Even as the leaves begin to fall and winter starts to creep in, the
average homeowner prepares himself for a huge hit to his monthly
savings, courtesy elevated electricity bills. In order to ensure a
comfortable environment inside the house, heating systems are a
necessity in several parts of the country. Although such systems can
make you relaxed during the winter, they can create considerable
anxiety once the electricity bills start pouring in.
Heating systems occupy great amounts of electricity. Fortunately, we
can utilize the fall season to prepare for harsh winters. Preparation
means having the precise tools and accurate facts on how to save
during the winter season.
1.-Have the system checked by a qualified technician to insure optimum operation of the system.
2.-Change filters as prescribed by manufacturer--but no less than every 60 days.
3.-Check for drafts around doors, windows etc--and weather strip or seal.
4.-Check insulation--you could be losing your heat right through walls, floors and ceiling.
For more info or a free consultation www.rlenvirocare.com
Monday, December 27, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
10 Asthma Triggers And How To Avoid Them
Monday, November 8, 2010
This article has been written by a member of the LifeScript user community or a user from one of our partners. It has not been reviewed by the LifeScript editorial staff for accuracy.
10 Asthma Triggers And How To Avoid Them
Get Tips For Identifying Asthma Triggers
If you or one of your children has asthma, you know how scary it is when asthma triggers cause the familiar wheezing and coughing. There are no cures for this chronic disease, but there is plenty you can do to manage and reduce the number of asthma attacks you experience.
Asthma causes inflammation of the airways, which can make you more vulnerable to certain triggers. When your body reacts to these triggers, the result can be decreased lung function that makes it hard to breathe. By identifying and avoiding asthma triggers, you can reduce the frequency and severity of many attacks and even eliminate some entirely.
Identifying Asthma Triggers
Before you can limit exposure to your trigger for asthma, you need to know what that trigger is. It is helpful during this process to use a peak flow device daily that measures your lung function, so you can see when that function begins to decrease even before symptoms appear. Keeping an asthma diary is a good way to track the asthma triggers; it can let you know how and what factors affected your condition. Since allergies are a common asthma trigger, it might be helpful to run tests to determine if allergies to particular foods trigger asthma symptoms.
Top 10 Asthma TriggersTo help you determine the most likely culprits in your asthma attacks, here are 10 of the most common asthma triggers, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.
Asthma causes inflammation of the airways, which can make you more vulnerable to certain triggers. When your body reacts to these triggers, the result can be decreased lung function that makes it hard to breathe. By identifying and avoiding asthma triggers, you can reduce the frequency and severity of many attacks and even eliminate some entirely.
Identifying Asthma Triggers
Before you can limit exposure to your trigger for asthma, you need to know what that trigger is. It is helpful during this process to use a peak flow device daily that measures your lung function, so you can see when that function begins to decrease even before symptoms appear. Keeping an asthma diary is a good way to track the asthma triggers; it can let you know how and what factors affected your condition. Since allergies are a common asthma trigger, it might be helpful to run tests to determine if allergies to particular foods trigger asthma symptoms.
Top 10 Asthma TriggersTo help you determine the most likely culprits in your asthma attacks, here are 10 of the most common asthma triggers, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.
With these tips, you can learn the best methods for bringing asthma triggers under control.
1. Cold Air or Weather Changes
While you may not be able to do much to control the elements, knowing that cold air or wind can trigger an asthma attack will help you stay extra vigilant in your asthma management program.
2. Reflux Disease
This condition occurs when stomach acids creep back up the digestive tract. The result can be pain in the chest and throat – and an asthma attack for some people. If reflux disease is a trigger for asthma, treating the acid reflux with medication and diet changes may significantly decrease your asthma flare ups.
3. Medications
Some medications that can trigger an asthma attack include ibuprofen or beta blockers. If your medication seems to contribute to asthma attacks, talk to your doctor about other options.
