How Air Filters can Help with Allergies

The air filter is one of the most important parts of a home’s HVAC system even though many people might not give it much thought.

There are many different reasons for this, but the main one is that, as the name suggests, the air filter keeps the air in the house clean, which is to the benefit of everyone inside. That is because the cleaner the air, the less pollutants and irritants there are circulating around.

Of course, that begs the question of whether air filters are good for people with allergies. The answer in general is yes, though that only applies to specific kinds of air filters. So, if anyone in your home has serious allergies, then you should consider whether your air filter can make life easier for them when they are inside of the house. A 14x20x1 allergy air filter is one of the more common types but you can find all manner of air filters in both physical and online stores.

How Air Filters Can Help with Allergies

There are certain types of particulates and pollutants that tend to trigger allergic reactions to those who are vulnerable to them. Pet dander, pollen, and dust mites are common allergens that tend to get circulated in the air. An air filter can help to trap those allergens and prevent allergy sufferers from breathing them in. With fewer allergens in the indoor air, allergy sufferers are less likely to get triggered.

The Types of Filters That are Best for Allergies

While air filters can help with allergies, not just any air filter will do. That is because standard air filters are designed to protect the HVAC system more than the home and its inhabitants. Those regular air filters can filter out large particulate matter like dust but not smaller particulates like smoke or pollen. In order to remove those kinds of allergens from the air special HEPA (High Energy Particulate Air) filters are needed. These kinds of filters have densely packed layers that can effectively trap smaller particles, like pollen or dust, that can cause allergies to flare up.

However, you should also pay attention to the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Rating Value) of the air filter as well. The reason is that the MERV rating indicates how efficient the filter is at removing certain particles from the air. The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient the filter. MERV ratings go from 1 to 16 and a filter with a rating of about 10 to 12 is good for homes that have severe allergy sufferers as they can effectively remove allergy-causing particulates from the air.

It is not advised that homeowners select air filters with a MERV rating higher than 12 because they can put a strain on the HVAC system, which leads to higher electricity bills. That is because the fan of the system has to work harder to push air through high rated filters so it uses more energy which leads to higher electricity bills.

Air Filters Should be Cleaned Regularly

In order for an air filter to continue functioning at peak efficiency it needs to be cleaned or replaced on a regular basis of about every other month. Regular air filters can be cleaned or changed less frequently but the special allergy filters need to be changed much more often. Since they can trap more particles, they get dirty far more quickly, which means that they have to be changed more often. Once an air filter gets dirty and clogged it can no longer trap any allergens, which means that its effectiveness is compromised. When that happens the air filter can no longer effectively offer protection to the people in the house.

The Right Air Filter Can Help to Reduce Allergic Reactions

If anyone in a home has a problem with allergies, then the right air filter can give them some relief. That is because an air filter can effectively remove the types of allergens, like dust and pollen, that can trigger allergic reactions in those who are sensitive to them. However, the right kind of air filter should be chosen for that task because not just any air filter will do.

Once the right filter has been chosen it needs to be changed or cleaned on a regular basis in order to maintain its efficacy. As long as those actions are taken an air filter is one of the best ways of keeping the air in a home free from allergens so that everyone inside is free to breathe more easily.