Why Switch to a Permanent, Washable Furnace Filter

If you have a home with central heat and air, you know how important furnace filters are (also called A/C filters).  Traditional filters can be a hassle. You have to go to the store every time you need to change it out if you don’t have enough on hand. Fortunately, there’s a better solution with a washable furnace filter. Here are five benefits of washable furnace filters:

1. Cost. While traditional furnace filters may not cost much to start with, you have to buy them time after time, which adds up. A washable AC filter is permanent so you make one initial investment.  These filters cost $48.95 and pay for themselves in about 1 year.  They last for 15 years or more.
2. Convenience. Imagine being able to change the filter without having to see if you have any on hand or having to run to the store to get them. With a washable furnace filter, it’s always there when you need it. You simply vacuum it off or rinse it out and you’re all set. With a non-rusting, durable frame, you don’t have to worry about it wearing out either.
3. Green Living. Ever wonder where all of those filters you throw out end up? With a furnace filter that is washable,  you’re not adding non-biodegradable products to landfills any longer.   They are a sustainable and green product you can feel good about.
4. Health. Allergens and dust are cleared from the air you breathe with a washable filter. Washable filters trap 10X more dust than traditional throw-away filters.  Also, most people don’t change their filters as often as needed simply because it’s inconvenient to buy more. Since this is a permanent filter, you can clean it when it needs cleaning and have a healthier home.
5. Customization. Sometimes finding the right size can be a chore. Since the washable furnace filter from Healthy Home Filter Company can be fit to any size in 1/8″ increments, you always have the right size when you need it.

There are many benefits to a washable furnace filter.  Our filters have a great balance of low air resistance and high dust arrestance.  If you’re ready to order or have more questions simply visit us and we’ll be glad to help.

Remember that our motto is, “Save time, save money, save the environment.”

 

 

Treat Your Home’s Air with UV Light for Better Air Quality

Hospitals and government buildings within the United States have a secret weapon, keeping their air supply clean. Many of them use UV lights within their heating and cooling system, which eliminates almost all the harmful pathogens. This same technology is available for your home, so that you can enjoy the same clean and safe air to breathe.

Cleaner Air

Having a clean air supply within our homes can make a big impact on our health and wellness. The air within a house can contain numerous pathogens including mold, various fungi, bacteria, and viruses. This is a major source of illness for Americans, and improves with treatment from a UV light. UV light kills, or neutralizes many pathogens that affect people. Installing a UV light within a heating and cooling system allows you to effectively treat your home’s air efficiently. The light kills the pathogen as they flow over the light, cleaning your home’s air every time your system runs. They also eliminate VOC’s, as well as any odors within your home.

Ease of Installation

Adding a UV light system to your home is easier than it sounds. UV Light kits come in an easy to install module that plugs into a standard wall outlet. Homeowners with even limited how-to knowledge can install the light, if not any professional HVAC technician can. Its design does not inhibit the efficiency of your unit in any way.

If you would like more information on how you can use UV light to improve your home’s air quality, please contact us.

Fight Dust With A Furnace Filter

Whether you are a homeowner or a purchasing manager for a large facility that includes offices, condos or retail space, you can spend more time fighting dust than you ever expected.  Unfortunately, there are some angles for fighting this annoying layer of filth — and one area that you can take control of right away is the furnace filter.  To get a better understanding of how a simple filter can cut down on the amount of dust your home or businesses has, keep reading.

How dust presents a problem in winter

Naturally, if retail spaces and businesses are always covered in dust, merchandise can get damaged (especially if humidity or moisture are an issue). Worse, customers may feel deterred.  Keeping a home or professional space clean is also a symbol of health.  Dust is well-known allergen, and during the winter months it can exacerbate health conditions.  If you own rental properties, having a living or working space with too much dust can present potential legal and health code violation issues.

