Air Purifiers Buying Guide

Today's homes keep us safe and comfortable with air-tight construction that helps heating and cooling systems work efficiently. However, those closed doors and windows also trap air in the house, making it smell stale and concentrating airborne particles. Air purifiers are electronic air cleaners that capture allergens and contaminants, including dust, pollens, pet dander and odors. Unlike climate-control appliances of the past, most of today's air purifiers are quiet and energy efficient. Refresh your home's environment with air purifiers. There are several cleaning methods available; most air purifiers use filters or electronic precipitators. This air purifier buying guide explains the options.

Buying an Air Purifier:

1. Filtration systems: Filter-based air purifiers are the most popular. In this system, a fan pulls air through a paper or mesh filter. The air filter can be a replaceable model or a permanent, washable model. Washable filters are good for trapping dust, but they don't trap pollen and smaller particulates. Many newer air purifiers incorporate pre-filters that catch larger particles in the air flow to boost the efficiency of the main filter.
   
2. HEPA filters: High-efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) filters are designed to capture 99.97 percent of airborne particles measuring 0.3 micrometers or larger from the air as they pass through the filter. HEPA filters efficiently remove mold spores, bacteria and dust from the air, making HEPA air purifiers some of the best on the market for people with asthma, allergies or increased susceptibility to illness.
   
3. Activated carbon: Filters are not very good at eliminating odors; therefore, many air purifiers include some form of activated carbon in the design to absorb odors and chemicals. If you have pets or young children at home, look for an air purifier with activated carbon to remove odors from the air.
   
4. Electronic precipitators: The second most common type of air purifier, electronic precipitators draw air through an electrical field and use the electric charge to capture and trap particles on charged metal plates or filters. Some electronic precipitators use a fan to circulate more air at a time. These air cleaners release a small amount of ozone into the air, which is an important consideration if you use the unit in a small room.
   
5. Ionizer purifiers: Both filtered cleaners and electronic precipitators can have built-in ionizing circuitry. Ionizers discharge electrons into the air, forming negative ions by attaching themselves to air molecules. The negative ions attract dust and pollen particles to form larger particles that are more easily trapped by filters. An ionizer helps the air purifier work more efficiently. However, the ionized particles may also attach themselves to upholstery, drapes and carpets, increasing the need for vacuuming.
   

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How to Change a HEPA Filter

HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters are common in household air purifiers and vacuum cleaners. It is recommended that home air filters should be changed every 12 to 24 months. HEPA filters trap approximately 99.97 percent of airborne particles, making them an excellent option for improving indoor air quality and reducing allergy symptoms. To learn how to change your HEPA filter, check out the following instructions.

Changing HEPA Filters:

1. Unplug it. Turn your air purifier or vacuum cleaner off and unplug the power cord. Turning the system off will protect you from shock and protect the system from damage. Position the air purifier or the vacuum on a drop cloth or old newspaper to catch any debris.
   
2. Remove the filter cover. Some covers easily snap off, while others will require you to remove screws before removing the cover. Air-purifier covers are usually located at the base of the system; vacuum cleaner covers are near the canister or bag.
   
3. Remove the prefilter. Prefilters trap the larger particles and help extend the life of your HEPA filter. Vacuum the prefilter if it's dirty. In addition, you may rinse the prefilter with cool water, if recommended by the manufacturer, and allow it to dry completely before reinstalling it.
   
4. Remove the old HEPA filter. For circular filters, grab the outside cover to pull it out. For flat filters, grab the edge to remove it. Dispose of it carefully to reduce dust and debris.
   
5. Install the new HEPA filter. Make sure the filter is securely mounted.
   
6. Replace the prefilter. Some prefilters have arrows to indicate the position. Use these arrows as a guide.
   
7. Replace the cover. Snap the cover back on or tighten the screws.
   

HEPA Filter Tips:

1. Make sure the replacement filter you purchase is compatible with your air purifier or vacuum cleaner. Installing the wrong filter could make the system ineffective.
   
2. Inspect and vacuum your prefilter every two to three months. Replace the prefilter as necessary. Maintaining your prefilter will extend the life of your HEPA filter.
   

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Allergy Control Pristine Complete Full-size Mattress Encasing

•  Protect yourself from dust and allergens with a mattress encasing
• Mattress encasing assists with allergy relief and a provides a healthy sleeping environment
• Physician-recommended
• Soft and breathable 244 thread count microfiber
• Zip closure around your mattress for a layer of protection underneath your sheets
• Proven through scientific testing to protect against bed bugs
• 100-percent polyester microfiber is soft, supple and breathable for full sleeping comfort
• Feels as soft as cotton on your bed
• Oeko-Tex Standard 100-certified to be free of harmful substances that can irritate the skin
• 2.4-micron pore size blocks even ultra-fine dust mite and pet allergens
• Includes an antimicrobial treatment to inhibit mold and mildew
• YKK zipper closure
• Available in white color option
• Machine wash
• Full size: 54 inches x 75 inches
• Available in 9-inch, 12-inch and 15-inch depths
• Depths 12 inches and above feature a clamshell opening for easy placement on the bed
•  http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Allergy-Control-Pristine-Complete-Full-size-Mattress-Encasing/4421570/product.html

Best Anti-Allergy Bedding

Best Anti-Allergy Bedding