As the fall season approaches, many of us are spending more time indoors and are exposed to indoor allergens such as dust, mold, and pet dander. If you're plagued by allergies and have done everything you can to reduce allergens in your home, an air filter could help. Evidence indicates that combining medium to high efficiency air filters with a portable air purifier used in the bedroom, along with a regular cleaning routine, are the best ways to manage asthma and allergy symptoms.Are you allergic to cats? Learn about the causes of allergies, what the symptoms are, and how you can treat them properly. The current standards for testing to determine the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) minimum efficiency rating (MERV) rating value for furnace filters and the Clean Air Supply Rate (CADR) of the Manufacturers Association rating system Appliances for air cleaners in rooms are: sketched.
Many people mistakenly believe that air filters in ovens and air conditioners keep dust and allergens out of the air.Air filtration is often recommended as a component of environmental control measures for patients with allergic respiratory diseases. In-operation measurements of the filterless HVAC system were also performed to calculate the reduction of particulate matter by deposition in the duct network. However, if you have severe allergies, it's worth replacing the filter more often than that, maybe twice a year in spring and fall or even once a month for those with heavy HVAC use. Air purifiers are designed to clean the air in a room by trapping allergens and pushing clean, filtered air back into space.Look for an Air Filter Second If you've tried these tactics and don't find the right relief, it may be time to consider adding an air filter.
The Institute of Medicine echoes this view, which has said that air purifiers are likely to be useful in some situations to reduce allergy or asthma symptoms, but that air cleaning is not consistent and highly effective in reducing symptoms. If you haven't had your air conditioning system serviced at least once a year, it's likely that there has been a lot of buildup in your fans and ducts. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the American Lung Association recommend air filtration for people with allergies and asthma, but not as a solution on its own.The common range for residential filters is between 5 and 12, and allergy sufferers should seek a rating of 8 or higher for the best protection. People with lung diseases such as emphysema or COPD might also consider buying an air filter, says Dr.
Paul Enright, Research Professor of Medicine at the University of Arizona. Air filters can be beneficial in reducing the risk of acute respiratory attacks by trapping irritants trying to pass into the ventilation system ducts, allowing you to breathe better. Learn the facts about choosing the right air filters for allergies, as well as other HVAC maintenance tips that can reduce your suffering this season.