How dust is exacerbated by lack of filters

Depending on the type of furnace you have, it can produce a lot of dust.  This happens when the fuel is burned.  Regardless, this issue is made worse by the dust that travels through the ducts. At some point, this dust cycle needs to be interrupted, and regularly changing the filters is a top priority.  Alternatively, an electrostatic furnace filter, like the ones we sell, do not need to be changed out monthly because they work without a barrier material. In addition, a filter that addresses the air that is pulled into the furnace itself (as well as the exiting, heated air) will increase the longevity of your furnace.

Cleanup cost issues related to dust

Do you have cleaning companies for your home or businesses that charge by the hour?  Of course, if they leave a bunch of dust behind, they are going to lose you as a client — therefore cleanup crews work hard to make sure each speck of dust is cleaned up.  In the end, this means dust can end up costing you a pretty penny.  Plus, if you have a new business that moves into a retail or commercial space, they are going to notice if their privately hired cleaning company starts billing them extra hours because the janitors are battling dust.

Get a furnace filter and see the savings!

Now that you have a better understanding of how dust problems flourish, how they will cost you, and how dust can be prevented with a furnace filter, the next step is to contact us.  We can help you get the dust situation under control in your home or businesses with electrostatic furnace filters that are worry-free because they are barrier-free. On top of that, and we offer discount rates for commercial, rental, industrial, and retail customers that purchase furnace filters in bulk.  Thank you in advance for choosing us, and we look forward to hearing from you.

Prepare for the Onset of Spring Allergies with a Austin Air HealthMate

Springtime is a time for new growth, warmer temperatures, and for Americans to once again enjoy outdoor activities. Unfortunately, this outdoor activity also comes with a price, as seasonal allergies worsen with the warm weather. Don’t let your allergies put a damper on your springtime fun, when you can take steps to alleviate allergens from affecting you.

The intense spring sunlight and warmer temperatures, allow trees and plants to grow. This is the time when many plants produce buds and flowers for reproduction. The pollen within these flowers is the main cause of most allergy symptoms in America. According to an article by the Mayo Clinic “Seasonal allergies: Nip them in the bud” millions of Americans suffer from springtime allergies, which are manageable with a few simple strategies.

Reducing exposure to common allergy triggers can prevent symptoms all together. This includes, limiting outdoor activities, removing clothing worn outside when entering your home, and if necessary wear a mask when outdoors. This is especially true on dry and windy days, as these conditions make it prime for pollen release.   Pollen counts within the air fluctuate, and can make symptoms worsen within minutes.

During the height of the spring pollen season, it is often hard to escape the airborne allergens. The Mayo Clinic recommends keeping your indoor air clean to limit exposure. An Austin Air HealthMate, is a home air purifier that reduces all airborne particles within your home. Using an air purifier quickly and efficiently improves the air quality within your home. Austin Air utilizes true medical grade HEPA technology, as well as a 4-stage filtration system. This removes the pollen, and other allergens, which reduces your seasonal allergy symptoms. If you would like to improve the air quality of your home, please contact us.

Understanding MERV Ratings for Your Furnace Filter

There are many benefits to replacing your disposable furnace filter with a permanent one. Instead of having to go out every few months and buy a new filter, you simply clean the one you already have. While a permanent filter costs more upfront, it typically pays for itself in one year or less.

One consideration that is easy to overlook is how much better an electrostatic filter traps airborne pollutants when compared to disposable paper filters. The MERV rating, which stands for minimum efficiency reporting value, is an easy way to determine the efficiency of a filter before you buy it.

Categories of MERV Ratings

MERV ratings go from 1 to 20 and are divided into five different categories. These are as follows:

• 1 to 4: A filter with this rating cannot trap particulate matter smaller than 10 microns. It is between 65 and 80 percent efficient at pulling in common household particles like dust mites, sanding dust, and carpet fibers.
• 5 to 8: This filter can capture particulate matter sized as low as 3 microns. It is between 80 and 90 percent effective at trapping airborne pollutants like hair spray, mold spores, and cement dust.
• 9 to 12: A filter in this range can capture particulate matter sized as low as 1 micron. It is between 90 and 95 percent efficient in trapping lead dust, milled flour, and auto emissions. MERV filters rated 9 to 12 are frequently used in commercial buildings and hospital laboratories, but they also offer superior residential air filtration service.
• 13 to 16: This high quality filter traps particulate matter as tiny as .30 microns, including up to 95 percent of bacteria and tobacco smoke. It is most often used in hospital surgery centers and smoking lounges, though it is also available for home use.
• 17 to 20: This professional grade furnace filter traps particulate matter smaller than .30 micron. It is most often used in clean rooms, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and around radioactive materials.

