Are allergen air conditioner filters worth it? Many people mistakenly believe that air filters in ovens and air conditioners keep dust and allergens out of the air, but this is not the case. While these filters may not be effective in alleviating respiratory problems, they can still be beneficial in other ways. For starters, allergen AC filters can extend the life of your equipment and help keep it running efficiently during heating and cooling seasons. To ensure you are getting the most out of your filter, make sure to check the MERV rating.
MERV, or Minimum Efficiency Report Value, tells you how well a filter can capture contaminants. If the MERV rating is too high, your HVAC will need to work harder to produce efficient airflow. For example, hospitals use filters with a rating of 16, but that's not necessary for your home environment, and using a filter with such a high rating will increase your energy costs. It is also important to be mindful of not going too far with your filters.
Some HVAC systems aren't strong enough to push air through more restrictive filters that block smaller particles, that is, those with a higher MERV or CADR rating, which can reduce airflow and cause your home to heat and cool less efficiently. Working too hard on an HVAC system can also result in hardware damage and costly repair. Consult your HVAC system manual to determine the strength of your model or call an HVAC technician. If you have a ducted HVAC system, it is also recommended to have your ducts professionally cleaned.
This will help remove particles from the air before it flows through the blower to the rest of the house. To ensure that tiny particles are stopped, special allergy air filters need to be used and changed more frequently than regular paper HVAC filters, especially during high pollen season. Not only do these filters allow people to breathe easier, but they can also reduce odors and make your home a more pleasant place to live. You can even purchase smart filters such as 3M Filtrete smart air filters that use sensors to monitor airflow.
The value of an electrostatic filter is that it captures smaller particles than a standard washable filter and is completely reusable. If you can find a reusable filter that captures the types of contaminants you need to filter for your family, then you could pay more money upfront, but ultimately save money. When shopping for an allergen AC filter, make sure to check the MERV rating and consider if your HVAC system is strong enough to push air through more restrictive filters that block smaller particles. Additionally, if you have a ducted HVAC system, it is recommended to have your ducts professionally cleaned and use special allergy air filters that need to be changed more frequently than regular paper HVAC filters.
