How Do Air Filters Benefit Your Heart and Lung Health?

Air pollution has been linked to a number of health conditions including kidney disease, irregular menstrual cycles, dry eye disease, and of course respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

At home, there are a number of ways to combat air pollution. You can use natural cleaning supplies to avoid harsh fumes from chemical cleaners. You can also have your home tested for radon, replace or remove carpeting, and use air filters.

When Ventilation Isn’t Enough

Depending on where you live, you can get rid of indoor air pollutants by eliminating their sources and ventilating your home. Keep in mind, however, that in some places it’s quite difficult to ventilate a home naturally. That means, just opening windows isn’t going to cut it.

There are times too when ventilation isn’t possible. These include extreme temperatures or when you have housemates who have allergies.

In these cases, it’s better to use air filters and have your HVAC systems regularly checked. Just remember, you can’t just use any air filter. You have to invest in the right one.

Air Filters and Heart Health

As we’ve said earlier, air pollution has been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. You have to understand that toxins in the air can cause changes in blood chemistry, which can result in negative health effects.

A 2015 study, for example, linked particulate air pollution with carotid artery stenosis, which can lead to stroke. Also, according to the AHA (American Heart Association), air pollution can have inflammatory effects on the heart. These effects can cause chronic cardiovascular issues, particularly disease in the arteries.

Even short-term exposure can have negative effects on the heart. It can increase the risk of arrhythmias, heart attack, and heart failure in the elderly or those who have pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.

Now, whether you live in a city where smog is commonplace or not, you have to do everything to reduce your exposure to pollution. One of the best ways to do that is to have air filters, which can reduce fine particulate matter levels by more than 50%.

Air Filters for Respiratory Issues

You don’t have to have asthma or allergies to feel the disruptive effects of air pollution in your lungs. Anyone who has been exposed to air contaminants could experience coughing and breathing problems.

Of course, if you do have respiratory issues such as asthma, allergies, or COPD, you’ll need to make sure that the air you’re breathing in is as clean as it can be. Again, at the risk of sounding like a broken record, using air filters is one of the best ways to take control of air pollution whether it’s in your home or office.

With the right air purifier, you’ll be removing common irritants including mold, pet dander, and smoke. This can reduce the frequencies of allergy and asthma attacks. For COPD sufferers, an air cleaner with high filtration capabilities can help remove tiny particles that can aggravate chronic cough and other COPD symptoms.

Beyond Heart and Respiratory Problems

If you have pets, you know that they can leave skin dander in bed linens and other parts of the house. They can also bring in odors and germs from outdoors.

Unfortunately, vacuuming isn’t enough to get rid of these pollutants. Air purifiers or filters, on the other hand, can. Some can even purify freshen room air in as little as two hours.

Another surprising benefit of air purifiers is their ability to get rid of cooking odors. This is especially helpful if you live in a small apartment block. If you like cooking curries or anything with cabbage or onion, it’s a must that you invest in a good air cleaner.

Don’t worry. You don’t have to spend a lot. There are portable purifiers that you can safely carry and move around in a bag.

Some Tips for Choosing an Air Filter

Before you go shopping for furnace/HVAC system filters, it’s important you understand that even with the best in the market, you still have to replace them regularly. If you’re only replacing them whenever you see dust gathering on your furniture or vents, you’re not doing it frequently enough.

Another thing to keep in mind is it’s not always about the price. It’s more important you understand how the different types of air filters work so you can choose the best one for your home.

Among your choices are fiberglass filters, pleated filters, high-efficiency filters, and true HEPA filters. Fiberglass filters are the cheapest but they’re not designed to improve your indoor air quality.

Pleated air filters, on the other hand, are more efficient than fiberglass filters when it comes to removing air pollutants. This is because their MERV or minimum efficiency reporting value is higher.

If you want something that has a higher MERV rating, go for high-efficiency filters. They won’t remove 100% of air pollutants (only 80% or more) but unlike HEPA filters, you don’t need to have a separate filtration system installed.

Say Yes to Healthy Indoor Air!

Now that you know the effects of air pollution on cardiovascular and respiratory health, it’s crucial you minimize your exposure to air contaminants.

Sometimes though, it’s just not possible. Air pollution may just be a fact of life where you live. In this case, you’ll need to invest in the best possible air filtration system for yourself and everyone living in your home.

Once you’ve selected the best air purifier for your home, make sure you’re diligent with air filter replacement. If you’re always concerned about the quality of indoor air in your home, it’s the least you can do. When it’s time for replacement, don’t worry too much about the price but on the efficiency of air filter you’re buying.

Looking for an Affordable Air Filter?

We can help. We’re the experts when it comes to filters. Discount Filters is your one-stop shop for refrigerator water filters, furnace filters, air filters, and humidifier filters.

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us at 1-888-407-5688. You can also shoot us an email at [email protected]