4. Emotional Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can't trigger an asthma attack, but they can make you feel tired and run down, which can exacerbate an asthma condition. The solution is to take good care of yourself by getting plenty of sleep, eating a nutritious diet and exercising daily.
5. Smoke
This trigger for asthma could include smoke from tobacco or wood. Don't allow anyone to smoke in your home, and avoid wood-burning stoves or fireplaces.
1. Cold Air or Weather Changes
While you may not be able to do much to control the elements, knowing that cold air or wind can trigger an asthma attack will help you stay extra vigilant in your asthma management program.
2. Reflux Disease
This condition occurs when stomach acids creep back up the digestive tract. The result can be pain in the chest and throat – and an asthma attack for some people. If reflux disease is a trigger for asthma, treating the acid reflux with medication and diet changes may significantly decrease your asthma flare ups.
3. Medications
Some medications that can trigger an asthma attack include ibuprofen or beta blockers. If your medication seems to contribute to asthma attacks, talk to your doctor about other options.
4. Emotional Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can't trigger an asthma attack, but they can make you feel tired and run down, which can exacerbate an asthma condition. The solution is to take good care of yourself by getting plenty of sleep, eating a nutritious diet and exercising daily.
5. Smoke
This trigger for asthma could include smoke from tobacco or wood. Don't allow anyone to smoke in your home, and avoid wood-burning stoves or fireplaces.
6. Strong Fumes
Odors might come from perfumes, paint, chemical cleaners or cooking fumes. Use products that might trigger an asthma attack outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. People who have asthma should avoid these substances completely whenever possible.
7. Other Irritants
Some substances can put particles into the air to trigger an asthma attack, like talcum powder, chalk dust and coal dust.
8. Illness
If illness is one of your asthma triggers, call the doctor at the first sign of flu symptoms so he can prescribe medication to lessen the duration and intensity of your illness. Take good care of yourself during the cold and flu season, and be extra diligent with your asthma management program during this time of year. It is a good idea to get an annual flu shot and talk to your doctor about whether a pneumonia vaccination is a good choice.
9. Exercise
Eliminating exercise is never a healthy choice, even if exercise is a trigger for asthma. By choosing different types of physical activity, you can lessen your risk of asthma attacks from exercise. Good exercise choices for asthma sufferers include golf, baseball, swimming and weight lifting. It can also be helpful to take a fast acting inhaler about 15 minutes before beginning exercise to reduce your risk of a flare up.
10. Allergies
Allergies are the most common of all asthma triggers, affecting 60 percent of asthma sufferers in the United States, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Odors might come from perfumes, paint, chemical cleaners or cooking fumes. Use products that might trigger an asthma attack outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. People who have asthma should avoid these substances completely whenever possible.
7. Other Irritants
Some substances can put particles into the air to trigger an asthma attack, like talcum powder, chalk dust and coal dust.
8. Illness
If illness is one of your asthma triggers, call the doctor at the first sign of flu symptoms so he can prescribe medication to lessen the duration and intensity of your illness. Take good care of yourself during the cold and flu season, and be extra diligent with your asthma management program during this time of year. It is a good idea to get an annual flu shot and talk to your doctor about whether a pneumonia vaccination is a good choice.
9. Exercise
Eliminating exercise is never a healthy choice, even if exercise is a trigger for asthma. By choosing different types of physical activity, you can lessen your risk of asthma attacks from exercise. Good exercise choices for asthma sufferers include golf, baseball, swimming and weight lifting. It can also be helpful to take a fast acting inhaler about 15 minutes before beginning exercise to reduce your risk of a flare up.
10. Allergies
Allergies are the most common of all asthma triggers, affecting 60 percent of asthma sufferers in the United States, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The best solution is to reduce your exposure to allergens, although this can be easier said than done. Sometimes it is hard to know precisely what you are allergic to, although allergy testing can identify specific substances.
Treatment of allergies is another option, and can be done with medication or allergen immunotherapy, which is a series of shots designed to desensitize you to known allergens. It is interesting to note that some of the medications that are used to treat allergies are also effective in controlling asthma.
