06 Aug What Air Filters Best Fight Allergies?
If you head on down to the hardware store and head to the filter aisle, you’re going to come across a lot of different options. When you suffer allergies, you’re probably going to choose the air filter that best fights allergens— but how do you know which does that? Well, each type of air filter is different.
Fiberglass Filters
These are the traditional filters that most people have in their HVAC systems. While they’re typically inexpensive and do a good job of keeping the air freely flowing in your system, they don’t do that good of a job at trapping allergies.
They’ll be fine to use if you don’t have too bad of allergies, but if you do, you may want to try a better filter.
Pleated Fiberglass Filters
A step above traditional fiberglass, pleated fiberglass filters have a larger surface area and better catch allergens in your home’s air — about 45% of them. Thing is, because they have more surface area, they can also restrict some of the air flow in your system, which can end up increasing your energy costs.
HEPA Filters
These are extremely good at capturing allergens in your home — catching 98% percent of them usually. However, since they catch so much dust, mold, pollen, and other particles, they can seriously restrict the airflow in your unit.
In order to use HEPA filters without damaging your HVAC system, you usually need to install a whole-home air filtration system that has an extra fan to allow for better airflow.
HEPA filters do cost the most out of all the filters you could use, but they’re worth the price if you suffer from severe allergies.
For all of your HVAC needs in the Pittsburgh metro, contact Wahl Family Heating, Cooling & Plumbing at 412.265.2662. We’re in your neighborhood since 1980!