Water & Air – Filter Systems News

Did you know that on average 20% of Americans report that they get less than 6 hours of sleep? Meanwhile, the number of Americans getting 9 hours of sleep or more is decreasing. We are getting less and less sleep, and with the constant ‘on-the-go’ lives that many of us live, there is little wonder why. While many of us resort to over the counter sleep medicine and other factors to get a better night’s sleep, we often overlook the importance of the quality of air in our very own homes. Poor air quality increases the risk of poor sleep and can even cause sleep-disordered breathing, in which breathing stops briefly during sleeping. With that in mind, having ways to improve the air quality in our home is vital to our overall health. Let’s take a look at a few products that will help improve the air quality in our home while helping us sleep better at the same time.

The Whirlpool Whispure 510 air purifier was recently voted a Consumer Reports Best Buy. Here is why: it is a home air purifier which filters the dust, pollen, mold spores, allergens and other contaminants in your air. This Whirlpool air purifier is made to filter and clean the air in medium-sized to large rooms up to 500 square feet. This home air cleaner unit ideal for larger offices, bedrooms, nurseries and basements. It weighs only 25 pounds and has a built-in handle for easy mobility.

With the Trion Duct Mount HE Plus 2000 you get a quality, well built product that will not only extend the lifespan of your HVAC system but it will improve the quality of your air. It is designed to mount directly to the duct work in your heating and cooling system so that recirculated air passes through the cleaner. This system will prevent airborne contaminants from constantly being recirculated throughout your home.

Sleep better and breathe easier with the G-100 Power Flow-Thru Humidifier. It can be installed in any home to create a healthier, more comfortable indoor climate while also saving on energy costs. This humidifier will decrease the levels of bacteria, viruses, fungus and mites in your home. It will also increase relative humidity which means you can turn your thermostat down and feel just as comfortable, which saves you money.

Sleep plays an important role in our lives and without adequate sleep, we are opening up the door for many negative health effects. With May being Better Sleep Month, let’s all make it a goal to get better and more sleep this month for a happier and more rested you.

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.

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Imagine this: you’re at work. You’re coughing, tired, dizzy and have a nasty headache on top of that. The thing is, after you leave, you feel better. Why is that? It may not always be that you’re just happy to leave the workplace. In fact, those are classic symptoms for Sick Building Syndrome (or SBS). SBS is used to describe situations in which building occupants experience health effects that appear to be linked to time spent inside a building, but no specific cause or illness can be identified. The complaints may be localized in a particular room or may be widespread throughout the building.

According to numerous studies, SBS is an increasing problem in the US and around the world. The main culprit behind SBS is inadequate ventilation, which could also occur if heating, ventilation and HVAC systems do not effectively distribute air in the building. With this problem increasing, and with allergy season in full swing, we can’t forget that we have a weapon to fight with – Air Purifiers. Air purifiers will help to reduce the spread of viruses, bacteria and other airborne contaminants that could seriously affect air quality. We have spotlighted two air purifiers that will help you fight off SBS and seasonal allergies.

The Virus Zero Portable Air Purifier (SP-PA4) is a lightweight purifier that neutralizes airborne allergies such as pet dander, tobacco smoke and dust mites. This small and lightweight purifier can sit on a desktop or even fit in your car’s cup holder. The Virus Zero Purifier treats up to 231 square feet of space and only uses 4 watts of power.

The 3M Filtrete Air Cleaner Purifier helps to purify the air in your office, by reducing airborne particles such as mold spores and pet dander. The 3M Filtrete Air Cleaner will reduce odor and captures microscopic allergens such as smoke, dust, smog particles and pollen. The 3M Filtrete Air Purifier releases filtered air from the top of the unit to increase air circulation.

With levels of indoor air pollution rising, we cannot underestimate the value of an air purifier. Consider this: air purifiers can also help you obtain a better night’s sleep by removing many of the allergens that keep us awake all night with an itchy or sore throat. Who wouldn’t want a better night’s sleep?

