Blame the weeds and grasses for the fall allergies that make North Carolina the allergy capital of the country. It’s the flowers you can’t see that cause the problems, and with the best air filters for your HVAC system, at least life indoors will be enjoyable.

Filters for Allergies

The HVAC industry labels filters with their effectiveness at trapping airborne particulates. The official classifications are known as their MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) ratings. The scale runs from 1 to 16 and higher MERV ratings indicate that the filters trap smaller particles.

Sometimes filter manufacturers use terms like “good, better, and best” to describe their filters’ entrapment capacities. As a rule, the thin fiberglass filters trap only the largest particles and allow the small fall allergens to pass through. Those labeled better and best remove many more small particles and work well.

Before You Buy

The maximum MERV rating you can use with your system can be found in the owner’s manual or simply ask your HVAC technician. The best air filters must also be an exact fit for the frame it sits in. If it’s too small, pollen will blow past the filter, defeating its purpose. Keep in mind your heating and air technician will supply and change your air filter(s) during bi-annual tune up visits. How often the filter(s) need to be changed will depend on the type of filter(s) you use in your home as well as the overall air quality in the home.

Filter Maintenance

Filters need to be changed on a regular basis as recommended by the manufacturer. Dirty air filters pull more dust and pollen through the HVAC system that increases allergy symptoms and reduces system efficiency.

The best air filters for allergies not only lessen your symptoms, they also clean your home’s air and improve system efficiency. For more home comfort solutions or to schedule your home or business HVAC maintenance, contact Jackson & Sons.

Jackson & Sons, Inc.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Eastern North Carolina (including Wayne, Johnston, Greene, Lenoir, Pitt and Duplin Counties) about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).