Facts You Need to Know About Air Filters and Allergies

If you’re familiar with HVAC systems, you probably already know the importance of changing your air filter every month or so. Air filters block pollutants from entering the unit and causing a whole host of problems, and they may also help reduce the level of allergens in your home. This post from your favorite air conditioning service in Central Kansas will teach you what you need to know about the relationship between air filters and allergies.

Basic HVAC filters are only intended to protect your equipment

As mentioned above, air filters are designed to trap dust and allergens from entering your HVAC unit. That’s all standard filters are meant to do—they’re not designed to keep microscopic allergens out of the air. To keep the air clean from allergens, you’ll need to invest in special air filters. High efficiency particulate air filters, commonly known as HEPA filters, block the allergens that wreak havoc on our sinuses, eyes and lungs.

All HEPA filters aren’t created equal

Investing in a HEPA filter is the best way to reduce allergens, but be sure to check its Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating before buying it. The MERV rating system goes from one to 12, with the higher number indicating that it blocks smaller particles. Make sure your HEPA filter has a rating of at least 10 to keep your home free from allergens.

Air filters should be changed frequently

Whether you have a basic air filter or a high-quality HEPA filter, you need to change it regularly. Check with your air conditioning service in Central Kansas to determine the frequency with which you need to change your filters. It’s most commonly recommended to change them every one to two months, although a lot of factors may influence your technician’s recommendation.

The right filter is only half of the story

Swapping out your air filter will only do so much. Follow these tips to ensure your air is clean and your unit works to the best of its ability:

• Schedule professional maintenance: The best way to prevent breakdowns and prolong your unit’s lifespan is to schedule a maintenance appointment each spring. A professional tune-up also ensures your unit will be energy efficient and will retain your warranty.
• Keep the unit clean: Your HVAC technician will clean your system during his annual maintenance visit, but you’ll want to keep the area around your unit tidy and perform some basic cleaning tasks all year long. A clean system is a healthy and long-lasting system!
• Have the ducts cleaned: You’d be shocked to find out how many microbes and other allergens live in your air ducts. The only way to get rid of them and improve your air quality is to have your ducts cleaned. It’s recommended that you have your ducts cleaned every three to five years, but you may want to have them cleaned more frequently if you suffer from bad allergies.

Whether you need help changing your air filter or you need a new AC unit installed, KVK Inc. is your go-to air conditioning service in Central Kansas! We provide any service you can imagine at competitive prices. Reach out today to learn more.

Categorised in: Air Conditioning Tips

This post was written by Writer