Water & Air – Filter Systems News

The cleanliness of the air you breathe inside your home is very important. Indoor air pollution is one of the biggest, yet often overlooked problems in our society today.  Every day activities such as walking, vacuuming and dusting stir up millions of particulates in your home. These particulates often include pollen, dust mite, pet dander, mold spores, debris, bacteria, and even viruses. All of these airborne pollutants can cause serious and even detrimental effects on your immune system. Fortunately, there is a solution. Air cleaners have been proven to be very beneficial to your overall health. They reduce allergies, sinus problems, respiratory issues, and even have been shown to help you sleep better at night.

Whole house air purification systems are especially recommended for better air quality inside of your home. Although there are different types of whole house air purification systems, the Trion Duct Mount HE Plus 1400 can be especially useful. The Trion Duct Mount HE 1400 is recognized for having the strongest cabinets, most reliable power supplies and the sturdiest cells within the industry.

The Trion HE Plus 1400 is designed to mount to the duct work in your heating and cooling system. It allows recirculated air to pass through the cleaner and prevents airborne contaminants from being constantly recirculated throughout your home.  In addition, it captures 95% of airborne pollutants as small as 0.1 microns in size, and comes with a three year limited warranty.

Don’t let indoor air pollution be a problem in your home. Get the Trion HE Plus 1400 and ensure that you are indeed getting a breath of fresh air for you and your family.

More people are using air and water filters for residential and commercial use.

According to a recent research report from The Freedonia Group, a leading international business research company publishing more than 100 annual industry research studies, results shows that the demand for filters in the United States is expected to increase by 7.1% each year to $12.6 billion in 2015. What on earth could be causing this surge in air and water filter usage?

This study sites reasons that include an ongoing trend toward strengthening environmental regulations, especially an increase in those involved with reducing emissions from electric utilities and diesel engines. Concerns about water quality and indoor air quality are also increasing the demand for filters in this area of consumer goods. In light of heightened awareness regarding drinking water contaminants and air pollution, we are finding that more consumers are replacing their motor vehicle cabin and air filters, diesel emissions filters, residential air filters and water filters more frequently.

Fluid filters used for municipal water and waste, as well as consumer water and industrial fluid filters, account for the largest share of filter consumption. The use of internal combustion engine filters such as oil filters, air intake filters, cabin air filters and fuel filters account for the second largest share of filter consumption. The growing concern about the water we consume and the air we breathe is creating a proactive approach regarding the heightened concerns with water, indoor and outdoor air quality. For your family’s health and well-being, be sure to replace your water, air, humidifier and vehicle filters as recommended, depending on usage and environmental quality for optimal performance.

Even though it’s mid-January it’s not too early to start thinking about the approaching allergy season. Whether you suffer from itchy eyes, sneezing, dry throat, or congestion, one possible solution is to change the air filters in your home. Normally we view outdoor air as the source of a lot of allergy or respiratory problems, but indoor air often has many contaminants that can negatively impact your health.

At Filters Fast, we sell several air filters that can prepare you for the upcoming allergy season:

The Filters Fast MERV 13 Return Grille Air Filter – 5″ is 5 inches thick and comes in several different sizes to match your home. This return grille air filter reduces dust, dirt, pet dander, mold spores, and bacteria, and at least 90% of all particles between 1 and 10 microns in size. Measuring 5 inches in depth, this air filter fits standard 1 inch size and then extends 4 inches into your return, resulting in higher quality filtration.

The Universal Room Air Conditioner Filter removes harmful airborne allergens from your indoor air, including pollen, mold spores, bacteria, dust mites, and pet dander. If you’re suffering from asthma, allergies, and/or respiratory problems, this room vent filter is an ideal choice for your home. This universal filter is cut-to-fit and easy to use around your home.

With new air filters from Filters Fast, you can be prepared for the coming allergy season!

