Ventilating, Vacuuming and Filtering Out Allergens

Spring air is full of chirping birds, warm breezes and enough pollen and ragweed to make us all sneeze at least once. For allergy and asthma sufferers, springtime allergens are a particular nuisance, and many fear that these particles may infiltrate their indoor air via air ducts, requiring that they buy pricey air purifiers or employ air-duct-cleaning services, which can cost up to $1,000. Fortunately, there are other, less expensive and more effective ways to remove allergens.

"There are no studies that prove there is any health benefit from cleaning air ducts," says Philip Gallagher, M.D., an allergist with the Allergy & Asthma Associates of Northwest Pennsylvania, in Erie. "Springtime allergens are outdoor allergens," Gallagher adds, noting that any particulate matter carried in with fresh air is usually large enough to be trapped by an HVAC system's air filter. What homeowners attribute to dirty air ducts is generally the result of a dirty air filter, so check yours regularly.

HVAC and Window-Unit Filters

High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are considered the most efficient at trapping very fine particles, such as pollens, but they are very pricey and are usable only in HVAC systems. Even then, HEPAs require a strong blower to ensure that they don't lower energy efficiency. Washable, reusable HEPA filters for your home are hard to find, and disposables, while they last one to four years, cost $50 to $100.

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America recommends pleated media filters, made of varying combinations of fiber and metals, because of their relatively high efficiency (due to increased surface area) and limited impact on air flow. A cost-effective alternative to HEPAs, media filters are also recommended only for HVAC systems and must be replaced every one or two years.

Although permanent electrostatic filters, made of polypropylene, cut down on landfill waste, they aren't considered very efficient in HVAC systems and must be cleaned at least every three to four weeks. Consult your system's manufacturer for suggestions on filters that will fit your system.