Allergies can cause misery. It often seems like the best times of year are ruined due to allergic reactions. The flowers bloom and pollen appears, the grass grows and needs to be cut, again causing allergies to flare up. 

Instead of enjoying the scent of roses, you are putting up with a stuffy nose and a groggy head. Even in the cooler months you may find that the moisture level in your home is contributing to an increase in mold. Unfortunately, mold spores are bad for your health and likely to set off your allergies. 

Fortunately, there are several facts about air filters you should know that can make a difference to your suffering.

HVAC filters are often touted as the best solution to allergy issues. However, the truth is that these types of filters are actually designed to keep dust and debris out of the appliance to help it work more efficiently and improve longevity. 

If you check out the specs for most industrial air conditioning units you will find that they use specialized filters. These are specifically designed to eliminate the allergens in the air. In most cases there will be two sets of filter, the one that removes allergens and one that protects the machine from dust. 

You will notice the difference shortly after you start using one.

Paper filters are designed to block dust particles and nothing else. The particles that cause allergies, such as mold spores, bacteria, and pollen, are much smaller than dust particles. This means they go straight through your paper filter and into your lungs. 

The best machines use HEPA filters which block these allergens as well.

HEPA filters are made with layers of glass, making them much more effective at blocking allergens in the air. However, not all HEPA filters are the same quality. You will need to look at the MERV ratings on the filter. They range from one to twenty, with twenty being the best possible and one not doing much different to a standard paper filter.

It is important to consider what allergens you are trying to keep out, it will help you decide which level of HEPA filter is the absolute minimum you need.

Filters need to be changed or they will clog and become ineffective. This reduces their ability to remove allergens and increases the strain on the appliance. Despite what you may have heard, it is best to change a HEPA filter every two months. Although, in high pollen season you may want to consider once a month instead. 

You should be able to change your filter yourself. If in doubt, speak to your air conditioning technician who should be happy to show you, and supply you with high-quality filters.

In fact, it can also be worth signing up to a maintenance plan, giving a technician the opportunity to clean and service your equipment regularly.