Air filters provide different levels of protection for homeowners
Not all HVAC air filters are created
equally – a fact that many homeowners could be finding out the hard way as
allergy season continues to make symptoms increasingly more difficult to deal
with.
Air filters are classified into four
different categories based on the extent to which they remove particles from
the air. The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) standard is assessed on
a 16-point scale. The lowest-end filters, which are the cardboard and
fiberglass models that are most often seen in stores, only provide minimal
filtration, while mid-range products are able to remove pollen, dust and pet
dander from circulation.
Choosing a Furnace/Air Conditioner Filter
Choosing good furnace filters and keeping them changed on a
regular basis will greatly increase furnace efficiency and improve air quality
in a home. The type of filter selected is not as important as making sure that
furnace filters are changed often and regularly, but a variety of choices do
exist. Some of the most common varieties of furnace filters include
electrostatic furnace filters, pleated furnace filters, HEPA furnace filters,
and activated charcoal furnace filters.
 Turn Your Furnace into a “Whole-House Filtration System” with a HEPA filter.
Turn Your Furnace into a “Whole-House Filtration System”
with a HEPA filter.
Asthma, allergies, and general breathing difficulties have led to an
increased and more intensive movement to improve home air quality. Indoor air
quality contamination is most often accidental and simply a result of home
neglect – resulting in dust and mold inside the ventilation system.
A common remedy for poor indoor air quality is replacing the furnace filter.
While normal furnace filters don’t entirely eliminate toxic materials, they do
help to remove much of the contaminants finding their way into the airflow, and
thus create cleaner air inside the home. All furnace filters are designed to
protect indoor air from contamination. However, too often furnace filters are
not purchased for their efficiency, or their purifying abilities, but for their
short-term cost. As you will find by doing a small amount of research,
investing in quality furnace and air filters is more cost effective in the long
run, and is much healthier.
Air filters
Air filters
The HVAC filter is one of the most crucial components of a
forced-air heating and air-conditioning system. Without a filter, dust would be
blown all over the house, thwarting your cleaning efforts and spoiling indoor
air quality. A neglected filter will clog with dust and debris, restricting
airflow and reducing energy efficiency.
A wide range of filters are
available: fiber-and-paper filters, widely used because they’re inexpensive and
easy to handle; models made of polyester or fiberglass; HEPA (high efficiency
particulate air) filters, for those with allergies or dust sensitivities; and
even “permanent” filters that can be washed out and used repeatedly.
The most effective filters have a high Minimum Efficiency
Reporting Value or MERV (a rating for mechanical air filters). MERV is detailed
in a standard developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and
Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
WHY MERV13 FILTERS?
When
the entire spectrum of indoor air quality for commercial buildings is
considered, a filter with an efficiency of MERV 13 or higher should be the
product of choice. A MERV 13 filter will move the HVAC filtration system into
the realm of controlling respirable-size particles, including most bacteria.
Its higher efficiency will also address airborne mold spores.
MERV 13 filters with six air changes per hour would have "virtual 100%
efficiency" in capturing most molds. It would also be highly effective on
bacteria, since 98% of all bacteria known to man are over 1 micron in size and
MERV 13 has an efficiency on 1-micron size particles of over 85 %.
Selecting An Air Filter For Home Use
Selecting An Air Filter For Home Use
When
selecting an air filter for home use it is important to determine what your
objectives are. There are many different types of home furnace filters to choose from. Some air filters are very
efficient and stop the smallest of particles while others are very inefficient
and are a total waste of your hard earned money.
TYPES OF AIR FILTERS
What Do I Need to Know About Air Filters?
When we think of air pollution, we usually
associate it with outdoor air. But with the growing epidemic of asthma in the
United States in the last 20 years, especially among infants and children who
spend most of their time inside, much attention has been given to indoor air.
In fact, in 1990 the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ranked
indoor air pollution as "a high priority public health risk."
The EPA recommends three strategies for reducing
indoor air pollution:
·
Controlling sources of pollution,
·
Ventilating adequately and
·
Cleaning indoor air.
Before you make any changes to your indoor home
environment or purchase any air filtration products, make sure to speak with a
doctor who knows your personal medical history and current condition.
How to Replace a Forced Air Furnace Filter
The furnace
filter on your forced air furnace should be changed once every three months.
Regular filters air particles and debris that could harm your furnace blower
and motor. Air flow reduces to the furnace when the filter becomes clogged with
dirt causing the furnace to work harder. You can replace the filter with a
standard filter or with a HEPA filter that will improve the air quality in your
home.
