Spring brings with it warm weather, new life, and, for many people, allergy symptoms. The air becomes thick with pollen, dust, mold spores, and other microscopic particles that will exacerbate itchy eyes, scratchy throats, and other inconveniences. Fortunately, the air filter in your HVAC system is one of your strongest allies. Here’s a closer look at how it helps keep your home free of allergens during the spring.

A Guide to HVAC System Air Filters & Allergens

How They Work

Your HVAC system pulls air from the outdoors. Because the outside air is full of pollutants, the air is pushed through a filter before it’s released into your ductwork. This prevents dust from getting into the system’s equipment and damaging it.

The average paper filter will capture larger pollutants that pose a threat to the system but not the smaller particles that can still aggravate your allergies. However, there are better air filters on the market that will take care of nearly 100% of particles.

These high-energy particulate air filters, commonly known as HEPA, are made from layers of glass fibers. As the air is pushed through the dense layers, the glass fibers trap pollen, dust, smoke, and mold spores.  

How to Maximize Your Air Quality

Check the MERV rating as you shop for an air filter. This rating indicates the smallest particle size that the filter will trap; they range from 1 to 16, with larger numbers indicating that the filter can capture smaller particles. In order to keep the most common allergens out of your home, look for a filter with a MERV rating of 10 or higher.  

The filter will get dirty as it does its work. Once it’s full, it can no longer capture allergens and will compromise your system’s efficiency by inhibiting airflow. The average effective life span of a standard filter is 90 days, but if you’re dealing with allergies, keep your system working efficiently through the spring by changing out your air filter every four to six weeks.

A&B Heating & Air Conditioning has been keeping homes comfortable and allergen-free in Cincinnati, OH, and the tri-state area since 1966. These heating and cooling contractors are known for their NATE®-certified technicians, affordable services, and 100% customer satisfaction as recognized by the American Standard®. They can service your HVAC system at the beginning of the season and install an air purifier to better improve your air quality. See their services online and call (859) 525-0100 to schedule an appointment to get a head start on spring.