Many areas in the northeast, southeast, and midwestern United States are currently experiencing poor air quality due to wildfires in Canada. The smoke from these fires contains a mixture of gases and fine particles that can be particularly harmful to at-risk populations such as kids, older adults, people with respiratory conditions, and pregnant women. While staying indoors and wearing an N95 mask can help protect individuals, using a high-efficiency air filter with your air conditioning system can also provide cleaner air indoors.
According to Dr. John McKeon, a medical doctor and CEO of Allergy Standards Limited, selecting an HVAC filter with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating of 13 or above is the best option. These filters have been independently tested and certified to effectively remove air pollution and other asthma triggers. Additionally, filters carrying the “CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly” mark meet strict standards for allergen reduction. Brands such as 3M Filtrete offer affordable and widely available options with MERV 13 ratings and asthma & allergy-friendly certification.
For those unable to find MERV 13 rated filters, using medium-efficiency (MERV 5-8) or high-efficiency (MERV 9-12) filters is better than nothing and should be changed every few weeks until air quality improves. The Environmental Protection Agency notes that most HVAC systems can accommodate a MERV 13 filter without mechanical issues, provided they are frequently replaced. It is recommended that individuals consult with a professional HVAC technician if unsure if your system can handle a MERV 13 filter.
Air filters with a MERV rating of 13 or above work by capturing and trapping particles in the air as it passes through the filter. Densely-packed fibers or pleats create a barrier, allowing clean air to pass through while retaining harmful particles including those found in wildfire smoke. Jennie Bergman, an indoor air quality expert at Trane Residential, suggests setting HVAC fans to run continuously and sealing windows during poor air quality events.
Investing in the right air filters can be an impactful step in preparing for unhealthy air quality conditions brought on by climate change. As we spend 90% of our time indoors, it is crucial to prioritize creating clean and healthy air environments.
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