How to Choose Indoor Air Purifiers For Allergies

How To Choose Indoor Air Purifiers For Allergies

Often when people think of pollution, visions of giant factory smoke stacks billowing black air upwards come to mind. But indoor air pollution is just as harmful and is more common than outdoor pollution. It is something people generally do not think about often, until it is found that they or someone they love is having an adverse reaction to polluted indoor air.

Particles which tend to linger in the air are those which are most bothersome to most, especially if the inhabitants have either allergies or asthma. These two conditions have become more prevalent over the last several decades and will continue to increase unless the indoor air treatment strategy is changed to improve the quality of the ventilation system of one’s home.

Clean Air Is Important

Many overlook the importance of clean, high-quality indoor air, as well as the methods which they can take in order to improve it. A few of the main surface magnets for air particles include: floors, rugs, cushions, bedding materials, counter tops, as well as decorative items around the home.

This includes a wide range of various air filters and purifiers as well as size variations which can also range from one single room purifiers, portable purifiers, all the way to air purifiers which are attached to the entire home ventilation system.

Types of Indoor Air Purifiers

Portable indoor air purifiers are easy to move around and tend to be cheaper than some of the other types; however, they can be very noisy. If they are not noisy, meaning that they do not contain a fan, they will not work as proficiently or last as long. Portable purifiers are the most convenient type of indoor air purifiers because they may be moved accordingly in order to suit the needs of the environment which you are in.

Single room indoor air purifiers work really well when the user wants the focus to be primarily on one room, such as a specific bedroom and not the entire house. These models always work better in homes where there is not a forced air type of heating and cooling system. Whole house systems are the best for homes that feature an entire home forced air system for heating and cooling.

Factors to Base Decisions On

There are several factors that come into play when deciding on the right indoor air purifier to buy. These include the price range that is within ones budget, the ease of installing the indoor air purifier, the convenience of use and ease of cleaning air purifiers. Other factors include the noise level of an indoor air purifier and how much particles in the air each system is capable of removing from the air.

There are standards for indoor air purifiers based on industry and manufacturers ratings. They are not based on a health-related rating system, and it is important to remember this when choosing indoor air purifiers. Good ratings are 350 or higher. Ratings of below 100 are considered inferior.

Most Popular Air Purifier Brands

The most popular air purifiers for allergy use include Austin, Alen, Airpura, BlueAir, Honeywell, Airgle and Whirlpool. The highest rated air purifiers for asthma sufferers are selected as those made by Alen, AllerAir, Conway Macro, BlueAir, Airpura, Airgle and Austin.

The two most important things to think about when buying an indoor air purifier is taking both consumer and industry opinions into account. Another crucial issue is to make sure there is always a clean air filter in the air purifier. Having clean filters and purifiers in the home can help regulate both allergies as well as general health.

Going Green: Window Film for Cost-Effective Energy Use

Regardless of where you live, chances are you’ve suffered a shock upon opening your energy bill at some point. Heating costs climb during winter while keeping cool can cost you dearly in summer, with a large part of these expenses being the fault of your windows. For instance, in summertime, 40 to 45 percent of your utility bill can be caused by solar energy that’s filtering in your windows. These UV rays aren’t just harmful to your skin, but to the rest of your home as well, prematurely fading carpets, wood flooring, drapes and furniture.

fpl air conditioning infographic

The addition of window film can offer a simple solution to you energy bill woes. At approximately $6 to $14 per square foot, it can provide a relatively inexpensive solution as well. There are two main types of window films on the market today: heat control and solar energy. Heat control films can block up to 55 percent of the sun’s heat from entering your home while solar films reflect up to 65 percent of solar energy. Titanium films are new to the market, blocking up to 72 percent of heat and can be found at big-brand home improvement stores.