Is your home prepared for the upcoming snow, ice, sleet, and frost season? December 21st marks the first day of winter and it is only a short 15 days away.   As temperatures drop, your house will need a little more TLC to keep it running smoothly in the winter months. Here are some easy steps that can help prepare your home for winter:

A quick and easy solution is to change your furnace filters frequently. You will be using your heating system more often, and more air will be blown through the filter, leaving more particles behind. A clogged filter will not only restrict air flow, but will make your heating bill higher as the HVAC system will be working harder to push air through the filter. Consider the Filters Fast 6 Pack of MERV 13 filters. Keeping replacement filters in your home will keep your HVAC system working at its best, and the MERV 13 rating of this filter will keep mold, pet dander, mites and other allergens out of your homes air.

If you’re interested in further lowering your heating bill, consider a heat recovery ventilator, or HRV. These systems work with your HVAC system to provide fresh, warm air. Advances in home construction have improved insulation to the point where they are not properly ventilated. In the winter months, opening a window for ventilation will let your warm air escape outside and keep your heating bill sky high. The GeneralAire 8220 will supply fresh heated air into your home and works with your HVAC system.

If you like to have a little extra heat during the cold winter months, consider the Crane EE-6490. This attractive space heater for small rooms features an ultra slim design, automatic shut off, whisper quiet operation and electronic control with touch sensor buttons. This ultra quiet personal heater also has a remote control and is perfect to help you keep toasty warm in bed.

Prepare for the winter months with these easy solutions!

We all use filters. Whether it’s a water,  furnace, refrigerator, oven, automotive or microwave filter, they are the key component to keeping our air and water clean and fresh.  More and more, state governments are increasing regulations on water and air quality in an attempt to keep citizens safe. This increased awareness has led manufacturers to create new and improved ways to produce filters. In particular, Bayer MaterialScience has partnered with BayOne Urethane Systems LLC to introduce innovative ways to produce the best in filtration materials.  As website azom.com reports, “Bayer has strengthened its technical leadership role in the filtration market by expanding its reach and leveraging a global materials supply chain to benefit customers.”

The polyurethane that Bayer manufactures can be used in either rigid or flexible functions, which is ideal for various filtration needs. For example, the Filbur FC-2370 Rainbow Dynamic pool filter uses thermally bonded polyurethane to ensure durability and consistent water flow. Many additional pool and spa filters use polyurethane technology to ensure a high quality, durable product.  Unlike other materials, polyurethane is lightweight, faster to manufacture, and uses much less environment harming resources  than other materials .  So, kudos to Bayer MaterialScience for working to create earth friendly materials for use in filter media.

image source: oilchangexpress.com

Did you know that most cars made after 2000 have a cabin air filter? (CAF) A lot of people don’t, but not changing yours regularly can result in health problems for you and your passengers, and extra wear and maintenance for your car’s HVAC system.  For the majority of cars built after 2000, CAFs are either standard equipment, or are included as an option. If you’re not sure if your car has a CAF, consult your owner’s manual. Many CAFs are located either beneath the hood or under the dashboard, often behind the glove compartment. Changing your car’s CAF is usually a simple and easy proposition often taking less than 10 minutes to undertake. Most can be changed with simple hand tools, or simply by hand.

The importance of keeping a clean CAF in your car can’t be overstated. When the CAF becomes clogged and dirty, those inside the car start to breathe the outside air which is often polluted with contaminants and noxious gases. Also, your car’s HVAC will start to be taxed and have to work harder than it has to if the CAF isn’t changed regularly. Recommendations call for the CAF to be changed every year or 10,000 to 15,000 miles.

Most CAFs are composed of three layer of filter media: two outer layers that capture larger particles  such as pollen, dust, mold spores, soot, and smog, and an inner layer made of activated charcoal or electrostatically charged to remove gases and odors from the air entering your car’s interior. Filters Fast offers a wide selection of CAFs for many different makes and models of cars. To see if we carry your car’s CAF, simply go to www.filtersfast.com and type your car’s make and model into our search bar. Changing your CAF regularly can save your health, and extend your car’s life.

