Water & Air – Filter Systems News

It’s time to start pinning. Send in a photo of your favorite filtersfast.com products to kory@filtersfast.com. It can be a picture of your favorite water filter, air filter, water filter bottle, water filter pitcher, air purifier, humidifier or dehumidifier. If it’s your favorite, just send in your photo and we will pin it to our Pinterest “Fan Favorite Board”. The photo with the most repins wins a $50 Visa gift card!

To Enter the Contest:

1.) Send in your photo of your favorite filtersfast.com products to kory@filtersfast.com and we will post the photo up to our Fan Favorite Board

2.) Get your friends to follow us on Pinterest and to repin your picture

3.) After your photo is posted, people will vote for their favorite photo by repinning your picture

4.) The Contest ends Friday May 18 at 3:00PM EST

5.) Products must be what filtersfast.com currently sells

6.) Only 1 entry person

7.) The winner of the contest will receive a $50 Visa Gift Card!!

8.)  THERE IS NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER

Voting and submission begins Friday May 4 and ends on Friday May 18. The photo with the most repins wins!

In the event of a tie, a winner will be randomly selected. The winner of the contest has one week to claim their prize.

It is vital to think about the quality of the air we breathe and to think of ways we can protect ourselves from the harmful airborne pollutants that surround us every day. So in honor of Clean Air Month, let’s do just that. Below are six ways to clean the air in your homes in addition to ways of protecting yourselves from the many airborne pollutants.

1.)  Pay attention to the outdoor air quality. Outdoor air pollution is obviously a big concern and while we can’t always control the amount of air pollution outdoors, we can be wiser about when and how often we plan outdoor activities. A simple picnic outdoors when the air quality is deemed “very unhealthy” can have serious and detrimental effects. Plan wisely and attempt to plan your activities on days where the air quality is deemed “good”. Suggestion: Air quality is lowest when the heat is highest. Plan outdoor activity or physical activity in the morning or evening.

2.) Change your car filters. In many cities around the world, your car is the greatest polluter. We all are familiar with the smells of exhaust fumes and other nasty odors while driving down the road or highway. Not pleasant at all huh? Fortunately, your car’s cabin air filter is designed to remove the harmful outside air pollutants before they reach the inside of your car. Purolator also offers a list of other car filters that will help to filter the air you breathe and keep you safe. Suggestion: The Purolator C35533 Cabin Air Filter Replacement is easy to install and will provide a clean flow of air free of airborne contaminants.

3.)  Listen to your body. Dizziness and fatigue are all symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome and should not be ignored. Listen to what your body is trying to tell you. If you feel as if you need to change your air filters or may need to invest in an air purifier, then do so. If these symptoms persist, contact your doctor.

4.)  Use an air purifier. Whether you find yourself at home or at your office, an air purifier will do just what its name suggests—purifies your air. And honestly, who doesn’t want purified air to breathe in? Suggestion: A Holmes True HEPA Air Purifier will allow you to save space and purify your air by removing 99.97% of airborne particles.

5.) Change your filters regularly. Do not neglect to change your filters as not changing them will not only put you at increased risks of certain sicknesses but will also hamper your HVACs efficiency. Upgrading from your standard 1 inch filter may be useful if you find that you are still experiencing air quality issues. The standard 1 inch filter cannot protect you from all of the contaminants in your home. Suggestion: Filters Fast MERV 13 Return Air Grille  filters will help rid of all contaminants in the air by removing dust, bacteria and all other airborne pollutants.

6.) Eat right.  No that is not a typo and yes there is a correlation between the food you eat and air pollution. How? The answer is in antioxidants. They are the “good guys” in your body that help strengthen the immune system, slow down the aging process (who couldn’t use that). Most importantly, they fight off free radicals who are the “bad guys” in your body by helping the harmful airborne pollutants damage your body. Suggestion: Eat foods that are high in antioxidants like cherries, kale, tomatoes and strawberries.

Now that you know how to protect yourself, it is time to take action. Don’t fall victim to sickness caused by air pollution. Protect yourself, your body and your family from the harmful pollutants.