One common cause of allergies is pet dander. Avoid bringing new pets into a home unless the asthma sufferer has been tested for allergies to that specific type of animal. If you already have a pet, keep it out of the asthma patient’s bedroom. Bathe the animal every week or two to reduce the amount of dander in your home.
If mold is a problem, clean moist areas like the kitchen and bathrooms frequently to cut down on this allergen. Since dust mites are another common allergy culprit, reduce this problem by washing all bedding in temperatures of 130° weekly, putting airtight covers on pillows and mattresses. Swap draperies for blinds and shades. It is also a good idea to change furnace filters regularly and dust frequently using a cleaner designed to kill dust mites.
Treatment of allergies is another option, and can be done with medication or allergen immunotherapy, which is a series of shots designed to desensitize you to known allergens. It is interesting to note that some of the medications that are used to treat allergies are also effective in controlling asthma.
One common cause of allergies is pet dander. Avoid bringing new pets into a home unless the asthma sufferer has been tested for allergies to that specific type of animal. If you already have a pet, keep it out of the asthma patient’s bedroom. Bathe the animal every week or two to reduce the amount of dander in your home.
If mold is a problem, clean moist areas like the kitchen and bathrooms frequently to cut down on this allergen. Since dust mites are another common allergy culprit, reduce this problem by washing all bedding in temperatures of 130° weekly, putting airtight covers on pillows and mattresses. Swap draperies for blinds and shades. It is also a good idea to change furnace filters regularly and dust frequently using a cleaner designed to kill dust mites.
Developing an Asthma PlanLearning how to avoid asthma triggers is important in reducing asthma attacks, but a good action plan is also an essential part of the equation. This plan should include daily monitoring using a peak flow device that will alert you to low lung function before symptoms begin to appear.
A daily maintenance medication can reverse and prevent airway irritation and manage flare ups more effectively. You might have an inhaled corticosteroid, an oral medication or a combination of the two. It is also necessary to keep a fast acting inhaler on hand to use at the first sign of a problem.
By following an asthma plan that will help you manage your condition more effectively and avoid the triggers that cause flare ups, you will be on the road to more symptom-free days and less asthma attacks. Partnering with your doctor is an important part of this process; he can help you identify asthma triggers and advise you on the best ways to avoid them. Asthma can be challenging to manage at times, but there are ways to get this condition under control.
Always Consult Your Physician FirstAlthough it is helpful to get health information by reading and talking with friends, make sure you consult your doctor first before trying any new treatment or changing your diet. Remember that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate the strength, purity or safety of herbs and supplements. Be sure to always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, speak with your doctor before taking medical action or changing your health routine. This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. LifeScript disclaims any liability for the decisions made by its readers based on the information provided.
A daily maintenance medication can reverse and prevent airway irritation and manage flare ups more effectively. You might have an inhaled corticosteroid, an oral medication or a combination of the two. It is also necessary to keep a fast acting inhaler on hand to use at the first sign of a problem.
By following an asthma plan that will help you manage your condition more effectively and avoid the triggers that cause flare ups, you will be on the road to more symptom-free days and less asthma attacks. Partnering with your doctor is an important part of this process; he can help you identify asthma triggers and advise you on the best ways to avoid them. Asthma can be challenging to manage at times, but there are ways to get this condition under control.
Always Consult Your Physician FirstAlthough it is helpful to get health information by reading and talking with friends, make sure you consult your doctor first before trying any new treatment or changing your diet. Remember that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate the strength, purity or safety of herbs and supplements. Be sure to always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, speak with your doctor before taking medical action or changing your health routine. This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. LifeScript disclaims any liability for the decisions made by its readers based on the information provided.
