A Quality Statement From A Customer

Comments or Questions: I wanted to comment on the (air filter) bundle that I received back in April...I ordered the replacement triple pack for the (original manufacturers) and upgraded to the Antimicrobial as well.

First off, I was very impressed by the build quality of the filters. They far exceed the quality from (original manufacturers product) themselves.

Even the (activated carbon) cell which is normally just an all-cardboard construction from (original manufacturers) had been improved upon with plastic reinforcements along the sides. This detail might be small, but it truly demonstrates the attention to build quality.

I think my absolute favorite part is the removable pre-filter pad  on the prefilter replacement...

As an (original manufacturers) owner for nearly a decade, there is a measurable performance increase over OEM that I've seen in a couple ways that I can go into, but I won't drone on... The most apparent would be how often I need to clear the dog hair from the pre-filter... It simply moves more air at less fan speeds!

I just thought I'd drop a quick line and say you've got a customer for life and I've been pointing people in your direction as well.

Have a great weekend!

When To Change Your HEPA Filter

I just read an advertisment for a replacement HEPA filter which said "never needs replacing"
Why would you buy a replacement filter if the filter didn't need replacing????

The truth is all HEPA filters need replacing eventually. The questions are when & why?

Let's answer the "Why" question first.

HEPA filter media is made up of fine glass fibers produced in such a way that 99.97% of all particles 0.3 microns and larger are trapped on and within the fibers as air passes through it. In addition, a very high percentage of particles as small as 0.01 micron are also trapped. What are these particles?

Along with common household dust, HEPA filters trap molds, bacteria, smoke, dust mites, pollen & airborn virus. Exactally what you want your filter to do. BUT... over a period of time the molds and bacteria will grow on the filter media and within 1-2 years will grow through to the clean side of the filter media. Thats when the air flow sends the contaminants back into the room. Increased heat and humidity will speed up this process. I have seen a HEPA filter that sat idle in a Florida vacation home all summer long that lasted only 1 year.

This brings us to the next question, "when do I change the HEPA filter"

First, you should always have a prefilter prior to the HEPA filter. The prefilter will stop the larger particles and keep the HEPA filter from clogging prematurally. You should vacuum the prefilter every 3-4 months. With the use of a prefilter, you should change the HEPA filter every 1-2 years. One of the tell tale signs is a musty smell when you turn on your air purifier.
Some air purifier manufacturers advertize a 5 year life of their filter. It is true the filter will keep filtering for 5+ years but what is released back into your house from an old filter may not be what you expect. If you look closely at their limited warantee, you will find after 2 years it's probably more cost effective to buy a new filter.

OZONE GENERATORS

The truth about Ionic Breeze purifiers.

When you watch an infomercial on the Ionic Breeze air cleaner, listen for any statement refering to HEPA filtration efficiency. (99.97% removal or all particles 0.3 micron and larger) I don't think you will hear one. When you hear the statement "removes particles as small as 0.3 micron", that is not the same thing. I will agree that the Ionic Breeze will remove some particles from the air but what it puts back into the room may be quite disturbing as the following will explain.

Sharper Image Pays $525,000 to End Lawsuit Against Consumers Union
Sharper Image Corp. has ended a product-disparagement lawsuit that it brought against Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, paying CU court-ordered attorneys’ fees and costs totaling $525,000.
Sharper Image sued after Consumer Reports judged the company’s Ionic Breeze Quadra air cleaner “ineffective” in an October 2003 report. A U.S. District Court dismissed the suit, ruling that Sharper Image had not shown our findings to be false. Because Sharper Image’s claims affected CR’s rights of free speech and press, the court ordered the company to pay our legal expenses. Sharper Image filed an appeal but later withdrew it, ending the legal action.

OZONE GENERATORS
Problems with Ozone Generators:Ozone is a potent lung irritant and exposure to elevated levels is a contributor to the exacerbation of lung disease; it is especially dangerous for persons with asthma and other chronic lung diseases, children, and the elderly. Residential indoor ozone is produced directly by ozone generators and indirectly by ion generators and some other electronic air cleaners. There is no difference, despite some manufacturers' claims, between outdoor ozone and ozone produced by these devices.

Consumer Reports (1992), the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) (Boeniger, 1995), and the U.S. EPA (1995) concluded that tabletop and room unit ozone generators are not effective in improving indoor air quality. Studies have found that while some indoor air pollutant concentrations decline in the presence of ozone, other pollutants increase. In fact, upon reaction with ozone, some previously undetected, toxic chemicals emerge in indoor air, including formaldehyde and other aldehydes (Boeniger, 1995). A recent study by the U.S. EPA demonstrates that ozone is not effective for killing airborne molds and fungi even at high concentrations (6-9 ppm) (U.S. EPA, 1995). At higher concentrations, especially above 0.08 ppm, ozone is a potent irritant that can bring about diminished lung function, cough, inflammation associated with biochemical changes, and increased responsiveness to allergens. (Horstman, et al., 1990). Current evidence of the health effects of ozone suggests that there is no "safe" threshold concentration for the onset of health responses due to exposure above background ozone concentrations (Burnett, et al., 1994; U.S. EPA CASAC letter, 1995). Also, simultaneous exposure to ozone and other compounds may produce additive or synergistic effects (Last, et al, 1984). In addition, persons with asthma have increased susceptibility to ozone and exposure to low concentrations results in increased symptoms, medications use and hospitalizations.
The FDA has set a limit of 0.05 ppm of ozone for medical devices. A small percentage of air cleaners that claim a health benefit are listed by the FDA and these devices conform to FDA regulations. However, ozone generators, negative ion generators, and certain other electronic air cleaners that are not listed by the FDA, or cannot otherwise prove that their ozone emission levels are lower than 0.05 ppm, may produce levels of ozone recognized as unsafe for humans and are not recommended for use in occupied spaces because of the risk of generation of ozone. For similar reasons, the American Lung Association does not suggest the use of these products.