Photo by the Wright House

The art and science of flying has transformed inconceivably since the first hot air balloon flight by Jacques and Joseph Mongolfier of France in 1783. November is Aviation History Month. This month we celebrate and honor the men, women and events that helped to shape, develop and elevate air travel in a myriad of ways.

As the holiday season kicks in, many air travelers are concerned about the cabin air that they breathe in. Frequent flyers are turning to an easy and convenient travel companion that helps to reduce the intake of bacteria, viruses and other allergens circulating in the cabin air. The Plane Clean Air Filter helps to remove approximately 99.5% of airborne allergens, bacteria and other particles that could make you sick.  Replacement filters for the Plane Clean Air Filter includes 1 filter and 2 adhesive gaskets.

Science, engineering and modern technology has certainly shaped the tapestry of transportation history that leaped into a tremendous hallmark for some famous aviation “firsts.” Paul Haenlein who operated the first gas powered dirigible (airship or blimp) and the Wright Brothers (Orville and Wilbur) who took the first airplane flight would be absolutely astonished by the progress made due to their pioneering in-flight experimentations. We made tremendous strides in aviation history and to keep our air travel enjoyable now, clean cabin air is the last thing you need to worry about.

Daylight Savings Time is approaching for those of us who live in the United States. We set our clocks one hour forward in the spring, which means that we set them back one hour on Sunday, November 6. Daylight Savings Time also happens to be the perfect opportunity to remember to change, replace, or inspect your air and water filters, which we previously discussed in our Energy Conserving Tips guide. Here are a few recommendations that will help improve the quality of your home and save you money on energy costs:

Replace your air furnace filters

Air filters should be replaced every 3-6 months depending on your indoor air quality and the conditions where you live. With the proper air filter you will be able to reduce airborne contaminants in your home, including dust, dirt, and various allergens.

We sell a complete line of air furnace filters that will provide you with the high indoor air quality you deserve. The Filters Fast Air & Furnace Filters Merv 11, 6-pack is a solid choice that is both economical and highly effective.

Replace your refrigerator filters

Refrigerator filters help deliver refreshingly clean, cold water to your home by removing chlorine and off tastes and odors. Several refrigerator filters will also be able to remove even more harmful contaminants, such as cysts, lead, mercury, pesticides and more. Refrigerator filters will also provide clean ice, so that the other drinks you serve will be free of off flavors.

Two popular choices are the Maytag Puriclean II UKF8001 Filter and the GE MWF SmartWater Filter, though your choice ultimately depends on which refrigerator water filter is most compatible with the refrigerator you have at home.

Replace your humidifier filter

A humidifier releases clean moisture throughout your home in order to relieve the symptoms associated with dry air. You and your family will breathe more comfortably and have relief from cough and cold symptoms, such as itchy throat and cough. Humidifier filters should be replaced regularly and Daylight Savings Time is a great reminder to do so. Our website lists our humidifier filters based on brand, so you can find out which filter best matches your humidifier.

Several popular choices include the Aprilaire 35 humidifier water panel evaporator and the Holmes HWF100 Humidifier Filter.

Upgrade your thermostat

In today’s day and age it’s a good idea to upgrade your old thermostat to a digital thermostat, which offers you more comfort and convenience, as well as total control over your home’s air quality. Recently we discussed how to install a digital thermostat, which is easier to do than you might imagine. A quality digital thermostat will have a menu and several control options for added versatility.

An excellent option is to upgrade to the Honeywell Vision PRO 8000 Thermostat or the Honeywell PRO 4000 Programmable Thermostat 1007.

While it’s tough to remember when exactly to change your air and water filters, try to view Daylight Savings Time as the best opportunity to maintain the best indoor air quality and water filtration in your home.

Photo from Secure Lite Window Company

In the United States, we change our clocks in the spring for Daylight Savings Time and in the fall for Standard Time. As Sunday November 6 approaches, we welcome the moment to set our clocks back by one hour, since our days are shorter and the nights get longer. As a constant reminder, do not forget to change the batteries in your fire alarms and change the air furnace filters in your home.