 Asthma attackslearn more >>For information on dealing with indoor asthma triggers in home send request to rick@rlenvirocare.com |
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Floorings Affect on Indoor Air Quality
[Future Environment Designs] Floorings Affect on Indoor Air Quality Angelo Garcia III <angelo3@futureenv.com> Oct 27 08:22PM -0700 ^
[http://www.rodale.com/green-
Mold growing on wood tacking under carpeting. When Future Environment
Designs performs an indoor air quality assessment we typically look at
what's on the floor to see if that is hindering or contributing to the
air quality problems. Carpeting is a problem because the average person
cannot clean it properly and if it gets wet you have to make sure you
dry it completely to ensure mold (fungi) won't grow on it or in it. We
have seen mold grow even on the wood used for the tacking down the
carpet as seen in the photo. My preference is non-porous materials on
the floor. Researchers are now concerned about certain non-porous
floors containing vinyl. As the above linked article at
Rodale.com "Caution: Floor May Be Toxic" discusses vinyl (PVC) and why
it should be avoided. The article says that researchers found that "PVC
building materials, namely, vinyl flooring and coated wallpaper, were
seven times more likely to contain hazardous additives when compared to
nonplastic flooring options." Vinyl flooring was also found to contain
asbestos, cadmium, lead, and flame retardants. "These substances are
linked to asthma, fertility problems, learning disability,
hormone-related diseases, and cancer." It seems we will have to change
our typical recommendation of vinyl floor tiles to linoleum, cork,
bamboo and/or hardwood floors. These floors are also approved for
points under the Leadership Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
system. The next time you are having problems with your flooring or
considering remodeling look at linoleum, cork, bamboo and hardwood as
better alternatives to vinyl floors or carpeting.
Related articles
Study Finds Flooring & Wallpaper Contain Hazardous Additives
(healthychild.org) Is Your Floor Making You Sick? (blisstree.com) Has
Indoor Air Quality Been Getting Better or Worse? (planetsave.com)
Kitchens & Baths: Clean & Easy Flooring (floortalk.wfca.org) Recycled
Flooring Recognized by Industry Leading Publication & Highlights the
Rise of Green Building in America (prnewswire.com) Tests Uncover Hidden
Chemicals in Wallpaper, Flooring (greenbiz.com) Study of Home
Improvement Products Finds Lead, Phthalates, Cadmium, Organotins, Other
Harmful Ingredients (yubanet.com) Best Way to Improve Indoor Air
Quality (planetsave.com)
[http://www.rodale.com/green-
Mold growing on wood tacking under carpeting. When Future Environment
Designs performs an indoor air quality assessment we typically look at
what's on the floor to see if that is hindering or contributing to the
air quality problems. Carpeting is a problem because the average person
cannot clean it properly and if it gets wet you have to make sure you
dry it completely to ensure mold (fungi) won't grow on it or in it. We
have seen mold grow even on the wood used for the tacking down the
carpet as seen in the photo. My preference is non-porous materials on
the floor. Researchers are now concerned about certain non-porous
floors containing vinyl. As the above linked article at
Rodale.com "Caution: Floor May Be Toxic" discusses vinyl (PVC) and why
it should be avoided. The article says that researchers found that "PVC
building materials, namely, vinyl flooring and coated wallpaper, were
seven times more likely to contain hazardous additives when compared to
nonplastic flooring options." Vinyl flooring was also found to contain
asbestos, cadmium, lead, and flame retardants. "These substances are
linked to asthma, fertility problems, learning disability,
hormone-related diseases, and cancer." It seems we will have to change
our typical recommendation of vinyl floor tiles to linoleum, cork,
bamboo and/or hardwood floors. These floors are also approved for
points under the Leadership Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
system. The next time you are having problems with your flooring or
considering remodeling look at linoleum, cork, bamboo and hardwood as
better alternatives to vinyl floors or carpeting.
