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Air purifiers: What you should know about them despite the lack of scientific evidence for their health benefits
If you've successfully sealed your home for energy savings, give yourself a pat on the back. It's a good idea to keep drafts out of the house to save money. What's the snag? Pet dander, smoke, dust mites, mold, and other irritants can be trapped in a tightly sealed home, causing respiratory problems.
If you've successfully sealed your home for energy savings, give yourself a pat on the back. It's a good idea to keep drafts out of the house to save money. What's the snag? Pet dander, smoke, dust mites, mold, and other irritants can be trapped in a tightly sealed home, causing respiratory problems.
An air purifier is one potential solution. According to manufacturer figures, about one in every four U.S. households owns a portable indoor air purifier, which includes those that come packaged with a fan, says Perry Santanachote, home editor at Consumer Reports. This is unsurprising. Manufacturers make "remedies" for us to purchase or, at the very least, buy into as indoor air quality becomes a problem for consumers. Is it, however, worthwhile to invest in an air purifier?
“Air purifiers can be helpful in avoiding allergens, but they aren't a panacea,” says Manav Singla, an allergist, an immunologist with MedStar Health locations in Maryland. “I don't tell any of my allergy sufferers to get an air purifier, just as I don't tell them to put hardwood floors in their homes.”
Air purifiers can work best for people with animal allergies who own a dog or cat or who leave doors and windows open because they remove airborne particles like dander and pollen. Since dust mites live in carpet and bedding, they are ineffective for those who are allergic to them.
The evidence for the effectiveness of air purifiers is mixed. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology conducted a review of research on eight asthma interventions, including air purifiers, in 2018. “Despite a large evidence base spanning decades, the evidence base as a whole is inadequate to support concrete conclusions about the efficacy of many commonly used products and strategies for enhancing patient outcomes by reducing environmental allergen exposure,” it concluded. It also advocated for further testing.
According to a 2010 study by the academy, “the primary function of air cleaning and filtration in the living environment for those with allergic respiratory diseases can contribute more toward disease prevention than treatment.” Although portable room air cleaners with high-efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filters tend to be advantageous in households with forced-air HVAC systems, “regular maintenance schedules and the use of high-efficiency disposable filters appear to be the best choices,” according to the study.
Remember that your furnace and/or air conditioner are basically whole-house filtration systems, so an air purifier might not be necessary. The issue is that many homeowners use inexpensive, thin air filters that do nothing to actually clean the air. Furthermore, most of us fail to adjust the filter as much as we can. The installation of a media cabinet, which can accommodate a deeper (up to five inches) disposable filter, can significantly improve filtration capabilities. These filters usually last eight weeks to six months and cost less than $35 each.
If you do decide to buy an air purifier, the first decision you'll have to make is whether you want a portable or whole-house model. A whole-house system will work if you have ductwork and a forced-air system. Portable stand-alone models would be needed in homes with radiant heat but no air conditioning.
If your home has forced ventilation, Travis Jackson, a home heating, cooling, and air purification specialist in Warrenton, Va., recommends hiring a qualified professional to examine your entire system, including equipment and ductwork. “An inspection looks for underlying problems like unsealed ducts, moldy stagnant water, soil, or vapor-emitting glue-filled seams. It's possible that what the machine needs is a good cleaning,” he says. This form of inspection can be free or cost up to $100, depending on your place and provider.
You don't need an indoor air quality evaluation unless you have reason to believe the air in your home is making you sick, Jackson says. They're time-consuming, costly ($800 to $1,200), and usually unnecessary.
You must measure the square footage of the space you're attempting to treat, whether it's a single room or your whole house, with any form of purifier. The size and efficiency of any unit determine its price. Here's what else you should be aware of.
Air purifiers that can be carried around
There are many styles to choose from. To extract particles, basic mechanical models use a fan to push air through a filter. Higher-grade HEPA filters are qualified to absorb even the tiniest particles, such as dust, smoke, pollen, and pet dander.
Electronic air purifiers work by creating an electric charge that attracts particles to metal plates in the machine, which you then wipe clean. Other models have a UV light and claim to destroy mold and bacteria, but Santanachote says Consumer Reports hasn't checked them and there's currently no proof that they do what they claim.
An activated carbon filter is used in certain purifiers to absorb odors and/or eliminate gases. Carbon filters that are thicker and heavier are more powerful, but they are more expensive. Santanachote believes that thin mesh ones are a waste of resources.
A portable device will set you back at least $200. Models that purify vast spaces and are highly rated will cost up to $700. Furthermore, replacement filters range in price from $20 to $200 (some models have washable filters), and you'll need to account for power because experts recommend running purifiers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Don't be fooled by slick looks or mistakenly believe that higher prices equal better results. Look for AHAM (Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers) accredited versions (AHAM). Then look at the machine's Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), which explains how well it eliminates cigarette smoke, pollen, and dust. It's easier if the number is higher. According to Santanachote, a score of less than 60 is bad, and a score of more than 240 is excellent.
