Many homeowners make the mistake of assuming that the filter installed in their air conditioner is always capable of removing potential allergens from the air. Depending on the type of filter you have, however, this simply may not be true. If you would like to learn more about the role your filter plays in your allergies, read on. Here you will pick up two useful pieces of information.

Most filters are only designed to protect your equipment.

The number one purpose of an air conditioner’s filter is to protect the delicate machinery from damage as the result of dust and debris. When dirt particles build up inside the components at the heart of your AC, they greatly increase the amount of damage suffered due to friction. Eventually this will cause those components to overheat and possibly even blow out.

Standard paper air filters do a great job at extending the lifespan of your air conditioner. What they do not do, however, is filter out potential allergens such as pollen and fungal spores. A large proportion of those substances are simply too small in size. As a result, they tend to pass through the filter and into your air stream.

HEPA filters are designed to filter both dust and allergens.

In order to ensure that the air entering your home is completely free of unwanted allergens, it is important that you equip your air conditioner with a HEPA filter. Such filters are made up out of layers of densely woven fiberglass. This allows them to trap particles that are many times smaller than those trapped by standard filters.

If you would like to learn more about the best type of HEPA filter for your air conditioner, please do not hesitate to contact the knowledgeable experts at ABA Heating and Cooling.