Related articles
Study Finds Flooring & Wallpaper Contain Hazardous Additives
(healthychild.org) Is Your Floor Making You Sick? (blisstree.com) Has
Indoor Air Quality Been Getting Better or Worse? (planetsave.com)
Kitchens & Baths: Clean & Easy Flooring (floortalk.wfca.org) Recycled
Flooring Recognized by Industry Leading Publication & Highlights the
Rise of Green Building in America (prnewswire.com) Tests Uncover Hidden
Chemicals in Wallpaper, Flooring (greenbiz.com) Study of Home
Improvement Products Finds Lead, Phthalates, Cadmium, Organotins, Other
Harmful Ingredients (yubanet.com) Best Way to Improve Indoor Air
Quality (planetsave.com)
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Human waste for fuel in British stoves
October 5, 2010 1 comment
RAW sewage flushed from homes in a British town is being converted into gas and piped back to the area in a first for the UK. Households in Didcot, Oxfordshire, central England, will welcome back some of their sewage in the form of biomethane to fuel their boilers and stoves.
The £2.5 million ($4.14 million) project, with hundreds more planned for sewage farms across the country, will reduce emissions by making use of gas that is normally burnt off and wasted.
The sewage and waste water arriving at the Didcot works for treatment is separated into sludge and liquid with bacteria breaking down the biodegradable material to create gas.
The process takes around 20 days and partners British Gas and Thames Water say that customers will not notice any difference.
Kathryn Rushton, a mother of two who lives 800m from the sewage works, welcomed the scheme.
“My 14-year-old daughter wrinkled her nose up a bit when I told her, but she soon understood that it’s just like water recycling, with the water we use eventually ending up back in our taps,” she said.
“I worry about the future for my children, who may not enjoy the same freedom just to switch things on. It makes sense to make ourselves more energy-secure in this way.”
The Didcot plant will supply enough gas for 200 homes and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 350 tons a year, the equivalent of taking 130 cars off the road.
The UK National Grid estimates that by 2020 at least 15 per cent of the domestic gas market could be supplied by renewable gas from various sources, including sewage, cattle manure and food waste.
Chris Huhne, Britain’s Energy and Climate Change Secretary, said, “For the first time ever in the UK, people can cook and heat their homes with gas generated from sewage. This is an historic day. It is just the start of a new era of renewable energy.”
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/human-waste-to-power-british-homes/story-e6frf7jx-1225934552797
Saturday, October 9, 2010
IAQ Data
| Concerns about indoor air quality (IAQ) increased when energy conservation measures instituted in office buildings during the 1970s, minimized the introduction of outside air and contributed to the buildup of indoor air contaminants. IAQ generally refers to the quality of the air in an office environment. Other terms related to IAQ include indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and "sick building syndrome" (SBS). Complaints about IAQ range from simple complaints, such as the air smelling odd, to more complex, where the air quality causes illness and lost work time. It may not be easy to identify a single reason for IAQ complaints because of the number and variety of possible sources, causes, and varying individual sensitivities. The following questions link to information relevant to indoor air quality in the workplace. | |
 | What standards apply? OSHA | National Consensus |
 | How are IAQ hazards recognized? |
 | How is IAQ evaluated and controlled? Evaluation | Control |
 | What additional information is available? Related Safety and Health Topics Pages | Other Resources |
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Long Summer Over So Quickly
It's already September and my last post was in June. How the time flies when you're working on an old farm house! My wife and I purchased a quaint farm home in lovely Fair Grove Missouri. It sits on 5 acres, on a small rise and has a beautiful view. The original part of the house was built in 1876 and the rest of the main house seems to be in the early 1900's. There was a rear addition more recent. This home had all kinds of IAQ issues with it. We ran one of our Fresh Air units for a while till the major remodeling started with all the dust and debris. We then let the natural ventilation of open windows and fans take care of cooling and getting rid of dirty air. I often wonder how much we would actually waste in energy if we just let our homes breathe?
I plan on designing as much "green" ventilation into our home as possible--from the crawl space to the attic and the living space in between. It seems already the house has a better feel to it after being pretty much open all summer. The winter of course will be a different story--then we will probably need our green air purification technology once again.
I would invite any ideas on attic ventilation to compare to my own designs to get a better idea.
Thanks for reading--till next month.
