The Filtered Files - Filters Fast

What’s Hiding In Your Carpet?

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When it comes to healthy living, many of us feel we have everything checked. From the food we eat, to the water we drink, many of us are more concerned about a healthy lifestyle than ever before. There is something that many of us miss however. According to a recent article by Market Watch, there are hidden health hazards right underneath your feet. They are in your carpets and rugs and could be negatively impacting your overall health. If you were to tell someone that their carpet contains more bacteria per square inch than their toilet, they probably wouldn’t believe you. Unfortunately however, it is true. Within many carpets you may find dirt, dust mites, molds and other potentially harmful pollutants.

Many of us vacuum our carpets regularly to clean them up and to prevent dirt from accumulating. But how often do we think about changing the filter within our vacuum cleaner? How often do we pay attention to the vacuum bags and accessories that we are using? Choosing the right accessories can make a huge difference in your overall health. Below are a few products to help ensure that your carpet and rugs are healthy and won’t pose any hidden dangers:

The Genuine Hoover Type Y Vacuum Bags Allergen 3-Pack are replacement vacuum cleaner bags for all Hoover WindTunnel vacuum cleaner models. These replacement bags feature allergen filtration for a clean home environment and are especially useful for those who suffer from allergies and asthma. With these Hoover replacement bags you will be able to trap 100% of dust mites and their eggs, as well as airborne particles such as pet dander, spores and other allergens.

Many of us do not pay close attention the filter that is in your vacuum cleaner. It is vital to the way your vacuum performs and can eliminate several contaminants found inside many carpets. This is why the Hoover WindTunnel HEPA Vacuum Filter is essential. It uses a Hoover HEPA filter to capture 99.97% of dust, pollen and other common household allergens.

The Hoover WindTunnel T-Series Vacuum Belt is a genuine Hoover vacuum cleaner belt for your WindTunnel T-Series Vacuum Cleaner. This Hoover WindTunnel Vacuum Belt contains 2 vacuum belts and it fits your WindTunnel Upright Cleaner. Your vacuum belt should be replaced every 6 months to ensure optimum performance.Other great accessories can be found here.

With this being allergy season, many never think that the source of their allergies could very well be their own carpet. However, take comfort in the fact that there is something we can do about it. Having your carpet cleaned and regularly vacuuming your carpet can prevent many of these contaminants from showing up.

IMAGE CREDIT: http://soyouwanttobeabanquetmanager.blogspot.com

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Sick Building Syndrome: There’s Something in the Air

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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?

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Is The MERV Rating for An Air Filter Important for Allergies?

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Filters Fast MERV 11 Air and Furnace Filter

Air filters remove airborne allergens and pollutants such as dust, mold, pollen, pet dander and bacteria from your indoor air. There is a vast array of air filters with different levels of measurement for determining the concentration of different particle sizes, usually by weight or count. This measurement of performance for air filters is called Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (or a MERV rating). MERV ratings come from ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 52.2: Method of Testing General Ventilation Air Cleaning Devices for Removal Efficiency by Particle Size.

ANSI, the American National Standards Institute, accredits and ensures that the characteristics and performance of products are consistent with terms, definitions and testing of products. ASHRAE, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, develops standards for its members and other professionals involved with refrigeration processes and the maintenance and design of indoor environments.

 A MERV rating is based on three composite, average removal efficiency points for particles. Categories range from 1 (very low) to 16 (very high). The higher the rating, the more efficient your air filter will help to reduce indoor airborne allergens, pollutants and contaminants.

 MERV 1 to 4 filters provides minimal filtration. These filters have to be replaced quite frequently and are typically disposable fiberglass or synthetic panel filters within a cardboard frame. These filters capture up to 80% of airborne particles as small as 10 microns. MERV 5 to 8 filters are good for capturing dust and mold spores. These filters have to be replaced, depending on usage, every 3 months. MERV 8 replacement air filters  will reduce pollen, pet dander, dust and other contaminants as small as 3.0 microns.

 MERV 9 to 12 furnace air filters capture up to 95% of airborne particles and contaminants like pollen, dust mites and mold spores, as small as 1.0 microns. These filters come in a deep pleated, boxed media or bag filters, which are some of the most efficient filters used in homes and commercial buildings.

 MERV 13 to 16 air filters will trap up to 98% of airborne allergens and pollutants such as bacteria, tobacco smoke, cooking oil and droplet nuclei, as small as 0.3 microns. Filtration should be applied to process both return and outside air that is delivered as supply air.  Finding the best-rated air filter for your particular need or application will help to keep your air clean and fresh. Don’t forget to change your air filter as recommended and especially when you change your clocks to Standard Time or Daylight Savings Time.

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