The first step in treating indoor allergies is to prevent those allergens from entering the home. That’s why people with allergy respiratory diseases are commonly advised to use air filtration as part of their environmental management strategies.
Allergens are often nontoxic chemicals that might cause an unfavorable allergic reaction in some people. These small allergens and minuscule air pollutants can often and occasionally even severely aggravate allergy responses in those who already have allergens. Understanding the kind and location of environmental allergen sources is essential to avoid or lessen the symptoms of common allergies.
Scientific research has discovered that air filtration lowers the number of airborne contaminants in the air and may offer some comfort to those affected by allergies. That’s where a MERV filter comes in.
What Is MERV?
MERV is referred to as Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. When an air filter is considered efficient, it can effectively filter out particles of a particular size or range from the air that passes through it. An air filter’s MERV rating shows how effective it is at lowering the amount of 0.3 to 10 micron-sized airborne particles that flow through into the filter.
The effectiveness of appropriate MERV air filters for allergies is determined by how successfully they filter out particles of various sizes. The rating method is known as the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value or MERV. The ratings vary from MERV 1 to MERV 20, with the greater number suggesting filters that can remove the tiniest particles, including various allergen species.
These filters work by pushing air through tiny mesh that collects airborne allergens and particles including dirt, animal dander, dust mites, cigarette smoke, and more before they can penetrate our bodies through breathing. The higher the MERV rating, the more particles it will filter out of the air you breathe.
Do MERV Filters Reduce Allergy Symptoms?
Air filters for allergens are designed to stop considerably smaller contaminants. For example, an air filter with an appropriate MERV filter rating can be used to eliminate the allergens brought on by pet dander. Most air purifiers collect particulates like dirt and pollen. Where the finest air purifiers, such as higher-rated MERV filters, can eliminate particles bigger than 0.3 microns, especially animal dander, which is a major allergic trigger.
While cuddling with dogs or opening a window to allow in some fresh air may be pleasant, doing so can also leave a significant amount of dust, pollen, or other airborne pollutants inside. Allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems can all be harmed by tiny airborne particles, many of which are so microscopic that they can never be seen.
However, installing an air purifier will help remove many of these allergens from the air. It’s essential to consider the airborne pollutants you would like to filter and the size of the space in which you’ll be utilizing the air purifier before buying one to lessen allergy symptoms.
MERV Filter Benefits for Indoor Allergy Relief
You may get rid of the majority of airborne particles that can aggravate allergies in your house by using an appropriate MERV filter. But there are other particles in your house than those in the air. There are many more on your worktops, tables, carpets, beds, and curtains. It’s essential to eliminate the cause of allergies and irritations wherever possible. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep these places cleaned.
There are several excellent air purifiers on the market. Still, for those who suffer from allergies, all forms of microorganisms, cigarette smoke, and even the odor left behind by a sneeze may be eliminated with MERV 13 air filters. Regarding allergies and asthma, they are unquestionably the best air conditioner filters. For houses with dogs, MERV 8 air filters are often advised. The most often suggested air filter for homes with pets is a MERV 8 filter. It can still manage animal dander, mold spores, and fungus, although it doesn’t eliminate as many pollutants and allergens.
Conclusion
If you have questions about air filter maintenance or need a pack of new filters, we recommend using trusted residential air filter suppliers like Custom Filters Direct can assist.