I plan on designing as much "green" ventilation into our home as possible--from the crawl space to the attic and the living space in between. It seems already the house has a better feel to it after being pretty much open all summer. The winter of course will be a different story--then we will probably need our green air purification technology once again.
I would invite any ideas on attic ventilation to compare to my own designs to get a better idea.
Thanks for reading--till next month.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Pollutant Sources
There are many sources of indoor air pollution in any home. These include combustion sources such as oil, gas, kerosene, coal, wood, and tobacco products; building materials and furnishings as diverse as deteriorated, asbestos-containing insulation, wet or damp carpet, and cabinetry or furniture made of certain pressed wood products; products for household cleaning and maintenance, personal care, or hobbies; central heating and cooling systems and humidification devices; and outdoor sources such as radon, pesticides, and outdoor air pollution.
The relative importance of any single source depends on how much of a given pollutant it emits and how hazardous those emissions are. In some cases, factors such as how old the source is and whether it is properly maintained are significant. For example, an improperly adjusted gas stove can emit significantly more carbon monoxide than one that is properly adjusted.
Some sources, such as building materials, furnishings, and household products like air fresheners, release pollutants more or less continuously. Other sources, related to activities carried out in the home, release pollutants intermittently. These include smoking, the use of unvented or malfunctioning stoves, furnaces, or space heaters, the use of solvents in cleaning and hobby activities, the use of paint strippers in redecorating activities, and the use of cleaning products and pesticides in house-keeping. High pollutant concentrations can remain in the air for long periods after some of these activities.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Sick Building Syndrome
Sick Building Syndrome
Sick-building-syndrome is any building that causes health problems such as allergies, skin rash, respiratory ailments, loss of concentration, and headaches. Most illnesses are the result of poor ventilation (Bahnfleth et al., 2005). When ducts aren't cleaned regularly, they can release dust and fibers. Energy efficiency has limited the amount of fresh air circulated through the buildings, you still need.
Microbial contamination of indoor air represents a major public health problem and source of sick-building-syndrome. Mold for example, is a major factor in sick-building-syndrome becoming an ever increasing concern to many home owners and businesses. In addition to being unattractive to see and smell, mold also gives off spores and mycotoxins that cause irritation, allergic reactions, or disease in immune-compromised individuals (Bahnfleth et al., 2005).
Prevention of Indoor Air Pollution: Ventilation and Air Cleaners
The U.S. EPA (1990) lists three main strategies for reducing indoor air pollutants: source control, ventilation, and air cleaning. Source control is considered the most effective and eliminates the sources of pollutants or reduces their emissions. Regrettably, not all pollutant sources can be identified and practically eliminated or reduced.
Sick-building-syndrome is any building that causes health problems such as allergies, skin rash, respiratory ailments, loss of concentration, and headaches. Most illnesses are the result of poor ventilation (Bahnfleth et al., 2005). When ducts aren't cleaned regularly, they can release dust and fibers. Energy efficiency has limited the amount of fresh air circulated through the buildings, you still need.
Microbial contamination of indoor air represents a major public health problem and source of sick-building-syndrome. Mold for example, is a major factor in sick-building-syndrome becoming an ever increasing concern to many home owners and businesses. In addition to being unattractive to see and smell, mold also gives off spores and mycotoxins that cause irritation, allergic reactions, or disease in immune-compromised individuals (Bahnfleth et al., 2005).
Prevention of Indoor Air Pollution: Ventilation and Air Cleaners
The U.S. EPA (1990) lists three main strategies for reducing indoor air pollutants: source control, ventilation, and air cleaning. Source control is considered the most effective and eliminates the sources of pollutants or reduces their emissions. Regrettably, not all pollutant sources can be identified and practically eliminated or reduced.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Air Purifiers
Now we are into a subject that has a lot of controversy. I will be attaching report links for ozone, ionization, and UV light over the next couple of weeks. I have had the best experience with a unit that uses ozone, ionization, UV light and active pure technology. I will not mention the brand here, but if you want more information go to my website www.rlenvirocare.com . Sharper image used ionization only for years, which works fine for just dust particles--doesn't do much for bacteria.
