Allergies are a nuisance that can affect some more than others, but there is a way to help reduce allergies in a home.
Some years are worse than others for allergies, with this being a bad year for allergies, at least for me. Locally where I live, the dust and pollen in the air seem to be worse than usual, making me sneeze constantly and a nose that won’t stop running.
Besides allergy medication, there is not much I can do about it at work, but while at home, there are things that can be done to help those like me that are sensitive to allergies.
One of the main things is to have a good air filter on your furnace or HVAC system.
All furnaces have a filter that is meant to keep the system clean from debris that can build up and block airflow.
Most everyone knows that the filter needs to be replaced every 1-3 months depending on how much dust and other debris is in the air.
The right furnace filter can improve the air quality of a home and reduce allergies.
Cheap low-cost filters are commonly used and work well enough to keep debris from clogging up an HVAC system, but they do little in cleaning the air in a home.
What Makes a Good Furnace Air filter to Help Reduce Allergies?
Air filters are rated with a MERV or MPR rating that measures the particle size that can pass through.
When the size is smaller, it can capture more particles helping to keep the air free of toxins.
There are also electrostatic filters that build up an electrostatic charge that dust clings to and removes air toxins.
What Filter MERV Rating Best for Allergies?
Allergy surfers should get a filter with a filter rating of at least Merv-9 but Merv-12 is preferred.
Merv rating can go higher for those who need cleaner air. A Merv-12 filter would be better for those who have very bad allergens.
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Our Picks for Best Furnace Filters for Allergies
- AllergyZone
- True Blue Allergen Protection
- Filtrete
- Nordic Pure
AllergyZone makes filters specifically for those with allergies.
It has a very good MERV rating of 12, which is one of the best available.
They can remove up to 95% of airborne allergens, which in turn cleans up the air.
True Blue makes filters for those who are prone to allergies.
They have a MERV rating of 11, which is a very good rating that will pull out small particles from the air as it flows past the filter.
This includes dust, smoke, or even mold particles that get caught into the filter as the air cycles through a home.
They have different sizes to fit almost any furnace or return air filter along with multi-packs.
Filtrete makes good filters that can improve a home’s air quality.
It has a good MPR rating of 1500, which is equivalent to a MERV rating of 12.
This gives it 3-10 micron-sized holes to grab particles in the air or will catch 90 percent of dust mite debris, pollen, and mold spores flowing through it.
If you have moderate allergies, then Filtrete is a good option.
Nordic Pure makes many good filters with this electrostatic version.
Electrostatic units build up a static electric charge as air flows through them. This helps in capturing and holding particles that other filters let through.
Besides electrostatic disposable, there is also washable permanent electrostatic. Washable costs more initially but is cheaper in the long run since they can be used over and over again.
What Furnace Filter is Best for Allergies?
The AllergyZone is the best furnace filter for allergies, we have found.
They do cost more compared to other filters but may be worth the cost for some who suffer from allergies.
They have a MERV Rating of 12, which is very good, along with being built with materials that have fewer allergic reactions.
Do Furnace Filters Help with Allergies?
Yes, a furnace filter improves indoor air quality, which helps with allergies.
The conditioned air in a home is constantly moving through the furnace filter, which can remove unwanted pollutants.
A good furnace filter can greatly improve indoor air quality.
How To Buy a Replacement Furnace Filter
Replacements filters are measured in width and length to fit into place.
Filters will have measurements on them, such as 20-X-25, which means 20 inches wide, and 25 inches in length.
A tape measure can also be used to measure width and length for a replacement.
Below is our picks for the best furnace filters for those who have allergies.
As always, be sure to read the reviews on Amazon or elsewhere to be sure one is a good fit for your home.
Summary
Having a quality furnace filter will significantly improve the air inside a home.
How often a filter is replaced depends on the environment. For example, those who live in a desert with a lot of dust will need to change it much more often than less debris in the air.
Units with good Merv ratings also have smaller particle sizes that capture more, which often need replacement much sooner than less effective units.
Pleated air filters are also a good option since they have more such areas and capture more airborne pollutants and allergens such as pollen, pet dander, spores, dust, and lint.
HEPA filters are also good to use as they have a very good rating for filtering the air inside a home or office.
While they are usually changed every 2-3 months, each home is different and may need changing more often for the best results.
Disposable units, while cheaper initially, can cost more after long-term use since they need to be thrown away once dirty.
Washable units are more expensive to buy but can be cheaper after long-term use since they can be used over and over again.
Outside your home, not much can be done, but a good filter can make a big difference inside your home.
Also, having good airflow in an HVAC system is important for it to regulate the temperature. If the airflow is blocked, the temperature inside a furnace will rise until a High Limit Switch shuts it off.
Do you have a favorite brand for allergen air filters that clean the air in your home? Let us know your thoughts below.