Air filters are used to protect your HVAC system, but they can keep allergens away from your house in the primary step. All the air filters aim at capturing particles that can lead to allergy or worsen your allergy. These air filters have their own sizes and shapes, they can be used in the HVAC systems and independent purifiers.
What kind of air filters you should choose for allergies? We will provide some guidance for me.
Compare furnace air filters for allergies with air purifiers
HVAC air filters and air purifiers are two main ways to clean up the indoor air.
The surface they can cover is the main difference between HVAC air filters and air purifiers. Furnace filters that are used for allergies are part of the HVAC system, they can improve the indoor air quality effectively since they can low down the number of allergies.
An air purifier is an ideal choice if you need additional purification in a special room, such as a room for allergies or a nursery. They are so convenient, you can find a nice air purifier at a lower price.
The other advantage of using an air purifier is that it can help to solve the allergy issue when you use the HEPA air filters. Air filters with high-efficiency particulate are considered the best choice for allergies. High-efficiency air filters can purify 99.97%of particles as small as 0.3 microns from the air. MERV 13 air filters can trap 98% of particles between 0.3 and 1-micron size, which is the highest MERV rating in the most of family. Actually, the HVAC system can be affected by the negative influence of the HEPA system because of the restriction of airflow, although they can provide the perfect purification capacity. However, they work well in the air purifier.
The first step is to use air conditioner filters for preventing allergies if you have a central HVAC system. It will be cost-saving and get the benefits immediately. An air purifier is your only choice for removing allergies if you don’t have an HVAC system.
Some other methods to prevent the allergy to the HVAC system
Installing home air filters is not the only way to keep allergies out of the HVAC system. You also can take other actions to decrease the number of HVAC allergies.
The maintenance of the HVAC system
It is necessary for us to increase the lifespan of the HVAC system, but you also have to take the suitable maintenance in order to reduce the allergens that retain in your house.
● Purify the air ducts, registers and vents regularly
● Keep replacing air filters regularly
●Take the professional maintenance at least once a year
● Check whether there exists a leak in the duct, it will damage the HVAC system, and the air can flow into the room before filtering.
Use a dehumidifier or humidifier
The level of humidity can affect the indoor air quality deeply, it can provide a comfortable living place for the breeding of mold when the humidity is higher than 50% or below 30%, and it also can increase the number of dust mites, the allergy symptoms will be worse if the air is too dry, such as sore throat and congestion.
You can install a whole-house dehumidifier in the HVAC system so that you can deal with a house with 6000 square feet. Bypass dehumidifier is the most common dehumidifier, however, in summer, whether you need to buy the dehumidifier depends on the location where you live.
Some other methods to prevent allergy
Except for the HVAC system, you can do some other extra things to reduce the allergy symptoms, or close to it.
Wash your bedding often - A bed is a prime place for dust-mite colonies and dead skin to settle. Medical experts recommend that you peel and wash your sheets in hot water weekly to kill dust mites, and if possible, use a vacuum tool to remove excess debris from the mattress surface. Use covers on your pillows, mattresses, and box springs made from hypoallergenic materials. That way, when you change the sheets or vacuum, the allergens won't be thrown all over the house. Don't forget to keep up with decorations such as stuffed animals, pillows, and couch cushions - they'll get exposed to all sorts of allergens.
Dust Free, Chemical-Free - If you're used to dusting with chemical dusters, this can make your allergies worse. You don't want to do this or just wave around a feather duster either because it just disperses the dust into the air. As a healthy alternative, use a microfiber cloth to attract and collect dust from your home. Simply throw the cloth in the washing machine when you're done and it's good as new. Remember to clean such items as lamps, bookshelves, and electronics - including your laptop. A gel or rubber case for your laptop will protect it from dust, pollen, and other allergens, and allow for easy removal and cleaning.
Manage humidity- In America, they found that house molds and moisture levels in the home were the most common triggers for asthma. In the summer, focus on eliminating the moisture by investing in a whole-house dehumidifier. This unit attaches to your air conditioner to remove excess moisture and prevent mold from growing. The goal is to keep the humidity below 35% to avoid mold and fungus.
Clean or replace curtains and drapes - It's necessary to wash or replace curtains to get rid of dust that collects, especially in places where you open them. After all, if you forget to replace or wash your curtains, don't think you're in the clear yet. For allergy sufferers, the best curtain fabrics are pure cotton or synthetic fibers. For anyone with pretty lace and satin curtains, wash them at least once a week in hot water.
Clean or replace silk flowers -Take out and replace silk flowers, as they may be displayed as floral decorations, but they harbor a lot of dust and allergens. If you must keep yucca flowers, be sure to wipe them with a damp microfiber cloth to prevent dust from spreading. It helps if you replace the plants with live ones—things like bamboo, aloe vera, and different types of ferns. They only need a little water, and they'll make your home look beautiful, even when they're cleaning the air.
Check your house for mold - If you don't see relief after taking these extra steps to combat your allergy or asthma symptoms, consider getting your house checked for mold. It can grow in spaces you don't expect - from crawl spaces to hidden plumbing. The air you breathe may pass through ducts where dust and mold growth. Professionals can pinpoint the problem and help you choose the best solution.
Find a proper air filter for yourself, then it is better for you to deal the allergies of your house.