There are a few brands out there right now. What you want is to eliminate dust from your breathable air, kill odors, kill bacteria on surfaces, and clean the air of other VOC's and pollutants.
Look for links over the next few weeks.
There are a few brands out there right now. What you want is to eliminate dust from your breathable air, kill odors, kill bacteria on surfaces, and clean the air of other VOC's and pollutants.
Look for links over the next few weeks.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Electronic Air Cleaners
Hello again,
Most people feel that electronic air cleaners will be the most efficient air filtration there is. On the surface this is correct. The EAC (electronic air cleaner) will remove about 90%-95% of the particulate matter in your air using a process of prefiltering through some aluminum filters and then ionization to charge the dust particles so they will stick to the plates. This of course only happens to the air passing through the EAC itself.
These are great for keeping the dirt out of your airflow. The price tag is about 600.00--800.00 for most of them plus installation.
These need to be cleaned every 30 days on schedule. Most of the newer ones have a reminder alarm of some sort to help home owners remember. It is critical that the cleaning is done--otherwise dirt can get into the contacts and components. This will burn the components out and the repair price tag is quite expensive.
There are many models out there--every manufacturer seems to have their own--Honeywell, Carrier, Trane, Lennox etc.
Study the specifications carefully--watch for the efficiency drop per hours of use.
Next time air purifiers.
Most people feel that electronic air cleaners will be the most efficient air filtration there is. On the surface this is correct. The EAC (electronic air cleaner) will remove about 90%-95% of the particulate matter in your air using a process of prefiltering through some aluminum filters and then ionization to charge the dust particles so they will stick to the plates. This of course only happens to the air passing through the EAC itself.
These are great for keeping the dirt out of your airflow. The price tag is about 600.00--800.00 for most of them plus installation.
These need to be cleaned every 30 days on schedule. Most of the newer ones have a reminder alarm of some sort to help home owners remember. It is critical that the cleaning is done--otherwise dirt can get into the contacts and components. This will burn the components out and the repair price tag is quite expensive.
There are many models out there--every manufacturer seems to have their own--Honeywell, Carrier, Trane, Lennox etc.
Study the specifications carefully--watch for the efficiency drop per hours of use.
Next time air purifiers.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Electrostatic Filters
We have discussed disposable filters, pleated filters, and washable filters. Now I want to address the electrostatic filters. There is much hub-bub about these filters. One school of thought says they are too restrictive, while the other praises their efficiency in removing particulate from the air. Here is my experience: I have found the electrostatic filter to be very efficient (90%) in removing particulates and pollen from the airflow, however they need to be washed frequently--sometimes every two weeks because of the larger dust that will clog the surface and cause air restriction. This can be very harmful to furnace heat exchangers and cause freezing on air conditioning coils. The electrostatic filter needs to be washed frequently and sized in such a way to allow plenty of air flow through the return air ducting. I used Lifetime Filters in many installations and had great success with them. I was also able to get free replacement if the filter malfunctioned, clogged or came apart.
Bottom line check your filters, or better yet schedule changes based on filter type and use.
The best solution is of course a maintenence program from a reputable HVAC contractor.
Next time we'll look into electronic air cleaners.
Bottom line check your filters, or better yet schedule changes based on filter type and use.
The best solution is of course a maintenence program from a reputable HVAC contractor.
Next time we'll look into electronic air cleaners.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Washable Filters
There are a host of washable filters on the market from simple sponge type to electrosatic filters.
The old "horse hair" type is a cut to fit media about an inch thick that is usually green or blue in color. It is a dense poly material that will hold a lot of dirt.
The draw back of these are they must be washed every 45 days minimum or you will have dirt in the interior of the filter.
They are fairly inexpensive but are not efficient in stopping allergens, spores etc.
You can use a spray on soap solution and water to clean them--outside with a hose is recommended.