Annual Furnace Tune Up and Maintenance
We've all felt the pinch of the rising cost of heating our homes. In
fact, the average American family spent between $1200 and $1500 in 2005 to heat
their home, so anything you can do to reduce that number is obviously well
worth the effort. One thing that can help minimize your heating costs is
ensuring your furnace is working efficiently, by giving it a tune up.
High Efficiency furnace and air conditioning filters
The importance of filtered
air. The dust in our homes is made up of pollen, mold, dander from your pets,
bacteria and other particles floating through the air. Dusting, vacuuming,
cooking and other common household activities can easily increase these
pollutants. The effects from breathing these airborne particles in your home
can range from sneezing, irritated eyes, and many other symptoms. People who
suffer from allergies and asthma can benefit from the effects of high
efficiency furnace filters and air conditioning filters.
Easy Home Winterizing Checklist
OK, lets start with the
basics of making sure you have heat when you need it. The time to check that is
in the Fall, no later than the end of October. Give your system a test run
through and make sure all systems are "GO".
Two Reasons You Must Replace Your Furnace Air Filter
Have you
gone through a cold winter or hot summer lately? Sure, we all have. This means
that your furnace has been working in overdrive for months. Have you taken the
time to change your furnace air filter? I hope so. With your furnace
working hard, your furnace air filter is forced to handle more air than it
normally does. This will lead to your filter wearing out in record time.
Too Dirty Furnace Filters Might Be Unsafe
Too
Dirty Furnace Filters Might Be Unsafe
What / things you assume could be
the result when you are not able to keep furnace filter clean? Do you consider that your particular furnace should be able to run forever without problems utilizing
the same dirty filter every single year? What’s your opinion will occur
whenever your furnace filters become over saturated by dirt, pet hair, allergens and
dust? You are thinking about over the fan simply refusing to perform properly.
A dirty furnace filter is usually deadly, cause you to be sick or worse,
causing the house to increase in flames.
Furnace Filter Replacement – Standard
Furnace Filter Replacement – Standard
Introduction
Clean air filters are as essential on your furnace as they are on your car.
They can filter out pollen and dust and need to be cleaned or replaced as
recommended by the furnace manufacturer. Filters should be checked monthly
during the heating season and the cooling season if you have air conditioning.
It is
also a good idea to locate a Carbon Monoxide detector badge at the furnace to
monitor its safety.
Difficulty Level
·
Easy
Needed Tools and
Materials
·
Screwdriver (possibly)
·
New Air Filter
Seasonal Furnace Maintenance –
Introduction
Seasonal furnace maintenance is essential to make sure your furnace is running
efficiently and safely. We'll walk through some of the steps in maintaining
your furnace. It is also a good idea to locate a Carbon Monoxide detector badge
at the furnace to monitor its safety.
Which Way Do Furnace Filters Go?
When installing a new furnace filter or air conditioner filter it is important to know which way they are supposed to go. The reason this is so important is because most air filters are designed to work best when air flow is in a specific direction. With some media type filters it doesn't really matter and with some it makes a big difference.
You May Want To Consider Using An Activated Carbon Air Filter In Your HVAC System
Often referred to as charcoal filters, an activated carbon air filter is the most effective option for removing common odors from household air. Installing one of these filters in your furnace or air conditioner can help eliminate pet odors, cigarette smoke, garbage odors and many other common household smells that we find unpleasant.
Air Filter Options: Did You Know There Were So Many?
Air Filter Differences - What's Important
Efficiency is the measure of the number of particles and contaminates removed from the air by your air filter. Efficiency is extremely important when you, or a family member, have asthma or allergies.
Air flow is also very important to your home's heating and cooling equipment. A clogged air filter can create a reduction of air flow that may cause equipment to malfunction or stop operating altogether. Additionally, excess dirt in the filter could migrate and cause damage to motors, fans or coils. It's the air filter's job to clean the air before it gets into your equipment.
Do You Need an Air Filter?
Do You Need an Air Filter?
If you are plagued by allergies and you've done all you can to reduce the allergens in your home, an air filter just might help you.
By Carol Sorgen
WebMD Feature
Reviewed by Matthew Hoffman, MD Do you sniffle and sneeze and wheeze your way through the year? If you are plagued by allergies and/or asthma, you may be considering purchasing a home air filtration system. But is it worth the money? Will it actually help ease your symptoms? Not if you don't make other changes in your environment as well, say medical experts.
