Asthma is a chronic lung disease that results in difficulties moving air in and out of the body. Currently, there is no cure for the condition; however, with the property management, it is possible to live a relatively normal life.
The airways of an asthmatic are commonly swollen. This results in a heightened sensitivity to various elements and substances within the environment.
Asthmatics have “triggers” that cause high levels of mucus to develop in the airway and increase the swelling. When this happens, it becomes difficult to breathe.
The good news is, it is possible to choose air filters for the home that will help to reduce asthma symptoms.
HVAC Air Filters
Be it a furnace, a heat pump, or an air conditioner, your HVAC system includes an area for a specially-designed air filter to be inserted.
Normally created from fiberglass, cloth, or special types of pleated paper, the air filter is contained within a cardboard-based frame and is designed to clean the air that is moved in and out of the home’s HVAC system.
It traps particles and various types of contaminants that may put an asthmatic patient in jeopardy.
These include dust, dirt, pollen, mold spores, lint, fiber, particles from the materials used to construct the home such as wood, hair, the fur from animals, bacteria, and a vast array of different types of microorganisms.
If not cleaned, maintained, and replaced regularly, an asthma sufferer will be exposed to all of these triggers and could face potentially life-threatening complications.
The Right Size is Critical
When choosing an air filter for your HVAC system, it is important that you get the right size for your home. This is determined by what is called the “CADR”, which stands for “clean air delivery rate”.
You should look this up online with the square footage of your home to determine what size is best for your home.
Types
There are several types of air filters designed for HVAC systems. As an asthmatic, it is imperative that you pay attention to the type and choose the best for your needs. The following outlines the most common types, to date:
Electronic Filters
Mechanical Filters
Gas Phase Filters
Germicidal
Ozone Generators
Whole-House
MERV Ratings
All air filters designed for the HVAC system of your home come with a MERV Rating. This identifies the overall efficiency of the filter.
As a general rule of thumb, it is best for those with asthma to choose air filters that have a very high MERV Rating.
This means that the filter will be capable of removing a higher number of contaminants and triggers from the indoor air of your home.
In addition to choosing a filter with a high rating – say, a 16 – you can also have additional purification units installed in your home.
Combined with the right filter, it will help you experience the cleanest air possible.
For more information, contact our AC repair & installation in Lithia Springs, Georgia professionals today by calling: 770-766-9212