IMAGE CREDITS:

endurancebuzz.com

naturelivings.blogspot.com

Did you know that you most likely have more airborne particulates in your air than the standard 1″ air filter can handle? It is true that air filters work wonders when it comes to capturing many of the particulates that circle in the air you breathe. It is also true that getting a filter that is more than the 1″ standard can totally protect you from the harmful particulates in your home or office. Filtersfast.com offers Return Grille Air Filters just for this purpose. These Return Grille Air Filters are 5″ making for an even more efficient filter when it comes to protecting your health and your environment.

We especially suggest the Filters Fast MERV 13 Return Grille Air Filter. According to Cartier King, Filtersfast.com Air Filtration Specialist certified by the National Air Filtration Association (NAFA):

“MERV 13 air filters are the highest recommended air filtration level for most residential applications.”

But why is it the highest recommended air filtrartion level? Well, a lot of it has to do with efficiency. The MERV 13 is one of the highest efficiency ratings available as the U.S. Green Building Council considers a MERV 13 rating the minimum level required to meet its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification. There are five other specific things that make this filter especially useful as well:

1.) The larger surface area and deeper pleats of the 5″ filter make it 15 times more effective at capturing airborne particles than a standard 1″ filter. You most likely have more airborne particulates in your air than your standard 1″ filter is equipped to hold. This causes excess air particles to float back out into your household air and cause allergy flare-ups, sinus issues and other health problems.

2.) When you combine this larger filter with a MERV 13 rating you have one of the market’s best filters. MERV 13 filters remove at least 90 percent of all particles 1.0 – 10.0 microns. Just how big is a micron? Look at the period at the end of this sentence. That is a huge 397 microns!

3.) The life of the filters is subject to the environment it’s installed in, but typically RAG last for 2-3x’s longer than a standard 1” filter.

4.) The foam gasket header on the filters increases particle capturing efficiency, because it helps reduce the air bypass.  Typical 1” filters obviously don’t have this feature.

5.) These only need to be changed 1x per year. They fit just like a regular 1” filter.

Apart from the MERV 13 Return Grille Air Filter, we also offer another option for you to upgrade from your standard 1″ filter:

The Odor Killer Return Grille will eliminate smoke odors, cigarette odors, pet odors, gases and other contaminants from your indoor air. Since this return grille air filter is 5″ deep compared to the standard 1″ air filter, its greater surface area and deeper pleats allow it to catch far more airborne particles and be changed less frequently.

So this season, don’t just deal with the sneezing, coughing and other symptoms associated with poor air quality. Protect your health, your environment and your wallet with Filtersfast.com.

Today is Frozen Food Day which means it is time to celebrate all of the delicious foods and snacks you have stored in your freezer. Who invented frozen food you might ask? Well, frozen food has always been around in climates that were cold enough for food to freeze. In 1924, Clarence Birdseye is credited with inventing the quick freezing method, which produces the type of frozen foods that we know today.

To help ensure that your frozen delights are of the best quality, Filters Fast has a few suggestions:

The Frigidaire Universal Icemaker Installation Kit gives you ready made ice from your freezer right when you need it. This kit comes with an easy-to-use instruction guide for trouble-free installation. It is compatible with upright freezers and many other brands such as Electrolux and White-Westinghouse.

The Frigidaire PureAir Ultra Refrigerator Air Filter eliminates foul odors from both your freezer and refrigerator. This will keep your fridge free of food smells such as onion, garlic and fish. This long lasting air filter is easy to change and replace and can last up to 6 months. In addition to fresh smells, it will improve the taste of ice and prevents the cross-contamination of foods.

The HM Digital TM-1 Digital Thermometer is an industrial grade digital thermometer that can be used in a variety of different applications. It can be used not only for freezers/coolers, but also for aquariums, kitchens, bakeries, motors, generators and ventilation systems. This thermometer is small, compact and very versatile.

Celebrating this day is actually quite easy. Simply put, all you have to do is eat frozen meals.  Frozen dinners, ice cream, or anything else you can think of, will be a great way to celebrate the occasion. So put down that sandwich and enjoy those frozen delights!

(Image credit: www.internationalsupermarketnews.com)

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!

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.

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.

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.

Image Credit: discoverbuenosaires.com

“Spring forward, fall back.” It’s a simple phrase we’ve used for years to remind ourselves about Daylight Savings Time, when we either advance our clocks forward and back. We moved our clocks one hour forward earlier this Spring, March 2^nd to be exact, and we will move our clocks one hour back this fall, on November 6^th. While it’s important to note November 6^th to make sure you’re in synch with the rest of the world, there is a major reason you may not have thought about yet: replacing your air and furnace filters.