Next time we'll discuss electrostatic filters.
The old "horse hair" type is a cut to fit media about an inch thick that is usually green or blue in color. It is a dense poly material that will hold a lot of dirt.
The draw back of these are they must be washed every 45 days minimum or you will have dirt in the interior of the filter.
They are fairly inexpensive but are not efficient in stopping allergens, spores etc.
You can use a spray on soap solution and water to clean them--outside with a hose is recommended.
Next time we'll discuss electrostatic filters.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Nice Weather Today
Have you checked your filter today? How about you HVAC registers?? See any dirt, cobwebs, little dead critters around the air diffusers? Time to clean around them with a vacuum cleaner and make sure no more reappear.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Pleated Filters
There is quite an array of pleated filters on the market right now. Most HVAC contractors will provide a good cost effective choice with their maintenance agreements. A 1" pleated filter with spun media is what one would see most of the time for residential use. The pleated design allows more surface area for particles to be trapped on and allows for a tighter weave of material. These filters are said to allow for 90 days between changing--however if there is massive amounts of large particles the filters will clog and diminish air flow quite rapidly. Make sure you check the filter if there is any construction, roadwork, or extreme dust conditions around the house.
Next time: washable filters.
Next time: washable filters.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Disposable filters
Well most homeowners know there is a filter somewhere in the HVAC system--sometimes they forget about it till things don't work so well. I've had some pull right into the blower of the furnace because they were coated with hair and dirt. Other times on service calls, the homeowner doesn't have a clue where it is. We'll cover placement in another post.
Are the cheap 99 cent filters effective or not?
The fiberglass filters priced usually around 1.00--2.00 will stop most large particles, hair, large drywall particles, and household dust particles. However all heavier finer particles go right through.
For instance fine powdery dirt, pollens, molds, yeast spores go to your HVAC system, and of course gather on ducts, coils, heat exchangers, blowers, etc. The cheaper filters also pass the dirt through when the are full. These need to be changed every 30 days at a minimum.
Next time we'll look at the pleated types.
Are the cheap 99 cent filters effective or not?
The fiberglass filters priced usually around 1.00--2.00 will stop most large particles, hair, large drywall particles, and household dust particles. However all heavier finer particles go right through.
For instance fine powdery dirt, pollens, molds, yeast spores go to your HVAC system, and of course gather on ducts, coils, heat exchangers, blowers, etc. The cheaper filters also pass the dirt through when the are full. These need to be changed every 30 days at a minimum.
Next time we'll look at the pleated types.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Well it's been a cold week here in Missouri, finally in the 40's. Spent a lot of time in the office. I had to clean our air purifier and while the parts were drying I noticed I was sneezing more and my eyes were watery. I guess the machine is doing it's job. Send me your indoor comfort problem, let's see if I have the answer. Next time we'll look at indoor disposable filters.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Cold Office Warm Office
Did you ever have those areas in home or office that are too cold in the winter and one in the other side of the home or building is stuffy warm?? What is the cause of this? Can it be solved inexpensively? Can it be prevented?
The answer of course is yes. If one knows how the dynamics of a system is supposed to work. It really begins with some simple air flow design and attention to proper layout.
The comfort of our indoor environment affects our attitude, productivity, and in most cases our health.
A few quick pointers for the rest of the winter:
1.-Check the filter of your comfort system--change them no less than every 60 days.
2.-Make sure return air grille is free and clear of blockage or debris.
3.-Make sure all supply air registers are open and unblocked.
Till next time.
The answer of course is yes. If one knows how the dynamics of a system is supposed to work. It really begins with some simple air flow design and attention to proper layout.
The comfort of our indoor environment affects our attitude, productivity, and in most cases our health.
A few quick pointers for the rest of the winter:
1.-Check the filter of your comfort system--change them no less than every 60 days.
2.-Make sure return air grille is free and clear of blockage or debris.
3.-Make sure all supply air registers are open and unblocked.
Till next time.
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