With summer highs averaging 103 degrees, good AC is a must-have for comfortable living in Phoenix. However, the wrong AC filters can let contaminants slip through, circulating allergens in your home and adding to allergy discomfort.
Fortunately, there are air conditioner filters specifically designed to reduce allergens. We’ll explore the best AC filters for allergies so you can remove contaminants from your home, boost indoor air quality, and reduce your allergy symptoms.
Allergies and Air Quality
Allergies are closely linked to your indoor air quality (IAQ) — without a good filtration system, it’s easy for allergens and other contaminants to contribute to poor air quality.
Effects of poor indoor air quality
Indoor air quality is an important part of everyday life. Since most people spend a significant time at home, indoor air plays a key role in health and comfort. Poor IAQ can cause coughing, sneezing, and irritation. Long-term exposure to poor air quality is also linked to a variety of diseases.
Common allergens
Phoenix is home to a variety of outdoor allergens including pollen from trees and grasses. Between March and May, many plants release pollen and cause spring allergies. From late summer into November, weeds and certain trees like cedar and juniper also contribute to allergies.
Indoors, pet hair, dust, and dander are just a few of the common allergens. If your AC becomes damp or dirty, mold and mildew can also infiltrate your filter and HVAC system.
With service areas throughout greater Phoenix, we provide AC maintenance, installations, and support to help you find the best AC filters to reduce your allergies.
Role of AC Filters in Allergy Relief
Indoor and outdoor air get pushed through your AC filters, making them a central point for catching any allergens. Finding the right filters is key to maximizing this air filtration process.
How AC filters work
As your AC pulls in outdoor air, it pushes it through a filter that traps any contaminant particles. The clean air is then circulated through your home.
In addition to cleaning the air before it gets distributed, AC filters also clean the air that circulates in the HVAC system. This helps prevent the buildup of dust, dirt, and other contaminants on your condenser and evaporator coils.
Types of AC filters
AC filters come in a wide variety of different types, each offering their own advantages.
Spun glass or fiberglass
Fiberglass AC filters are a common and affordable option that can catch larger contaminants like dirt and some pollen. These typically have a low MERV rating since they can’t catch smaller particles, so they’re not an ideal choice if you have allergies.
Pleated
Pleated filters are made from folded fabric, usually cotton or polyester. They’re often considered the next step up from fiberglass filters because of their affordability. Pleated filters are available in several different MERV ratings, making them suitable for catching some allergens.
HEPA
High-Efficiency Particulate Air, or HEPA, is the highest MERV rating and is rated to catch over 99% of airborne contaminants. This makes them one of the best filters for allergies if you’re allergic to mold, dander, pollen, or dust.
Electrostatic
Electrostatic filters use cotton and paper to create static that traps contaminants. You can choose between disposable and washable versions, which makes them a fairly affordable option. These filters are ideal for catching small allergens like dander, but less effective at larger particles like mold or dust.
Choosing the Right AC Filter for Allergies
When you’re choosing new AC filters to reduce allergies, these factors can be helpful to consider.
MERV rating
Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV, measures a filter’s ability to remove particulates from the air. The higher a filter’s MERV rating, the better it is at filtering the air. By default, most AC systems have a MERV 8 filter installed, though a minimum of MERV 13 is generally recommended for good indoor air quality.
HVAC power
While higher MERV filters are better for filtering the air, not all HVAC systems are capable of using a high MERV filter. The higher the rating, the more force is required to move air through the filter.
Affordability
In general, filters with a higher MERV rating will come with a higher upfront cost. However, many filter types are available in reusable options. This can be a good way to save on costs while still using a filter that catches allergens..
Maintenance and replacement
It’s generally recommended to check and clean your AC filters at least once a month. Most filters should be replaced every three months, or as specified by the manufacturer.
Benefits of Using AC Filters for Allergies
AC filters for allergies can help reduce your allergy symptoms and improve the overall quality of your indoor air.
Improved indoor air quality
Removing airborne contaminants can help reduce your risk of respiratory discomfort and may be helpful in preventing some diseases. It’s also beneficial for promoting a clean and comfortable environment.
Allergy symptom relief
The right AC filter can catch these contaminants, cleaning your indoor air and reducing uncomfortable symptoms like red eyes, scratchy throat, sneezing, and other allergy effects.
Installation and Usage Tips
It’s essential to install your AC filters properly so they can effectively catch airborne particles. Most AC filters will come with detailed instructions, since specific installation may vary by model. When in doubt, an HVAC pro can help you correctly install your filters.
Best practices for allergy relief
Clean AC filters and routine HVAC maintenance are the best way to reduce allergens and improve your indoor air quality. Change your filters regularly following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Book routine AC inspections with a professional AC maintenance team at least once per year, ideally in the spring before heavy use season begins.
Call 1st Choice for All Your AC Needs
At 1st Choice Mechanical, we’re here for all your heating and cooling needs in Phoenix, AZ. Whether you’re looking for a duct cleaning to remove allergens, planning to install new AC filters, or you have questions on the best AC tips for people with allergies, our pros can help. Contact us today to discover how we can keep your home cool, clean, and allergen-free.