takes to set off a storm of coughing, sneezing, and watery eyes for someone who suffers from seasonal allergies.
Therefore, it’s critical that air filters catch even the smallest of particles in order to provide some real relief. This is exactly what a HEPA (high-efficiency particle air) filter is designed to do.
HEPA air filters can trap 99.97% of particles that are as small as 0.3 microns. To put this in perspective, a micron is 1 millionth of a meter (or 0.00004 inches). A micron is tiny, and these filters can trap particles that are over 3X smaller than a micron!
Basically, HEPA filters can trap every particle of dust, pollen, or other allergens out there. The best part is, there are many brands that manufacture HEPA filters, which makes them easy to find. Rabbit Air, Dyson, Honeywell, GermGuardian, and Hamilton Beach are just a few of these existing brands.
HEPA Eco Mode Does More Than Clean the Air
Not all HEPA filters are the same. In fact, there’s a ton of variety in brand, in size, and in the settings/ functionalities that are available. Many HVAC professionals would recommend looking for a HEPA filter with Eco Mode. This setting does two things:
It provides clean air throughout the home.
It helps the environment!
Here’s how it works: Eco Mode causes the HEPA filter to go into auto mode. It automatically changes and optimizes the speed of the fan based on the indoor air quality.
When the air is free of pollution for 30 minutes, the fan automatically shuts off and will restart when pollution is detected again. This automation saves energy, which helps the environment, also lowers energy bills, a win-win for everyone.
Absorption From Charcoal Filters
Charcoal has become a typical household product. And not only for the grill in the backyard! Just take a look at some of the personal care items in a bathroom.
More than likely people will find a face mask, shampoo, deodorant, or other product that uses the effects of charcoal.
Charcoal attaches itself to things and absorbs them, like absorbing oil and impurities in a person’s hair with charcoal shampoo. Therefore, it makes sense that charcoal would also be used to improve air quality. Charcoal filters remove excess moisture from the air to control humidity. Humidity is a true spoilsport.
It can cause one of the biggest nightmares for a homeowner (mold growth), and can also aggravate seasonal allergies by leading to more congestion, pressure, runny noses, and sneezing. With the help of charcoal filters, the extra moisture in the air can be absorbed to minimize the effects of seasonal allergies.
About Chad’s AC Direct
Chad's AC Direct is focused on delivering red carpet air quality services for Montgomery, AL area customers. They make every effort to make things hassle-free by discussing all job details upfront so customers know what to expect every step of the way.
Enjoy personalized service from start to finish: convenient scheduling, expert installations, proper system sizing, and all work tailored to your particular needs. Your peace of mind is our priority!
Service at a Great Value
We do not work on commission and won’t try to sell you anything you don’t absolutely need. That’s why our customers enjoy savings on new systems by working directly with us!
No Surprises
We take pride in being fully transparent with our customers. You receive upfront written estimates. job details, and all questions answered before any work ever begins so you can make the best decision for your home.
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