We have to breathe; we have to drink water. It’s what we have to do to stay alive. Just like food, air and water is essential to life. We stop breathing or ingesting water, we simply stop living. Sadly due to many factors, oftentimes the water we drink and the air we breathe is not safe. Millions around the world die from water-related illnesses each year. None of us want to put our health at risk by drinking contaminated water or breathing polluted air. Preferably we would rather drink clean, pure water and breathe clean, fresh air. Who wouldn’t? The 3M Filtrete series of air filters and water hydration stations offer a great way to get that fresh air and clean water that you’ve always wanted. Below are a few products that will get you on track to having cleaner air and water in your home:

The Filtrete Ultra Allergen Air Filter is one of the best-performing furnace filters on the market. This filter will remove pollen, mold spores, smoke, household dust, bacteria and virus carrying particles. The Filtrete Ultra Allergen Air Filter provides better airflow than the Micro Allergen filter with 15% lower resistance.

The Filtrete Water Station- Four Bottle Water Filter allows you to filter and bottle your own water.  Just fill the Filtrete Water Station with water from your sink, and the Fast Flow Filter reduces sediment and the taste and odor of chlorine from your water. There’s no need to buy costly bottled water, which often is nothing more than filtered tap water anyway. By using the Filtrete Water Station to bottle your own water, you’ll be saving yourself money and saving the environment from the many plastic water bottles that go unrecycled each year. Also, for the entire month of April, you will receive free shipping with the purchase of this Filtrete Water Station.

The 3M Filtrete Air Purifier-Ultra Quiet  captures 96% of pollen, mold spores, dust mites, dust, bacteria and virus carrying particles from your air. Designed for small rooms, this air purifier is perfect for offices, dorm rooms, nurseries, small bedrooms, or anywhere you want to purify the air without hearing it. This 3M Filtrete Air Purifier also bears the government-backed Energy Star symbol for energy efficiency, meaning it saves energy, saves money and saves the environment.

While many of us take it for granted there are many that do not have clean water to drink or clean air to breathe. In appreciation of World Water Day, let us not forget those who do not have access to clean water. Let’s chip in to do our part, to truly make clean air and clean water for all.

We’ve all been there.  You go into a place where the smell of smoke permeates the room. That fresh air you breathe has been replaced by the smell of tobacco/cigarette smoke. It’s suffocating.  It seems that no matter where you go you just can’t get away from that smell. Many people hate the smell of smoke while others just cannot tolerate it. For those with asthma or any other kind respiratory problems, the smell of smoke is damaging. Today is No Smoking Day, a day in which people from around the world try to kick the habit of smoking to lead healthier lives. Here at Filters Fast, we want to help you kick the smell of smoke with these products:

The Blueair 500/600 Series SmokeStop Filters are primarily designed to filter tobacco smoke, acid gases, ammonia and other gaseous contaminants.  It will also filter dust, pet dander, bacteria and other airborne allergens as well. The Blueair 500/600 Series SmokeStop filters utilize a high concentration of granular carbon for increased efficiency. This means that these filters deliver a higher airflow in cubic feet per minute than previously released SmokeStop carbon filters.

The Whirlpool Air Purifier Whispure 250 is a home air purifier which filters dust, smoke, allergens and other contaminants in your air. This air purifier is made to filter and clean the air in small to medium-sized rooms up to 320 sq. ft., making it ideal for offices, bedrooms, nurseries, etc. The Whirlpool Air Purifier Whispure has a built-in handle that allows easy mobility.

The IQAir HealthPro V5-Cell Air Filter Replacement removes odors, gases and smoke from your air. It also traps dirt, dust and other contaminants. The V-shaped carbon media chambers allow for a higher airflow than standard flat carbon filters. This is a replacement for the IQAir HealthPro Air Purifier and the IQAir HealthPro Plus Air Purifier.

Let’s all lead healthier, happier lives by replacing the smell of smoke with fresh air.

(Image Credit: www.freesignprinter.com)

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.