Choose a Permanent Filter with a MERV Rating

Healthy Home Filter Company offers a range of furnace filter options for both home and business owners. We encourage you to check for a MERV rating and then purchase according to your needs. Please contact us if you need more information or help placing an order.

Poor Indoor Air Quality-Recognizing Sign and Symptoms of Indoor Air Pollution

According to the EPA, people spend more than 90% of their time indoors–this explains why poor indoor air quality ranks in the top five health risks. We all know that spending time outside in the fresh air makes us feel healthier and more energized, and this is not surprising considering the amount of pollutants found in our own homes. Tobacco smoke, dust, allergens, pet dander, dust mites, bacteria, and viruses are just a few of the pollutants that can diminish the air quality inside your home. It is important to learn the signs and symptoms of indoor air pollution, and how you can improve the air quality inside your home.

You may find that members of your family experience symptoms inside your home that seem to disappear or lessen when they spend time outdoors. This is an indication that you may be suffering from indoor air pollution. These symptoms and physical ailments may include:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Watery Eyes
• Nasal Congestion
• Wheezing
• Asthma complications
• Headaches
• Eye irritation
• Dizziness
• Lethargy
• Nose bleeds

There are other signs that can indicate air pollution inside your home. These include:

• Stale smelling air
• Mold or mildew
• Dirty air conditioning and/or heating equipment
• Discoloration from cigarette smoke

You can protect your family from indoor air pollution in a number of ways.

• Install carbon monoxide detectors.
• Use vacuums with HEPA filters to prevent dust and dirt from leaving the exhaust.
• Mop floors after vacuuming to pick up dust that vacuums miss.
• Remove shoes when entering your home.
• Reduce indoor air moisture by using a dehumidifier.
• Don’t smoke inside your home.
• Invest in radon testing. Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from decay of uranium found in soil. It can enter a home through cracks and holes in foundations.
• Cut down on VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which are found in air fresheners, home cleaners, hairsprays, etc. Opt for all-natural cleaners, natural fresheners such as lemons and baking soda, and add houseplants to your home.
• Invest in a high-quality, high-performing air purifier. Air purifiers can remove many pollutants from the air, including dander, dust, bacteria, and viruses.

Poor indoor air quality can cause both mild and serious health problems. Eye and throat irritation, lung diseases, and even cancer can be caused by indoor air pollutants. Learn to recognize the signs and protect your family by following these tips to improve your air quality. Please feel free to contact us to learn more about making your home a safer, more comfortable place.

Austin Air Room Air Purifiers – Prevent the Buildup of Dust and Dust Mites in Your Home

Our homes have microscopic particles and organisms that are not easily seen by the human eye. They collect on almost every item that resides within our home and are often stirred up by human and animal activity. Homeowner may think they have the cleanest home around, yet still have large populations of dust mites lurking throughout their home.

Dust mites are an organism most people don’t even know exist, let alone in their own home. They feed off the dust that collects within our home that includes a variety of organic matter and skin particles shed from humans and animals. Although they are not seen or smelled, they do impact our lives, especially those who are prone to allergies and illness. They are a major cause of allergy symptoms that is often overlooked. Common symptoms often attributed to dust mites are sneezing, runny nose, itchy water eyes and a similar symptom to the common cold.

Preventing dust buildup within your home is the best way to keep dust mites from overtaking your home and general health. Frequent cleaning including vacuuming and dusting help keep their numbers in check, but does not rid your home from them. Austin Air room air purifiers are an ideal solution that will continuously remove dust and dust mites from your living space. They feature 4-stage filtration that removes even the smallest particles such as dust mites. When used continuously you remove the food for mites and them as well, which can completely remove them from your home and prevent any ill symptoms.