If a floor model is available, look inside for a thick filter that covers a large area. Better still, request that it be plugged in. By its very nature, an air purifier — which is essentially a fan and a filter — is noisy, especially at higher speeds. You'll want to hear it for yourself if that's a problem. One solution is to buy a larger-capacity purifier and operate it at a slower, quieter pace.
Air purifiers for the whole house
A whole-house air cleaner is an easy, quiet, no-fuss solution if your home has ducts. There are units with several filters to collect airborne particles as well as an activated carbon filter to eliminate odors if you want to go all out. These range in price from $2,500 to $5,000, plus installation. Models with germicidal UV lamp technology to irradiate bacteria and mold spores in the air stream or on the filter cost even more, but research showing their effectiveness is lacking once again.
A UV light system can also be added to your HVAC system, but they aren't inexpensive. There are two types of air purification systems: object cleaners and in-duct air purification systems.
An object cleaner placed next to your air conditioner's coil — a dark, damp breeding ground for mold and bacteria — floods the area with UV light, killing organisms before they can reach your ventilation system. These range in price from $350 to $800. Replacement bulbs range in price from $100 to $300 for a one- to two-year lifespan.
A UV in-duct air purification system is your second, more expensive choice. Consider UV light to be the sun's rays. “By inserting the ‘sun' into your ductwork, the UV light bulb releases vaporized hydrogen, which attacks germs, bacteria, mold spores, fungi, and odors as the air circulates into your home,” Jackson explains. As the treated air is pushed out of vents in your home, some models claim to clean countertops and other surfaces.
An in-duct UV system can cost anywhere from $800 to $1,500, depending on the size of your home and the size of your HVAC system. Bulbs will last up to three years and range in price from $300 to $400. The majority of units can be assembled in under two hours, and you'll usually be paying a flat rate that covers all parts and labor.
While some users swear by UV air scrubbers, Singla points out that since allergens are not living tissue like mold, UV filtration is of limited use for the average customer with allergies. Bottom line: Whether you or a family member suffers from extreme allergies or is susceptible to respiratory infections, you may want to focus on keeping your living space clean and your HVAC device in good working order before investing in an air purification system.
Guest Post - Top Factors to Consider When Repairing or Replacing a Garage Door
You have a garage door issue, so you contact a garage door repair company. However, you may begin to remember other fixes you have performed or the age of your garage door, and you may begin to question if you should have the garage door fixed again or whether it is time to consider purchasing a new garage door. Consultation with a repair company will assist you in making the right decision. Nevertheless, here are four factors you should consider.
You have a garage door issue, so you contact a garage door repair company. However, you may begin to remember other fixes you have performed or the age of your garage door, and you may begin to question if you should have the garage door fixed again or whether it is time to consider purchasing a new garage door. Consultation with a repair company will assist you in making the right decision. Nevertheless, here are four factors you should consider.
Garage Door Age
A garage door will last between 20-30 years, based on the kind of door and how it is being maintained. The higher the maintenance, the longer the door will last. Nevertheless, every garage door has an expiry date. And, if somebody else stayed in your house before you, you had no say in how the door was maintained previously.
As a result, if your garage door is approaching the end of its projected lifetime, you may choose to replace it rather than fixing it. A repair will allow you additional time with the garage door, but only for a short period. Eventually, the cost of maintenance will exceed the cost of a new garage door.
Frequency of Issues
Perhaps your garage door still has years of useful life left in it. Rather than replacing it, repairing it is likely to be the better option. If you've been making fix after fix, it's possible that you have a faulty garage door and will have to replace it. Discuss with the maintenance company how much you have been fixing the door compared to what the expectations are. You may have made repair errors or just have a faulty garage door that has to be replaced.
Problem Types
Some garage door issues, such as fixing rusted springs or oiling some components, are simple to fix. Some issues will necessitate extensive – or very costly – repairs. If you need a big fix and it comes on the heels of other fixes or nearing the end of the door's lifetime, you may want to consider a replacement.
Energy Conservation
The garage door takes a considerable amount of real estate on your property. A poorly insulated garage door can make it more difficult for your HVAC unit to keep your home cold or warm.
Replacing the garage door with the assistance of a garage door contractor will increase the energy efficiency of your home. The door could be made of a natural insulator or fitted with heavy-duty insulation. The greater the insulation, the better your home's ability to control its energy consumption. This will help you save a significant amount of money in the long run.
Working with a professional garage door repair contractor would enable you to better understand your garage door state and determine whether it is best to repair it or purchase a new garage door. Installing a new garage door can cost significantly more upfront, but it could save you cash in the long haul.