It’s the holiday season and the sound of Silver Bells are ringing in the air. We thought we’d take some time and share a few products that we thought best represented the “Silver Bells” theme:

3M Filtrete OAC50 Office Air Cleaner Purifier

The 3M Filtrete OAC50 Office Air Cleaner Purifier is designed for cubicles and workspaces up to 90 square feet (9′ x 10′) and is the perfect solution for those with compact sized office spaces wanting high indoor air quality. This air cleaner features a 3-stage filtration process and removes microscopic particles from the air.

Vicks V3700 Starry Night Cool Moisture Humidifier

The Vicks V3700 Starry Night Cool Moisture Humidifier produces cool and invisible moisture that will provide you and your family with easier breathing, which will result in a good night’s sleep. This cool moisture humidifier features two output settings for customized moisture output. This humidifier will provide relief for those suffering from cough and cold symptoms, including congestion and respiratory issues. A distinctive feature of the Vicks V3700 humidifier is its independently controlled Starry Night Projector, which transforms an ordinary room into a starry night sky that will delight and mesmerize children.

Sprite SFH5-CM Shower Falls Multi-Position Filter

The Sprite SFH5-CM Shower Falls is one of the highest quality shower filters on the market. Enjoy this unique showering experience only from Sprite, which uses patented Chlorogon Media to reduce chlorine, iron oxide, dirt, sediment, sodium hypchlorite, hydrogen sulfide, and various odors from your shower water. This silver hand held shower features a triple-plated finish and curved ergonomic handle for your convenience.

Klean Kanteen 18 oz Bottle & Sport Cap 2.0 Brushed

This Klean Kanteen 18 oz Classic Bottle is made from BPA free, food-grade stainless steel, making it the perfect alternative to bottled water. Sitting atop the Klean Kanteen stainless steel water bottle is the newly-designed Klean Kanteen Sports Cap 2.0. The Sport Cap 2.0 boasts three times the flow rate of the original Klean Kanteen Sport Cap, so you’ll never have to wait on your water to trickle out when you’re thirsty! The cap also features a loop to clip on to backpacks, belts and camping equipment using the Klean Kanteen S-biner Caribiner, which is sold separately.

Plant Powered Air Purification

For years we are often reminded that houseplants work as a natural purification system for our indoor air. They purify the air by filtering out carbon dioxide, pollutants and other airborne toxins, then replace these contaminants with oxygen. Research conducted by NASA revealed that some houseplants are more effective in filtering out toxins than others.

Andrea Naturally Purified Air Filter is an ecological plant-based air purification system that is the first award-winning air filter capable of absorbing toxic gases, such as formaldehyde from home and office environments through the natural absorptive and metabolic properties of living plants. French designer Mathieu Lehanneur and Harvard professor David Edward, invented this air purification system that transforms any type of household plant into an effective air filtration agent. The Best foliages to use would be Peace Lily, Spider Plant, Aloe Vera, Spath or Red-edged Dragon Tree.

Some of the functions of this plant Andrea filtration system includes:

Ozone-free operation

Low power consumption

There are no filters to replace

Cleans air locally and rapidly so that the system can be turned on or off throughout the day.

Transforms any household plant into an effective air cleaner for your office, dorm or home.

Absorbs and metabolizes toxic chemicals

Biochemically transforms waste

Courtesy of Andrea Air Filters

Household plants are sold separately. The Andrea Air Purification System employs active plant filtration and water, along with soil to provide a multistage system that cleanses your indoor air from harmful contaminants that can irritate and damage your lungs.

This plant filtration system is particularly effective  where air can become stagnate and harmful gases accumulate in high-use areas such as home offices, kitchens, bedrooms, dining rooms, living rooms, dorm rooms and family rooms. Its natural purification process draws air with a whisper-quiet fan and propels it through the leaves and root system of the plant. It then passes through water and soil filtration, then back into your room environment.

Sniffle, sniffle. If you couldn’t tell from my virtual stuffy nose, Friday is the first day of fall, meaning the beginning of a tough allergy season. As we’ve mentioned before, this season promises to be one of the worst allergy seasons yet . If you happen to live in a city with a high pollen count, or are very susceptible to allergens, be sure to have the correct protection you need for this upcoming fall season.

