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Spring in Los Angeles, CA, often brings an influx of pollen, which can trigger sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, and other allergy symptoms. While heading indoors might seem like a good solution for relief, the Environmental Protection Agency warns that indoor air quality can sometimes be even worse than outdoor air. Fortunately, choosing the right filter for your HVAC system can significantly reduce allergens, improve overall air quality, and create a healthier living environment for you and your family.
Fiberglass Filters
Fiberglass filters are one of the most affordable options for your HVAC system. They can remove large particulates from your air, but their primary benefit is to protect the interior components of your HVAC system. You’ll need to change these filters rather frequently, which can be inconvenient and costly.
Pleated Filters
Pleated air filters have a larger surface area, allowing them to trap more particulate matter than a standard fiberglass filter. Typically made from paper or fabric, these filters can remove pollen and other allergens like dust and pet dander. Most pleated filters will need to be changed once every 30 to 90 days, and they are relatively affordable.
Electrostatic Filtration
Electrostatic filters use static electricity to attract and capture particles in the air, including allergens as small as 0.1 microns in size. These filters are made from electrically charged materials that generate a static charge, causing particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander to stick to the filter. As a result, electrostatic filters can remove a significant amount of particulate matter, often capturing up to 99.97% of airborne allergens and pollutants, helping to improve the air quality in your home. While they can be more expensive upfront than standard fiberglass or pleated filters, their ability to capture fine particles makes them a good choice if you have allergies. Additionally, electrostatic filters are reusable and washable.
How to Choose the Right Filter
There are several things to consider when choosing a filter during allergy season.
Minimum-Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV)
The minimum-efficiency reporting value (MERV) scale measures how well a filter can trap particulate matter. The higher the rating, the more airborne contaminants a filter will capture. Most residential HVAC systems can handle a MERV rating between 8 and 12.
Filter Lifespan
Filters usually come with a recommendation for how often you should replace them. Standard fiberglass filters should be replaced once a month. On the other hand, pleated filters can last up to 90 days. Electrostatic filters should be cleaned every one to three months, depending on how dirty they get. They last three to five years before you need to buy a new one.
Filter Size and Thickness
Filters come in various sizes, so it’s essential to choose the right one for your HVAC system. They are labeled by length, width, and thickness. Thicker filters generally capture more airborne particles but ensure your system can handle the thickness without restricting airflow. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines to select the appropriate size and thickness for optimal performance.
Filter Type
If you’re planning for allergy season, make sure you’re choosing a filter that will address your major concerns. For many, this may be pollen. Also, consider the other allergens in your home that may be causing you symptoms, such as pet dander, dust, dust mites, and mold spores.
Whole-home Air Purifiers
In addition to upgrading your HVAC system’s standard filter, whole-home air purifiers can significantly improve indoor air quality. They work in tandem with your existing system to target a range of airborne contaminants, including allergens, bacteria, viruses, mold, and odors.
High-Efficiency Particulate Air Filters (HEPA)
HEPA filters are highly effective at removing up to 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, making them an excellent choice for improving indoor air quality. These filters are particularly beneficial for allergy sufferers, as they target airborne particles that can irritate the respiratory system.
UV Light Filtration
UV light air purification uses UV-C light to destroy the cellular structure of bacteria, viruses, and mold spores. While effective at eliminating pathogens, this filtration method does not capture particulate matter.
Activated Carbon Filtration
Some whole-home air purifiers combine standard filtration with activated carbon to remove odors and volatile organic compounds. This not only helps freshen the air in your home but can also alleviate allergy symptoms.
HVAC Tips for Allergy Season
Make sure you keep up with changing your filter regularly. You should refer to the recommendation for when to change your filter. However, many homeowners inspect their filters once a month to ensure they know when it is time for a fresh one. You may want to stick to a more frequent schedule for changing your filter during allergy season.
You can schedule routine duct cleaning to remove the particulate matter that has built up in your ducts over time. These particles can end up circulating into your living spaces and increasing your allergy symptoms. Professional heater and AC maintenance each year will keep your system pushing cleaner air into your home.
Clean your vents and registers periodically to remove dust buildup. Additionally, make sure your vents are open and not blocked by household items like area rugs and furniture to promote optimal airflow through your HVAC system.
Make sure that you’re running your HVAC system regularly during allergy season. Many homeowners try to minimize runtime to save money. Unfortunately, this can cause indoor air quality issues and a high presence of allergens in your home.
Other Considerations
Seal any holes or cracks around your home that allow outside air to enter. This air can carry allergens, which may make their way into your HVAC system and spread throughout your home. Use caulk, spray foam, or weather stripping to seal gaps. In addition, keep windows and doors closed when pollen levels are at their highest. This tends to be in the middle of the afternoon and in the early evening.
If you have an older thermostat, consider upgrading to a smart model. Many can help you monitor the quality of your indoor air. Based on this information, you can make adjustments to improve air quality and comfort. Upgrading to a smart thermostat is also a great way to boost the efficiency of your HVAC system and reduce monthly energy bills.
Whole-house humidifiers and dehumidifiers can help you maintain the right humidity levels in your home, ideally between 35% and 50%. Overly moist air can hold more particulate matter and often feels uncomfortable and warm. On the other hand, dry indoor air can irritate your sinuses, which may already be affected by allergies.
Clean your carpet regularly with a vacuum that is equipped with a HEPA filter. This type of filter reduces the amount of particulates that escape the vacuum and circulate through your home.
Contact Your Local Professionals
At Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, we have been serving the residents of Los Angeles, CA and the surrounding areas since 2007. We can help with all your indoor air quality needs, including installing whole-home air purifiers and humidity control systems. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced team members.