Author Bio:
Meghan Belnap / Blogger, Researcher and Freelance Writer
Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook right here and Twitter right here.
Guest Post - Preparing Your Home Before a Disaster
No one wants to think about having to go through any kind of damaging disaster. But, it’s impossible to ignore the recent uptick in hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, and other damaging feats of nature that are causing serious problems.
No one wants to think about having to go through any kind of damaging disaster. But, it’s impossible to ignore the recent uptick in hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, and other damaging feats of nature that are causing serious problems.
While you can’t prevent these disasters from occurring, there are things you can do to protect your home. It’s a crucial practice, even if you’re nowhere near a “danger zone”. Being proactive about these things will help to keep you and your loved ones safe.
Let’s take a look at a few of the most common disasters (both natural and unnatural) and how you can prepare yourself and your home for them.
Taking Care of Yourself
One of the best things you can do for yourself and your family is to educate yourself on the common types of disasters in this country, including:
Hurricanes
Earthquakes
Fires
Flooding
Tornadoes
It’s also a good idea to take a look at where you are in the country to determine which disasters are most likely to affect you. You might notice that your home is constructed a certain way. It might have a coastal crawlspace or waterproof basement depending on where you live. Taking a look at things like that will give you an indication of what you can expect.
Preparation for yourself and your loved ones should include having a plan in place for any type of disaster. Your family should know their evacuation route, and you should know which shelters in your area you should be going to. Planning ahead and even “practicing” for these situations can make a big difference if they ever occur.
Taking Care of Your Home
If you live in an area that is commonly known for certain disasters, there are steps you should take to protect your home. That starts by looking at your foundation and any maintenance issues that need to be addressed. If you’re considering moving to a new home, consider things like:
Structural issues
Damage to roofing
Water damage (be sure to check the attic!)
Fire hazards (electrical system)
Mold or other toxins
If you’re not moving and want to prepare your current home, don’t be afraid to take on a few DIY projects to help with everything from structural integrity to waterproofing certain areas. Seal up any cracks in the foundation, look for any rotting and take care of any water damage, and strengthen the overall structure of your home from the inside out. You might not be able to prevent a disaster from causing damage, but you might be able to minimize that damage with the right proactive steps.
Taking Care of Your Finances
After disaster strikes, whether it’s something like an earthquake or a house fire, you might be left with serious damages to take care of. The cleanup itself can be overwhelming. But, dealing with insurance companies and wondering how you’re going to rebuild anything is the real long-term issue.
One of the best things you can do is to prepare yourself ahead of time. You never know when an unfortunate event might strike. So, having money stored away in a savings account is a great way to not be so dependent on insurance.
You also might consider taking out a personal loan either before or after a disaster. It’s easier than you might think if you can still gather your personal information and you have a reliable credit score.
It’s easy to look at your home after a disaster and think to yourself, “what now?”, but preparing as much as possible ahead of time will give you peace of mind that you can get through this, and move forward in every way.
Author Bio: Noah Rue is a freelance writer.
How to Make Sure the Old Home You're Moving Into Is a Safe and Healthy Environment
Moving into an older home is great, but it comes with a few challenges. You want the older home to have a safe and healthy environment. Go through everything below, and you will feel good about it.
Moving into an older home is great, but it comes with a few challenges. You want the older home to have a safe and healthy environment. Go through everything below, and you will feel good about it.
Put in Some Updated Features
One way to make it safer to move into an older home is to update it. Put in new features, such as smoke detectors and a security system. Install a carbon monoxide detector and make sure all the appliances are up-to-date so that you will feel safe using them.
Look for Lead Paint and Asbestos and Remove It
One thing that makes an older home dangerous is the products that were used when it was built. People didn't realize the health dangers of asbestos and lead paint years ago, but you now know how they can cause cancer and other issues. You need to see if any of that is in your older home before you move. Have professionals, such as Ozbestos Removal get any of it out of there for a safe home.
Make Sure the Electrical System Is up-to-Date
An electrical fire would not only be a big problem, but it would also be dangerous. Have the electrical system looked into and updated before moving. It is worth paying to have the whole system redone when you know you will be safe because of it.
Test the Flooring and Stairs
Rotten wood or any kind of instability issue could cause some big problems, and you need to check the flooring and stairs before you move into the older house. Make sure the foundation is in good shape. Make sure that flooding won't be an issue, and make sure that there isn't a lot of mold in the flooring or anything like that. Replace the flooring as needed to feel better about the house.
See if the Windows Are Leaking
If the windows are leaking in cold air, then it would not be good for your health to live there in the colder months. If they are not securely shut, then it wouldn't be safe for you to be there because anyone could easily break in. Get new windows if any are not as they should be.
Take care of the house and the issues you find there. Modernize it a bit, and it will be in good shape. You will love the older home when you know it is safe for you to be there.