What Are Allergy Relief Filters?
With the recent focus on viruses, bacteria, and respiratory infections, dealing with a cough can be a challenge. People who suffer from common seasonal allergies are even more self-conscious than usual as they try to manage their respiratory symptoms during short outings.
The good news is that many seasonal allergy problems can be mitigated or remedied totally by better indoor air quality. Poor indoor air quality exposes you to a constant barrage of allergens like pollen, mold, and bacteria that recirculate through your heating and cooling system.
By choosing the right indoor air filtration for your needs you can reduce or eliminate your allergies and boost the natural immunities that protect your lungs from respiratory illnesses.
Facts About HEPA Filters
HEPA stands for “High-Efficiency Particulate Air” filter. Many people think that all filters operate on the principle similar to a strainer, in that particles get caught in gaps in the air filter. HEPA air filters operate by causing air to move in different directions as it crosses the filter.
As air rushes through the filter media, it changes directions, stirring the air up. As the air is stirred up in different directions, heavier particles that are considered contaminants are forced into contact with the filter media where they stick.
The term “HEPA” is simply an industry standard used to define the degree of filtration that a filter can provide. To be classified as a HEPA filter a filter must remove 99.97% of particulates down to .3 microns.
These filters are mostly installed in extremely clean environments like hospitals and clean rooms. To take advantage of HEPA filtration you could buy an air purifier that is HEPA rated or you can use HEPA filters in appliances like vacuums. This technology is included in systems made by Honeywell, Alen, and Phillips.
While it is uncommon to have HEPA filters in your air conditioner at home, you can reap the benefits of cleaner air by having high MERV rated filters installed in your HVAC system. The MERV rating is another standard used to define the efficiency of a filter at removing contaminants from the air. A MERV rating of 7 and above is typical for people that suffer from allergies. A MERV 7 filter can remove bigger particles like dust, mold, and some allergens. For home use, filters can be rated as high as 13, that will remove allergens, mold, bacteria, smoke, and some odors.
Installing Charcoal Filters
While a good filter installed in your air conditioner can make a huge difference in the allergen load in your home and running a HEPA purifier can help, neither one will remove the smallest family of particles that includes smoke, odors, and chemicals.
Luckily, charcoal air filters work together with particulate filtration systems to render your air virtually toxin-free. Charcoal filters work by pushing air across a bed of activated charcoal. As the air rushes past, the charcoal grabs tiny chemical contaminants and neutralizes them.
Charcoal filtration technology can be utilized in stand-alone filters or in an integrated air conditioner filter. This is especially important for people who are sensitive to allergic reactions from perfumes or strong odors.
Environmentally Friendly HEPA Eco-Mode
For many homeowners, working to minimize their home’s carbon footprint is important. This is why choosing to add another appliance to your heating and cooling system can be a daunting task.
Fortunately, most HEPA purification devices now are being equipped with an eco-mode to make them easier on the environment.
When set to eco-mode, the purifier will sense when the pollution level in the air is low and it will cycle off instead of running constantly. By taking advantage of this, you can keep your air clean, the environment safe and still have clean indoor air.
About Barker Heating & Cooling
Barker Heating & Cooling is a locally owned heating and cooling company serving the Livermore, CA area since 1998. With up-front pricing and same day service, they can handle any of your problems.