"Buying an air cleaner is not my first suggestion," says Nathan Rabinovitch, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics at National Jewish Medical Research Center in Denver. "It's more of a backup recommendation."
The Advantages of Charcoal Air Filters
The Advantages of Charcoal Air Filters
Charcoal air filters are usually made by incineration of coconuts, which have special qualities. This type of coal can hold great mass of contaminants. (50 gr. of coal can hold 250 gr. of substances). By the way, this type of coal is used by armed forces in production of gas-masks. If it is possible to have protection against poisonous gas, imagine how it can be helpful in your house.
Everybody wants to take the fresh air, drink pure water, eat safe food and be fully confident about your future and future of your children. But taking into account the level of pollution in our cities especially indoors, we have to breathe in plenty of unhealthy substances. For creation optimum comfortable conditions indoor you need to have ventilation. It must be competently organized in order to provide you with the necessary amount of fresh air. Let’s have look at Charcoal air filter.
Using a charcoal air filter will give you plenty of benefits. First of all, active charcoal eliminates all types of odor and smells instead of mask them. Another important point is that your charcoal air filter will reduce your outgoings by cutting your bills. Energy consumption is really very low. Besides, there are various sizes and it is so easy to install. And it is not expensive to replace them.
Do You Need an Air Filter?
Do You Need an Air Filter?
If you are plagued by allergies and you've done all you can to reduce the allergens in your home, an air filter just might help you.
By Carol Sorgen
WebMD Feature
Reviewed by Matthew Hoffman, MD Do you sniffle and sneeze and wheeze your way through the year? If you are plagued by allergies and/or asthma, you may be considering purchasing a home air filtration system. But is it worth the money? Will it actually help ease your symptoms? Not if you don't make other changes in your environment as well, say medical experts.
Things to Consider When Buying a HEPA Air Filter For The First Time
So you are thinking about getting a HEPA air filter? If you have allergies – a HEPA air filter can make a tremendous difference in how you feel on a daily basis. The HEPA air filter gently and quickly cleans the air in the room or floor plan so you have completely clean air to breathe. Especially with Spring (aka ragweed season) around the corner, a lot of folks are thinking about getting a HEPA air filter!
Residential Air Filters: Which One is Right for You?
Residential air filters are something we all have in our homes. Go to your air conditioner or furnace and open up that vent at the bottom. Guess what? You are looking at an air filter.
Truth be told, they are a must have. Some people keep them up better than others, and some people upgrade past the standard models. How you perceive your air filter’s function also dictates the quality of air in your home.
Air filters can control indoor air quality? They can and do, but you need the right type of filter. The good news is there are several options to choose from, that will inevitably benefit everybody. The bad news is, there are several options to choose from. Options are only good if you are not confused by them, right? Let’s look into your options and simplify the choices
Why You Need to Regularly Change Your Home Air Filters
Everyone knows that you need to change your home air filters regularly. But few understand why.
Have you ever tried to breathe through a towel or piece of cloth? It took a lot more effort, didn't it? You probably took harder deeper breaths just to get a minimum amount of air. That’s exactly the way your comfort system must labor when it has a dirty home air filter.
How Air Filters Can Help Asthma Sufferers
Are you or your loved one having asthma? This article provides the much needed info on reducing the pain associated with asthma and other respiratory problems. The air in your room or home contains lots of harmful particles such as dander, dust and pollen. These airborne irritants pose a serious health risk to you or your loved ones having asthma, allergies or other respiratory conditions. In addition to getting rid of potential sources of irritants in your home, you should also consider getting air filter. This device will go a long way to ameliorate the suffering associated with respiratory problems.
Cost Of Forgetting To Change Furnace Filters?
The cost of your home’s energy comes down to efficiency. The more efficient your home comfort system operates the lower your monthly energy bills. Most systems are designed to operate at a very high rate of efficiency to maximize the amount of fuel or power used.
When you forget to change your furnace filters, you’re reducing your system's ability to run efficiently and forcing it to work harder. That's where the true cost can be felt.
The major consequence of forgetting to change your furnace filter on a regular schedule is restricted air flow through your system which significantly reduces its efficiency. Industry experts estimate that clogged air filters will reduce system efficiency by 30% or more. That could add up to hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars a year!
Asthma and Air Filters
If you have asthma symptoms, an air filter or room air cleaner may or may not help you to breathe better. The same is true for those with hay fever (allergic rhino sinusitis) or COPD (emphysema or chronic bronchitis).