Many of these things are recommendations you have heard before, but with the cost of fuel and electricity going up, we all could use that extra money to spend on something else more utilitarian. Here are some practical energy and money-saving tips to help you prepare to winterize your home:

• Change your air furnace filter

Based on the type of filter you have, we suggest that you change your air filters every 3 to 6 months, based on usage and indoor air quality. Filters help to capture airborne allergens and pollutants that could trigger health ailments and such things as carpet soiling. Proper maintenance of your air furnace will help to optimize the performance of your system, especially during the cold days of the winter season.

• Unplug appliances and electronics

Many appliances like washing machines, dryers, electronics, cell phone chargers and other electrical appliances tend to draw a lot of power when they are still turned off and plugged into the socket. To prevent constant draining of your power, unplug those electrical-related items.

• Check for air leakage

During the winter months especially, warm indoor air can seep through any size space and escape out of your home. Be sure to secure around your windows and doors to prevent this loss of energy and rising heating costs.

• Turn off the lights

Unknowingly, we tend to leave lights on in unoccupied rooms. Try using Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFL) in place of your standard incandescent light bulb. These light bulbs remind you of a neon light, but use 75% less energy and lasts up to 10 times longer than your standard bulb.

• Allow natural light during the day

Instead of keeping your blinds or curtains closed during the day (which keeps your house cooler by the way), allow the sunlight to shine in and warm the inside of your home. This will help to reduce the use of your air furnace and saves energy! Cha-ching$

• Unblock vents

If you have anything like furniture, boxes or other storage items in the front of your vents, this will block the flow of air into your living area and put undue strain on your air furnace. If air is not flowing freely from your registers into air returns, this could pose to be a safety hazard and increase your energy costs.

• Wash with cold water when possible

We know that washing with hot water will dry your skin out from its natural moisture. The same concept applies to your clothes. If you have to use hot water for certain items, that is ok, but where you can transition to using cold water will save the wear on your clothes and save energy. Try to accumulate enough clothes to wash once a week. Frequent washing with your washing machine, as well as your dishwasher, will increase the wattage of energy that you use.

• Reduce your water heater settings

The ideal setting for the water heater in many homes is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. By maintaining a set temperature level, corrosion and mineral build-up is decelerated. Be sure to apply according to the temperature levels in your area and your appliance manuals for suggested temperature settings to help them operated to their maximum potential.

These are just a few practical tips to apply to your home. Preparing your home now to use less energy will show significant savings in your monthly energy bills.

Papadakis Integrated Sciences Building

As we honor National Chemistry Week, we wanted to highlight the largest living bio-filter system in North America. In the new Papadakis Integrated Sciences Building on the West Philadelphia campus of Drexel University, you will find a bio-filtration laboratory that features a visually captivating wall of plants. The meandering wall of plants that extends upward by five stories includes Algerian Ivy, Ficus and Hibiscus. This network of vegetation grows hydroponically between two layers of material with the texture of a Brillo pad and without soil. The root system acts as a giant air filter and removes indoor pollutants and contaminants. As air is drawn into the wall and passes through the wall, it comes in contact with water.

Hydroponics is the technology of growing plants by using mineral nutrient solutions in water without using soil. The air has chemicals in it and when these chemicals encounter the water, they are absorbed in the root system of the plants. According to research, bacteria and fungi live on the roots of the plants and eat those chemicals, then remove them from the air.

When you can incorporate natural air filtration in your home by using plants to compliment your furnace air filtration system, then you will help to remove the airborne pollutants and contaminants that plague your indoor air and affect your breathing. Make sure that anything problematic with your indoor air such as smoking, dust or routinely changing your indoor air filters is tackled first. Many people are beginning to utilize aquaculture and hydroponics, as they create their indoor residential bio-filtration system with plants. Being proactive by improving the quality of the indoor air you breathe, will help to reduce allergies and other breathing-related problems that could significantly increase your medical costs.