Recommended Allergy Relief Air Filters for Your Home
Coughing or sneezing in public has never been a good thing to do, especially when there are others around you. However, people seemed to forget that spring season began and so did all seasonal allergies. Therefore, it’s very likely to encounter others with allergies or flu-like symptoms during this time.
Now, do not panic over experiencing seasonal allergies, there is a simple solution available for this particular scenario. Allergy relief filters are an excellent addition to people’s homes to prevent seasonal allergies symptoms and the discomfort of experiencing these symptoms in public.
With so many air filters to choose from, it is critical to understand the unique value each can provide. The following are some of the best air filter options available.
What Are HEPA Air Filters and How Do They Work?
HEPA stands for “High Efficiency Particulate Air.” These air filters help cleanse the air to medical-grade standards. According to the United States Department of Energy, a qualified HEPA filter must be able to remove 99.97% of particles greater than or equal to 0.3 micrometers in size. These filters are primarily designed to aid people sensitive to seasonal allergies and other sensitivities.
HEPA filters are made out of fibers that are 0.5-2.0 micrometers thick. These fibers are responsible for the following processes:
- Interception: This occurs when particles come close to the fiber and get stuck to them.
- Impaction: This occurs when particles are too large and collide directly with fibers.
- Diffusion: Depending on the particles’ unpredictable movement plus airflow, diffusion causes particles to get stuck in one of the first two previous methods.
HEPA filters force the air through a fine mesh that traps all harmful particles like pollen, dust mites, tobacco smoke, and other elements responsible for common allergies.
What Are Charcoal Filters? Are They a Better Option?
Charcoal filters, also known as activated charcoal filters, are small pieces of carbon on a regular air filter that can absorb more contaminants and allergens than a traditional filter. They do so through their porosity and adsorption process. The activated carbon contains unique properties that allow it to remove organic compounds, odors, and even gas molecules that other air filters fail to eliminate.
Charcoal filters trap these pollutants through the process of adsorption, which means air pollutants stick to the outside of the carbon without becoming chemically bonded. The more porous the activated charcoal is, the more contaminants it will capture. Charcoal air filters are most effective at removing gas molecules or VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which are highly responsible for asthma and allergies developments. Typically, HEPA filters cannot remove VOCs from the air.
Carbon filters combined with HEPA filters help reduce the number of impurities at home, thus reducing risks of seasonal allergies. In fact, HEPA and charcoal filters can help trap 99.97% of small and large contaminant particles, particularly spores.
In addition, carbon filters help eliminate unpleasant/strong odors (e.g. tobacco smoke) which also contribute to allergic reactions and other respiratory problems. To get the best results from charcoal filters, remember to double-check for replacement recommendations from the filter’s manufacturers.
Are HEPA Eco Mode Air Purifiers the Best Option?
A HEPA Eco Mode air purifier is a stand-alone air purifying system that cleans the air. Air purifiers can be placed into any living space to enhance air purification and improve air quality. Similar to HVAC systems, air purifiers must use air filters (HEPA or Carbon filters) to eliminate pollutants and particles from the designated room they are located in.
HEPA Eco mode air purifiers work independently and thus they require adequate maintenance and filter replacement. Whether you choose to use a HEPA or activated carbon filter, the air purifier will assist your AC Air filter in getting rid of allergens and air pollutants.
HEPA Eco Mode Air purifiers are of great use because they help remove smaller air pollutants that AC Filters fail to capture. Moreover, air purifiers require less energy and maintenance than a regular HVAC filter.
Why? HEPA Air Filters restrict the air passage through the AC unit causing more abnormal wear on the HVCA’s motor. HEPA Eco Mode air purifiers employ similar technology as the AC but they require less energy to deliver the same results.
1st Choice Air Solutions for Air Quality at Home
1st Choice Air Solutions provides the best high-quality HVAC services in the Fort Worth community. This family-owned company has been in the industry since 1995 providing honest and reliable services including home heating, cooling repairs, replacements, and maintenance procedures.
