Feel Better. Filter.

As our summer comes to a close, we begin thinking about living inside more often. In so doing, we breathe more indoor air pollutants. What can you do to make your breathing a little fresher and more healthful. A simple step is the changing of your air filter used in your home. What do you know about filters? Here's some thoughts you might find helpful.
In homes, offices, high-rise buildings, schools, restaurants and more, one thing stands out as common when it comes to the circulation and cleaning of the indoor air. Air filters. Although there are a variety of air filters available, all serve a similar purpose, that of filtering and cleaning the air. Air filters help to reduce dust, pollen, pollutants, chemicals and even biological contaminants. These, of course, are all designed to help keep the occupants healthy.
According to the North Carolina State University website, “filters trap particles. The finer the filter, the smaller the particles it traps. hePA (high efficiency particulate arresting) filters are the best. They can capture up to 99 percent of particles down to 0.3 microns in size. But gas molecules, which include radon, tobacco smoke, et cetera, are extremely small and can still pass through a hePA filter. An activated carbon or charcoal filter usually is added to trap gas molecules.”
What kind of air filters are there that might be used and how often do they need replaced or cleaned? The list of potential filters and their filtering capabilities will vary depending on the need. The following, however, describes some of the most common types and the frequency of cleaning or replacing needed to keep the indoor air environment clean and healthy.
1. Traditional fiberglass or polyester: Clean monthly 2. Washable/Reusable: Washed out monthly and reused 3. Ordinary Flat or Pleated: Every 2 - 3 months 4. Deep Pleated: Once or twice a year 5. Electronic Air Cleaner: Cleaned regularly (once a month) 6.Pleated, Permanently Charged Electrostatic: Every 2 - 3 months.
When changing air filters, always be sure that the edges of the filter fit snugly in place. This prevents air from flowing past the filter thereby decreasing the necessary filtering required for a clean environment.
One of the best types of filters to use is the accordion type. These will stop the majority of material that will be found in the air. High efficiency accordion filters work exceptionally well. The North Carolina State University website mentioned earlier also states that “pleated (also called "media" filters) use materials like the hePA filters, but they capture fewer particles because they are less tightly packed. They are 40 to 95 percent effective and remove most household dust.”
One can easily see why filters are so important. They keep the occupants healthy, the air clean and dangerous or irritating particles to a minimum. Thus, regular changing of air filters and cleaning of air filtering systems is a must.
So, as we leave summer and enter the time of year when we end up living inside more, why not take a few minutes to clean or replace those filters for a healthier body and mind?