If you would like more information on the benefits on an air purifier in your home, please contact us.

Homes with wood burner could have harmful indoor air quality

Burning wood has always been a popular way to heat your home and has seen increased attention recently. This is due to new research showing the harmful effects it can have on the indoor air quality and health of the occupants. A recent article by U.S. News & World Report “Indoor Wood-Burning Can Affect Air Quality” details how burning wood can have serious health impacts due to fine particle pollution.

An easy way to tell if your home wood burner is working properly is if there is smoke coming out of your chimney. The smoke is a sign that the fire is not burning efficiently and is producing fine particles of pollution that enter your homes air. A few tips to prevent your wood burner from polluting your home are:

• Use only dry seasoned firewood

• Never burn materials other than wood

• Space logs properly to allow maximum air flow

• Use an EPA certified wood stove

Homeowners who heat with wood can take other measures to improve their homes indoor air quality.  Air purifiers are an ideal way to remove the fine particle pollution that is from burning wood. Used properly they can keep pollution down to minimal levels and decrease the harmful effects. The fine particle pollution affect many areas of the body especially the respiratory systems. Homeowners who suffer from chronic illnesses could be being affected greatly by their heat source and not even know it. It is important to choose a quality air purifier such as an Austin Air model that has multi-stage filtration and removes all size particles including fine particle pollution.

If have an indoor wood burner in your home and would like to improve your indoor air quality, please contact us.

Austin Air HealthMate – Reduce your chances of getting the flu or cold this winter

We are in the height of cold season and the flu season is starting to ramp up. This means millions of Americans will suffer the effects of these illnesses. The flu is especially dangerous as it is responsible for many hospitalizations each year and even deaths. Homeowners can take some simple steps to decrease the chances they get sick this winter.

Common routines to prevent catching or spreading the common cold and flu are somewhat effective. You should frequently wash your hands, disinfect areas that are touched by many people and always cover up when sneezing or coughing. The preventative measures only eliminate some of the particles on surfaces and in the air. A major concern is it only takes one cough or sneeze to make a virus or cold airborne where it can remain for an extended time. It is ideal to remove these particles from the air before they infect someone or contaminate a surface.

An easy way to clean your home’s air is with an air purifier, a machine that actively cycles the air through a filter removing particles. Austin Air offers a HealthMate model designed to improve indoor air quality and improve health. It features a 4-stage filtration process that removes all types of particles from your home including the flu virus and common cold. The Healthmate eliminates nearly all particles which leaves your air free from colds, viruses, molds and other allergens. Air supply is constantly cycled removing any new particles introduced into the air helping you maintain a healthy living environment.

If you would like more information on the benefits of using a home air purifier, please contact us.

Asthma relief – Improve your asthma symptoms and overall health

Millions of Americans live with Asthma symptoms which can range from debilitating to just minor occurrences. Asthma is a year around condition that is triggered by a multitude of factors and conditions. Although the condition is not totally curable there are options for sufferers to reduce their symptoms and live a productive life.

Internal factors of the body as well as external trigger asthma symptoms and attacks . An easy way to improve asthma symptoms is to improve the indoor air quality of areas you spend the most time. The home and workplace are generally where most Americans spend most of their time. This makes the air quality at these locations the most important and can make the biggest difference in symptoms. Although you might feel the air quality in your environment is clean. there could be harmful pollutants that are not seen or smelled.

Air purifiers are an efficient way to clean a large air space and rid it of any pollutants and irritants that could affect your asthma symptoms. To achieve asthma relief, you should filter your home for common triggers such as allergens, pollutants and dust. It is ideal to obtain an air purifier that can filter all sizes of particles from your home to reduce trigger as much as possible. Air purifier brands such as Austin Air manufacture specific models just for home health that feature specialized true medical grade filters that will eliminate all sizes of particles. When operated continuously they can make your indoor air quality clean enough to drastically improve your asthma symptoms.

If you would like more information on products to help make your air clean and reduce your asthma symptoms, please contact us.