Diamond Accumulair Air Filters
- Accumulair has more than 185 air filters to choose from. Their highest-rated filter is called the Diamond Accumulair, and it carries a MERV rating of 13. This filter can capture particles that are smaller than one micron in size, and the material it's constructed from won't support mold or bacteria growth, so there's one less worry to have. The Diamond Accumulair air filter can be bought from The Pure Air Store
What does MERV or MERV Rating mean?
Your filters MERV Rating is a good way to help judge the effectiveness of the filter. MERV means Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value which was developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioner Engineers - ASHRAE. MERV values vary from 1 to 16. The higher the MERV value is the value the more efficient the filter will be in trapping airborne particles. Another consideration is air flow through the your HVAC system. Leaving a dirty air filter in place or using a filter that is too restrictive may result in low air flow and possibly cause the system to malfunction.
The Ultimate Cannabis Grow Room & Charcoal Filters
CANNABIS CULTURE - How to build the ideal indoor environment for your cash crop.
In the previous issue of Cannabis Culture, we interviewed a veteran Canadian commercial marijuana grower named BC Hardcore, and visited several of his commercial grow houses (CC#47, BC's million dollar grow shows).
In that article, we explained how commercial growers maximize security and yield by using clever risk-avoidance techniques, and by retrofitting and enhancing electrical systems of regular houses so that the houses become hundred-light cultivation factories.
Asthma and Air Filters
Asthma and Air Filters
By Carol Sorgen
WebMD Medical Reference
Reviewed by James E. Gerace, MD
If you have asthma symptoms, an air filter or room air cleaner may or may not help you to breathe better. The same is true for those with hay fever (allergic rhinosinusitis) or COPD (emphysema or chronic bronchitis).
Dirty Furnace Filters Can Be Deadly
Dirty Furnace Filters Can Be Deadly
What do you assume is the result if you neglect to keep your furnace filter clean? Do you think that your furnace will be able to run forever without problems using the same dirty filter year after year? What do you think will happen when your filter becomes over saturated by dirt, pet hair, allergens and dust? You are looking at more than the fan simply refusing to run properly. A dirty filter in your furnace can be deadly, make you sick or worse, causing your home to go up in flames.
How Do Charcoal Filters Work?
Basic Material
Charcoal is a form of nearly pure carbon. It is created through burning organic matter in an oxygen deprived inert atmosphere and siphoning or leaching out any impurities. Nutshells, peat, wood or coal can be heated to between 600 and 900 degrees Fahrenheit while surrounded by argon or nitrogen. The end product is either powdered or granulated charcoal (carbon). It has a very high surface area and is extremely porous. A single gram can feature between 300 and 2,000 square meters of surface area.
How to Choose an HVAC Air Filter
There are many issues and variables to consider when selecting an air filter or an air filtration system. One of the most basic is whether the goal is to focus primarily on protecting the air movement equipment or on protecting the people in the building. That may seem like an oversimplification but it’s really not. Low to medium efficiency filters are meant to keep equipment clean and higher efficiency filters can be a significant asset in providing a healthier and safer work environment.
Residential Air Filters: Which One is Right for You?
MERV Rated Filters
This is where things get a little confusing. MERV rated residential air filters are basically rated on how much dust they trap. There is no need to get technical, so we are going to just keep this simple.
Air Filters and Effective Mold Spore Removal: What You Need to Know
To begin, let us delve into the world of air filters to determine exactly what the deciding factors should be.
Beyond understanding MERV ratings, there are different types of air filters to choose from. There are washable and disposable, electrostatic and non-electrostatic. At the most basic, there are flat panel filters made of fiberglass. Fiberglass offers general air filtration applications with light to medium dust loading conditions. Fiberglass(or flat panel spun glass) is a basic filter option usually utilized to protect equipment from dust. Most fiberglass filters offer a MERV-4rating. Some specialty or online retailers offer polyester panel filters as a basic because polyester panels are considered better forthe environment, more efficient and won't cause skin irritation. Additionally, fiberglass filters do not trap mold spores and the binders used in fiberglass production have a possible link to the promotion of bacterial growth.
HVAC Air Filters
This article is from The Housekeeping Channel...
Good information on HVAC Air Filters.
What is the best Furnace/Air Conditioner Air Filter?
This is the single most asked question about air conditioner/furnace air filters. All too often people are unsure which air filter to purchase. The answer is fast and simple: MERV 13 air filters capture more allergens, dust, dander, pet hair, smoke, bacteria and lung damaging airborne dust particles.
Here is a detailed rating chart called the MERV rating sytem:
http://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/special_topics/protecting_building_occupants/merv.html
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