AI Overview
No, air conditioner filters are not effective at reducing PM2.5. However, you can use a portable air purifier with a HEPA filter to improve indoor air quality.
Explanation
Air conditioner filters are not designed to remove PM2.5, which are smaller particles that are difficult to see with the naked eye.
Air filters are usually located near the return air duct and are better at filtering dust, pollen, and other allergens.
Air filters with a higher MERV rating are better at filtering particles. However, MERV ratings were not developed to measure PM2.5.
Activated carbon filters are designed to remove chemical pollution and odors, not particulate matter.
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When indoors, keep doors and windows closed and be aware that the air filters fitted to your residential air conditioners cannot remove PM2.5 from the air. You can use a portable air purifier to improve the indoor air quality. It should have a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter.
https://www.meinhardt.net/news/particulate-matter-2-5-microns-pm2-5-indoor-air-quality-your-health/#:~:text=Minimise%20the%20amount%20of%20time,not%20developed%20to%20measure%20PM2.