Spring represents new growth and life after the long, cold winter. With it comes hope, happiness, and sunshine. And allergies. Indeed, for allergy sufferers, spring can feel suffocating and frustrating as they contend with blocked sinuses and swollen airways. Luckily, many people can find respite inside their homes, and with the right air filters, allergies can become an irritation reserved for the outdoors only.
For more information on the best air filters for allergies, or any other heating & air conditioning issue you need resolved, contact Galmiche & Sons. We have proudly served the St. Louis area since 1950, and look forward to helping you with your HVAC needs.
What to Know About Air Filters for Allergy Sufferers
Spring is here, which means summer is on the way. While the cool blast of your air conditioner will be a welcome change from the heat outside, it certainly will not necessarily help soothe your allergies. In order to really see improvement in your allergies, it will take a good air filter as well.
Here are some helpful facts about air filters for allergies:
- Fact #1: HVAC air filters are for the system’s protection. The regular air filters in your HVAC system are not designed to clean dust particles and other allergens from the air, although as a happy bonus they can help eliminate some particles. They are there simply designed to protect the system’s mechanisms and prevent damage to the equipment. Because of this, allergy sufferers should use special air filters designed to reduce allergens and other particles.
- Fact #2: Paper filters don’t trap allergens. Following up to the previous fact about air filters for allergies, not only are regular HVAC air filters made just to reduce large particles in an effort to protect the equipment, they actually can’t trap most allergens. This lends itself to these particles flushing through your ductwork and back into your home, ready to meet your lungs. So, what is the answer for allergy sufferers, or for those that just want better air quality? Using HEPA (High Energy Particulate Air) filters is the best way to make sure your home’s air quality is better.
- Fact #3: HEPA filters come in various rating measurements. These measurements are known as MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting System) ratings and range between 1 to 12. The higher the rating number, the more filtration you can expect from the filter. We recommend customers who are concerned with allergies opt for MERV ratings of 10 or higher.
- Fact #4: Air filters need to be changed, and fairly often. In order to be more effective, your HEPA filter should be checked and likely changed every month – and even more regularly during allergy season. If you are running on a clogged filter, it is less effective, and can even be harmful to your system.
- Fact #5: Air filters are just one piece of the puzzle. While air filters are great for allergy sufferers, they are not the only solution to focus on. You should also make sure every part of your HVAC system is cleaned and regularly maintained to avoid unpleasant surprises in your home air quality due to buildup over time.
Whether you are hunting for air filters for allergy relief at home, or simply want better air quality inside, we are happy to answer any questions you have and help get the right HVAC set up for your home.
Contact Us for More Information on Air Filters for Allergies
For more information on selecting the right air filters for allergies, or anything else related to your heating & air conditioning needs in the greater St. Louis area, Galmiche & Sons is ready to help!