Humidifier systems will help significantly as they moisturize the dry air in your home. Dry air can cause sinus infections, colds, scratchy throats and even nose bleeds.  Humidified air will prevent cold viruses from thriving, as they prefer dry conditions. However, a humidifiers humid, wet air can also add bacteria and mold to your home if not maintained properly. Here are some of the most common humidifier filters, pads and wicks that will keep your humidifier running smoothly, and keep you out of the doctor and out playing in the cool fall air!

Humidifier Filters: Humidifier filters will keep your humidifier running at its best, and keep it free from mold and bacterial residue. Each humidifier, regardless of size, uses a filter to keep particles and contaminants inside of the humidifier and out of the air that you breathe. For example, the Universal Bemis West Bend 6” Humidifier Filter works with a 6” drum type humidifier.

The Holmes HWF75 is a humidifier filter that features the use of Arm and Hammer baking soda to naturally deodorize the air. This filter works with your Holmes and White Westinghouse model humidifier.

Humidifier Wick Filters:  Two pack humidifier wick filters will help you keep your humidifier running correctly. Many of these filters, such as the Vornado MD1-0002 come treated with an antimicrobial treatment that will prevent the growth of mold, fungus and bacteria.

Humidifier Cleaner:  Humidifier cleaner will help prevent the build-up of calcium and lime scale in your humidifiers tank. Humidiclean Humidifier Cleaner and Descaler will increase the life of your humidifier and can be used on both humidifiers and vaporizers.  The Holmes Bacteriostat Cleaner is made for your Cool Mist Humidifier and uses chlorides to clean your humidifier.

Carbon Pre-Filters:  Carbon pre-filters work with those air purifiers that use a three step filtration system within the cleaner. These filters will protect your HEPA filter from exposure to large air particles that will clog up the filter and humidifier.

These products will help your humidifier run at its best, keeping you and your house healthy. If you want to find the correct humidifier accessory for you, simply go to www.filtersfast.com and type in the filter or humidifier you use into the search bar!

Politicians and lay people alike both talk and argue about the effects of the environment on Americans. Clean air and clean living have become trendy issues in the past decade. Green homes, recycling, and hybrid cars are just a few of the ways that people can help make our air a little bit cleaner. With harsh effects of polluted air such asthma and other respiratory problems, it is now more important than ever to protect yourself against the dangerous effects of polluted air. One organization, the Clean Air Task Force, is doing just that.

The Clean Air Task Force is based out of Boston and was formed in 1996. Their primary goal is outlined as such: “To enact federal policy to reduce the pollutants from America’s coal-fired power plants that cause respiratory death and disease, smog, acid rain, and haze.” This group of researchers, advocates, and private sector contributors are working towards getting the American people to truly understand the negative health effects that coal and diesel emissions have.

For example, diesel trucks can pose a serious health risk to pedestrians as it is emitted at ground level. As the CATF explained, “Diesel exhaust is comprised of microscopic carbon soot particles that act to absorb metals and other toxic substances in the exhaust. When inhaled by humans, these tiny, toxic-laden particles cross the blood barrier from lungs into the bloodstream, delivering the toxics to internal organs and leading to inflammation and cardiovascular and respiratory diseases…”

Diesel exhaust leads to approximately 400,000 asthma attacks a year. To get an idea of how much diesel exhaust is released by a local school bus, check out these videos. The first shows an ordinary school bus, while the second is fitted with a diesel filter.

The diesel filter makes a huge difference in the amount of emissions released into the air. The same goes for your indoor air quality. As the CATF has shown us, air pollution is a serious problem and has significant health effects on Americans today. If you are concerned about pollutants and allergens in your home, it is important to equip your home with the proper filters. It is paramount that you change your HVAC filter regularly, and a higher MERV rating, the better. These filters will help to remove particles and mold spores, keeping them out of the air you breathe.

Another way to protect the air you breathe inside your home is to use an air purifier. These will assist in the removal of bacteria and germs that are found in your home, protecting you and your family from sickness. While solving the world’s pollution problems may be very far off, cleaning the air in your home is an inexpensive way for you and your family to stay healthy. While the CATF does their part, it is important that we do ours!