Some benefits of using window film:

  • Better Indoor Temperatures
    In the summer, solar heat can filter through your windows and build up inside your home, making your air conditioning unit work harder to maintain a cool temperature. In contrast, wintertime can be just as harsh, with a large portion of heat being lost by butting up against cold window glass. Both of these instances can raise you energy bills while lowering your comfort level indoors. Using window films will keep your warm air from being lost during winter and your home easier to keep cool in the summer.
  • Glare Reduction
    Have you ever experienced a distracting window glare while applying makeup in the mirror or watching your favorite TV show? Not only can window film reduce the glare reflected off your windows while you’re outdoors, they help to reduce the blinding light that can filter indoors as well.
  • Privacy
    Make those nosy neighbors look somewhere else. With varieties ranging from frosted, tinted and even mirror finishes, window film can offer you a greater degree of privacy, reflecting the sun’s rays while keeping the outside world from peering in.
  • Protection
    Window film adds an extra layer of protection to the glass, preventing scratches and nicks over time as well as greatly reducing fading to your furniture and flooring. Also, if you live in a hurricane-prone area like the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, they can help lessen window breakage and the scattering of glass by bonding to the glass and making it more shatter-resistant. Many window films are even tough enough to help prevent larger storm debris from entering your home.
  • Decoration
    Even without window film’s benefits to your wallet and home interior, they can do wonders for decorating your home, such frosted films pairing well with bathroom windows.

As of 2011, folks were able to seek out federal tax credits – up to $500 – for using window films on their homes. However, the credit is only for the cost of the films, not labor or installation. For more information and other ways to make you home more cost-effective, visit EnergyStar.gov.

Is Your Electrician Really Qualified For The Job?

qualified electricianThe electrical system is clearly the brains inside the house. It controls almost all of the activities and allows you to smoothly perform your daily functions.

The system, however, is also one of the most critical aspects of the house especially when it comes to safety. A faulty wiring can risk your life and turn your invested property into ashes in a matter of minutes.

Be it the installation of new electrical lines or a rewiring job, it is imperative that you seek the services of a licensed electrician and stop considering doing it yourself or hiring an unlicensed contractor.

In the current job market, a lot of contractors identify themselves as electricians, although only a few of them actually possess a license. It can be quite tempting to take on their offer, as they are far more inexpensive when compared to the fee of a professional electrician. However, if you want to ensure that the safety of your property and the lives of your loved ones are not compromised, then it would be better to shed some dough and contact a reliable, licensed electrician.

Benefits of a Licensed Electrician

One of the main reasons as to why a licensed electrician is the most reliable choice is the fact that this person has a clear understanding of the building code and the guidelines set by the NEC. This means that he will not second-guess on his methods and scrimp on the quality of the materials that he will use in performing the job.

Acquiring a license entails experience, training and an above-average understanding of the electrical system, and these requisites are all present in a professional electrician. With a licensed electrician, you can expect quick, accurate and quality service and they can also provide you with a guarantee of their work.

qualified electricianSince licensed electricians are familiar with the legalities concerning electrical works, they can also help you in these aspects.

Prior to starting out an electrical work such as a major rewiring or installation, you will need to secure an electrical permit in order to avoid being reprimanded by the authorities and fined with a large sum of money. A licensed electrician can facilitate and get you the necessary electrical permits needed so that they can start working as soon as possible.

Insurance Verification Benefits

If you are homeowner who lives in an old house and you are considering applying for an insurance policy or selling it, a licensed electrician will also prove to be very beneficial for you. Most insurance companies and real estate agents will ask you to verify that the electrical wiring in your house is in good condition and complies with the specification of the current building code. Your licensed electrician can perform the rewiring, repairs or the inspection for your residence and issue a “test and inspect” certification which bears the report that your house is not a potential fire hazard.

Hire a Licensed Electrician

Upfront, the service cost of a non-licensed electrical contractor is undeniably lower than what the licensed electrician will quote you. Keep in mind, though that these people are not sufficiently trained, cannot give you any kind of permit or certification, and they are susceptible to leave the work incomplete. When you look at it closely, a licensed electrician will be far more cost-efficient and they can help you avoid future complications, be it from faulty wiring or from legal and technical issues.