Tag: allergy

Best Air Conditioning Filters for This Year's Allergy Season

Man in a white shirt outdoors, wiping his nose with a tissue on a sunny day, highlighting HVAC service for allergy sufferers.

Keep Allergies at Bay With These HVAC Filters

With spring in full swing and summer just around the corner, this is prime time allergy season. Pollen is everywhere, and the sneezing seems to be endless. This is when properly functioning air conditioning filters are an absolute must for homeowners. Air conditioning filters function by removing airborne contaminants like dust, spores, and, most importantly, pollen! 

There are several different AC filters, each with unique ways to achieve the same outcome. Understanding the various options will allow homeowners to choose which is right for them.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass AC filters are disposable filters made of spun glass. These are designed for short-term use and typically available in stores for a few dollars each. Their low cost is probably their biggest advantage, but homeowners should also be aware of their limitations:fibreglass filters
  • Short lifespan – one must change these every month, which can be a huge hassle for homeowners to remember.
  • Efficiency considerations – if homeowners do not adequately replace fiberglass filters every month, they can get bad clogs, requiring AC systems to work much harder to cool the air.
  • Limited particle removal – the structure is such that it can only trap large particles, though some better versions can trap small particles.

The particle removal limitation is perhaps the most important to consider. This dramatically limits the ability of fiberglass filters to curtail allergy symptoms, so homeowners should be sure to find higher-quality fiberglass filters that can do this.

Washable / Reusable

These types of filters, unlike fiberglass filters, can be used multiple times. While the cost of washable filters is significantly higher ($60+ for a single one), this more than pays itself off because they can last 5-10 years. Similar to fiberglass filters, washable filters generally remove larger particles, so homeowners need to take this into account depending on the severity of their allergies.

Homeowners need to check these filters at the ~30-day mark, but unlike fiberglass filters requiring replacement, washable filters require washing. Homeowners should clean the filters under running water and allow them to dry thoroughly before returning them to the HVAC system.

High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA)

HEPA filtersHEPA filters are one of the best filters for removing allergens like dust mites, mold spores, and pollen. These are mechanical air filters that trap pollutants by forcing air through a fine mesh. While these tend to be expensive (a few hundred dollars at times), they can last for several months and potentially years, depending on AC use. Plus, the extent to which they can impact air quality has a great deal of value in itself.

These filters are often placed in air purifiers, so homeowners will benefit most by placing units in rooms where there are concentrated amounts of allergens and where they plan to spend the majority of their time in the house. One can also use these filters in vacuums, which can significantly help to control allergy symptoms.

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. of Daytona Beach, FL, believes in “delivering safe, healthy, efficient comfort.” Their team of skilled, friendly, and professional technicians prioritizes quality work, honest advice, and complete customer education for any job. Give them a call for HVAC service today!

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Come Out Breathing Clear This Allergy Season

Keep Spring Allergies at Bay With These Tips

The eyes water, blurring vision. Sinus headaches make everyday activities an exercise in pain. A constantly dripping nose is more than just annoying. Allergies are no joke, and for many people, springtime is a time to dread instead of a time to celebrate. This is because allergens seem to get into the home and stick to every available surface. Luckily, HVAC experts know just how to keep a home’s allergens down to keep homeowners comfortable. Read on to find out three tips for keeping allergies at bay this allergy season. 

Clean Dusty Surfaces Regularly

It’s impossible to prevent dust from gathering in a home. Every time a door is opened or someone comes in from outside, dust and other allergens sneak into the house. As gross as it may sound, the people living in the house also create dust. So, since it’s impossible to prevent dust from gathering in the home, the next best thing is to clean up the dust regularly. 

The more often dust is cleaned up, the cleaner the home’s air is. And when one gets rid of dust, they also get rid of the allergens that like to cling to dust particles. For cleaning surfaces, using a feather duster or a cloth rag is a no-no. These methods only spread dust around. Instead, the best duster is a microfiber cloth. These microfiber cloths are effective at dust pickup, whether they’re used wet or dry. It’s also a good idea to vacuum and change bedding regularly to keep dust levels low. 

Circulate Air on Breezy Days by Opening Windows

window open Those suffering from allergies may think this tip is a little crazy. After all, won’t opening the windows bring more allergens inside the home? Not necessarily. Studies of indoor air quality show that there are generally more allergens and volatile organic compounds inside most homes than outside. This is why opening the windows on breezy days can help clear the air inside the house. 

For best results, open windows on both sides of the house to create a cross breeze. This will help prevent an accumulation of allergens since the air is allowed to flow through the house instead of becoming stagnant. Plus, it’s nice to have a little bit of fresh air in the home from time to time. 

Clean or Replace Air Filters On-Time

ac filters The third and final tip for keeping allergies at bay has to do with the almighty air filters. When homeowners clean dust regularly, open the windows on breezy days, and clean their filters on time, they will experience lower levels of allergens inside the home. But what does on-time mean for filter changes?

The general rule of thumb is every three months. Some filter types just need to be cleaned, while others need to be replaced with a new one. For homes that have pets, the recommended filter change is every two months. Hiring an HVAC service company for regular maintenance can ensure that the filters get changed on time all year round, helping keep the air inside the home clean and the HVAC system operating efficiently. 

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Jerry Brittingham AC & Heat have been serving Daytona Beach, FL, with pride for years. They offer up-front pricing and professional service. Their techs are expertly trained and consistently provide top-notch workmanship. Give them a call today for air quality services in Daytona Beach.

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