The Northwest Natural Gas Company notes that many American choose Daylight Savings as the time to replace the batteries in their smoke detectors, but we should also replace our furnace filters too. NW Natural states:

 “This will save money and extend the life of your furnace. The easiest and least expensive way to ensure your furnace is running efficiently is to change the filter on a regular basis. For a relatively low cost you can rack up measurable savings on winter heating costs and avoid expensive repairs in the future. Plan to replace your filter every one to three months when the heater is in use. Homes with pets may benefit from replacing the filter more frequently. This is an excellent way to improve home air quality in a season when many more hours are spent indoors.”

Having trouble deciding which furnace filter to buy? Here are a few suggestions:

Filters Fast Air & Furnace Filters MERV 11, 6-pack

•  These are economical filter replacements sold in a variety of sizes. With a MERV 11 rating you can ensure that your indoor air is protected from dust, dirt, mold spores, and pet dander.

Filtrete Ultra Allergen Air Filter

•  A high-performing air filter that uses electrostatically charged fibers to attract airborne particles, such as pollen, mold spores, dust mite debris, smoke, pet dander, household dust, smog, bacteria, and virus carrying particles. Also, save $6 through a mail-in-rebate available on our site.

Trion Air Bear Media AC Filter

•  This pleated air filter features a MERV 8 rating. Trion Air Bear whole-house media AC filters are a practical choice due to the high-efficiency synthetic material used in their construction and their extended-surface pleats that provide for higher dirt-holding capacity. Efficient air conditioning filters can prolong the life of your equipment, and save you money.

"Something told me to change my air filter!"

Do you feel like jumping in a pool of ice water just to cool off from this scorching heat? But then again, what chance does the ice stand before it quickly becomes lukewarm water? It’s not just sweat that we have to be concerned about or how uncomfortable the heat makes us feel, but the health risks that result from the intensity of how hot it is outdoors.

As we watch record-breaking temperatures rise across the country and around the world, we are also witnessing our electricity bills skyrocket from simply trying to stay cool indoors. Outside temperatures are sweltering even before you factor in the heat index. High ozone level warnings and heat strokes are contributing to serious illnesses, breathing difficulty and in some cases proven fatal. Two common denominators that seem to be an ongoing problem with air conditioning systems include routine HVAC maintenance checks and regularly changing your air filters.

Here are four benefits for maintaining clean air filters during this heatwave:

1.      Saves you money

2.      Improves indoor air quality

3.      Allows for better airflow to cool your indoors more effectively

4.      Helps your system to perform with optimal results

Airborne pollutants and allergens such as dust, smoke, pet dander, mold spores and dirt clogs your air filter, reduces your airflow and puts a strain on your air conditioning system. For optimum performance, based on usage, your indoor air quality and the type of furnace air filter you use, be sure to change your air filter regularly, especially during this summer heat.

Choosing the air filter that best suits your personal needs can include one of the following:

Fiberglass/Polyester Air Filters are the most economical and probably the least effective. Their media captures large particles, but are not effective for capturing smaller airborne particles.

Polypleated Air Filters are generally made from polyester or cotton media. This filter is denser and captures more airborne pollutants than fiberglass air filters or washable and reusable filters.

Permanent Electrostatically Charged Air Filters like the Filtrete Ultra Allergen Air Filter are made of electrostatically charged fibers that help to capture airborne particles magnetically drawn to the air filter.

Electronic Air Filters are permanent fixtures in your HVAC systems and require an electrical connection.  They may capture smaller instead of larger particles. Electronic cleaners however, can produce ozone, which is a lung irritant.

HEPA Air Filters like the IQAir HealthPro Hyper HEPA Air Filter Replacement is thicker than standard sized HEPA Filters. It captures many airborne particles and allergens such as pollen, dirt, dust, pet dander, hair, mold spores, bacteria and other indoor air pollutants as small as 0.3 microns.

According to the EPA, indoor air pollution is among the top five environmental health risks. Be sure to check your evaporator coils if you have access to them and your ductwork to make sure they are clean every time you change your air filter. Although this intense heatwave will zap you of your energy and dehydrate your body, don’t allow your air conditioning system to suffer performance fatigue by neglecting to change your air filter frequently.