HVAC air filters can trap dust, particulates and various allergens and air pollutants. If you or someone in your family has allergies triggered by such contaminants, you’ve probably heard many times that you need air filters to minimize allergy flare-ups and enjoy cleaner air inside your home. Since there are a number of different types of air filters on the market, however, it’s important to arm yourself with the right information before making a decision.
In this post, AC repair expert Cooper Bros shares some facts about air filters and allergens.
Regular air filters are designed to protect the equipment, not your health. People often mistakenly think that air filters in air conditioners and furnaces can get rid of dust and allergens from the air. However, this isn’t the purpose of HVAC filters. Rather, they’re designed to keep dust out of the equipment and prevent damage to the HVAC system. Furnace and AC filters can remove some dust from the air, but they’re not really effective at trapping the microscopic particles that cause sneezing during allergy season. That said, special types of filters are needed to stop these tiny particles that trigger allergies.
Not all HEPA filters are the same. Air conditioner repair experts would have you look beyond the label “HEPA filter” because not all HEPA filters are created equal. To ensure that you’re getting an effective, appropriate filter, you need to check the MERV rating. HEPA filters designed for allergies are rated based on their capacity to block particles of various sizes. This rating system is known as MERV, with ratings ranging from MERV 1 to MERV 12. Higher numbers are given to the filters that can remove the smallest particles, including many species of pollen. That said, your HEPA filter should ideally have a MERV rating of 10 or higher, which indicates its effectiveness at blocking particles that cause allergy symptoms.
You need to do more than use the right filter. Using the right filters can make a big difference, but if you don’t clean or replace them accordingly, you won’t be able to maximize their benefits. Furthermore, you should also have your air conditioning system maintained at least once a year to prevent dirt and dust buildup on the blower fans and ductwork.
Cooper Bros offers a range of HVAC services, including home furnace repair, duct repair, indoor air quality and more. We perform jobs according to industry standards, so you can rely on us for quality workmanship. Call us at (408) 649-2008 or fill out our contact form to request a free quote. We serve customers in San Jose and other nearby areas.