If you suffer from seasonal allergies, then you’re probably looking for a little relief right about now. As we say goodbye to spring and hello to summer, pollen and allergens are everywhere. Many allergy sufferers, like you, are searching for ways they can minimize their allergies and enjoy the summer. One idea you may have found is to change your HVAC filter more regularly to keep pollen out of your indoor air and clean breathing in. If you have questions about whether changing it can really help allergies, then keep reading as we break it all down for you.
Your HVAC air filter
Your air filter is an important part of your HVAC system. When heating or cooling your home, air is forced through the air filter before it is blown into your home. Your air filter traps particles like pollen, dust, and mold to keep them from being circulated in the air. While there are a variety of filters out there, even the most basic filter can help with indoor air quality and your seasonal allergies.
The importance of changing the filter regularly
Whether you suffer from allergies or just want cleaner air in your home, it’s important to change your air filter regularly. Changing your air filter regularly not only keeps pollen and other allergens out of your air, it can also trap a lot of particles that can cause illnesses keeping you and your family from getting sick. One other benefit to changing your filter regularly? Changing your air filter can help your HVAC system function better. Leaving dirty and dusty filters in your equipment can end up coating your coils and other internal parts which only causes your system to work harder to achieve the same results.
When to change it
If you’ve been asking yourself how frequently you should change it, then you’re not alone. Many homeowners either forget (out of sight out of mind) or just don’t know how often they should change their filter. The short answer is that it depends on how many people, pets, and allergies.
Spring is the ideal time to change it so you can prepare your HVAC system for heavy AC use in the summer and protect your family from seasonal allergies. After that, the recommended frequency depends on your home. If you live alone and have no pets, we recommend you change it 1-2 times per year (maybe once in spring and once in fall). If you live with others and have pets, we recommend changing your filter every 2-3 months. Lastly, if you experience allergies, you should change your filter every 45-50 days.
Types of filters
If you’ve visited your local home improvement store looking for a replacement recently, you know there are a lot of options. When it comes to battling allergies, a high-efficiency one can provide some relief. High-efficiency filters come with a higher cost, and don’t necessarily mean energy savings – but you’ll get some relief by investing in them.
You’ll find most filters have a MERV rating (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values). Other typical ratings are MPR and FPR. A higher MERV rating especially if you don’t struggle with allergies. For example, a MERV 1 rating will trap dust bunnies and other larger particles. A MERV 16 rating will trap particles as small as .3 micron. Most homes with allergies sufferers need somewhere in between, and we recommend a MERV 11 rating.
While changing your air filter more often won’t solve all your allergy problems (you’ll have to go outside eventually), it can help the allergy sufferers in your family breathe easy when inside. Ready to change your air filter, but don’t know where to start? Our team is ready to help. Call our office to schedule your spring/summer maintenance, and our trained HVAC technician can inspect your current filter and make recommendations on the best filter for your equipment and home.
