Air Purifiers

From time to time, a customer may call in here at AchooAllergy and actually get to speak with me (a real treat, I know!). This does not happen too often as I will be the first to admit, I'm not a saleperson, and the phones are generally something I try to avoid. Technical questions, specifics, pros and cons of products? That's my realm. Though, when I have taken calls from customers, I do find that it is generally easy for me to talk about our products (both negatives and postives) largely because I believe in those products and their ability to help people feel better and breathe easier.

When new products arrive I often take them home and test them. We at Achoo believe that any true test of a product doesn't come in a lab, but in your home or office where the product will actually be used. In addition to product testing, we also use many of the products we offer right here in our offices. From air purifiers to vacuums, we trust in and use the same brands you find on our site, and a quick walk through our office proves it.

Most of the Allergy Armor bedding products you enjoy are made right here in our Atlanta facility. With all the daily cutting and sewing going on you might be surprised how much dust an operation like this can produce. Visible dust and bedding fibers are the biggest culprit, and to combat these we like Blueair air purifiers. While other brands can offer better filtration of microscopic particles (IQAir), Blueair fits the bill for three reasons. No one suffers from allergies, asthma or chemical sensitivities, so microparticle filtration and high amounts of specialized carbon are not really needed for this use. Second, the Blueair units move large amounts of air, which is great for this space. Lastly, all models are Energy Star compliant, which is important since they run 24/7 and we try, as a company, to reduce our emissions and limit our carbon footprint.

For the floors, we use a Miele Jasper. You might not be familiar with the Jasper, as it is only available in stores (including our lovely showroom in Atlanta). The Jasper is lightweight, has a sealed system and powerful suction to remove fibers and dust bunnies that can quickly accumulate in that space. Plus, it keeps chugging along even after you completely fill the bag, though I don't recommend doing this! The Jasper is similar to the Red Velvet (sans the velvety goodness).

Throughout our offices you'll find other HEPA air purifiers in use. Due to their very long filter life, ease of use and ability to take a good ding from time to time, Austin Air units are the most commonly found. They not only keep down dust, but they also came in handy during the multiple renovation projects we've undertaken here.

While some simply sell you products, we use what we offer and stand behind what we sell. If we wouldn't use it here, how could we ever expect you to use it in your home or office?

Author: Kevin Gilmore

IQAir has long been a leader in air filtration, and as part of their largest upgrade to their residential air purifier offering, they have introduced the New Edition of their HealthPro and MultiGas models. The IQAir New Edition air purifiers are already in many homes and can be identified by "NE" on the outer box labeling. So what are some of the features of the New Edition IQAir Purifiers?

The upgraded IQ Air purifiers have three key upgrades when it comes to performance.

• Up to 25% More Clean Air
• Up to 38% Longer Filter Life
• Lastly, 32% Quieter

These three features address some drawbacks that can be found with most air purifiers. First, the increase in cleaner air comes, in part, from a redesigned motor. This more aerodynamic motor moves more air through the filters than before.

Second, the longer filter life comes from an increase in the prefilter and HyperHEPA filter media. As an example, the old HyperHEPA filters typically had 30 sq. feet of HEPA filter media, while the new filters have 53 sq. ft. Longer life also comes with advances in the actual pleating of the media during construction. These two things combine to allow for greater filtration efficiency. With larger, more efficient prefilters and HEPA filters, the IQAir HealthPro and GC MultiGas models are able to last longer while cleaning more air.

Lastly, the noise is considerably less. Despite pushing more air through more filter media, the redesigned fans create less noise on all settings. Consequently, the actual power consumption of the all four residential IQAir models has decreased, meaning your IQAir costs you even less to operate!

AchooAllergy.com has been shipping the new models for a few weeks now, so if you've ordered in that time period, chances are good you have one of the IQAir New Edition air purifiers. If not, now is the time to try one and see the difference!

Author: K. Gilmore

As allergy and environmental control specialists, we have a variety of checklists and steps, from allergy proofing your bedroom to >easy ways to control indoor humidity, that we recommend to reduce allergens in your home and office. As with any advice, it's really only effective if you follow it. A recent study published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology underscores these same points as well as how renters and homeowners differ in how far they go in addressing their indoor environmental issues.

For allergy, asthma and MCS sufferers, the key point in allergen avoidance is changing the conditions in your home that create or foster the allergens. In terms of allergies and asthma, removing carpet in favor of smooth flooring, using allergy bedding, HEPA air purifiers and vacuum cleaners, and controlling humidity with a dehumidifier are all important and fairly easy ways to reduce conditions favorable for dust mites and mold. Of things like this, the only one that really is not easy to accomplish for a renter, vs. a homeowner, is removing the carpet. But if removing carpet is really the only large task on here that separates what a renter vs. homeowner can change indoors, why did 91% of homeowners make recommended changes while only 63% of their renting counterparts followed the same advice?

Perhaps people feel less "vested" in a home they rent as opposed to one they own. Certainly washing your bedding in hot water, to kill dust mites, isn't too much to ask? The study is unclear as to WHY people are less apt to make environmental changes, but when connecting this to housing bubble and falling home ownership rates, it is somewhat alarming that this growing population is less likely to affect their indoor environment as much as they could.

Regardless of whether you own a home or rent, there are a variety of ways you can improve allergies and asthma by making a few changes around your home. First, invest in quality allergy bedding. Once you have it, be sure to wash your standard bedding, regularly and in hot water. You can use a laundry additive or special detergent that denatures protein allergens, but if that is too expensive, simply wash your bedding in hot water.

Second, keep the humidity level in check. You can pick up a very inexpensive hygrometer to check the relative humidity in any room in your home. A room dehumidifier is a simple yet effective way to reduce humidity in your home to levels where dust mites and mold cannot grow (45% or less).

Lastly, use some type of air filter. A HEPA air purifier is the best solution, and they range in price to fit nearly any budget. If that's still too expensive, use a quality furnace filter. A high quality air HVAC filter can make a big difference in the air quality in your home.

Though cost is always a concern when making improvements around the home, the best way to approach the situation is to take a slightly different approach. When you take steps and use products to reduce allergens and humidity in your home, you're not only improving your home but more importantly, improving your health!

Author: Kevin Gilmore

While the political debate over whether emissions regulations are too onerous on manufacturers, evidence linking increased exposure to emissions and asthma and lung damage continues to pile up. From decreased lung development to increased rates of asthma, studies published in the last decade demonstrate a link between emissions and respiratory troubles with some regularity. So what can you do to reduce expsoure, particularly in areas where traffic congestion is at its worst?

Face masks have become a popular choice for those spending time outdoors in urban areas. Specific brands, like Respro, have built most of their business around serving the filtration needs of those concerned with air pollution, while working or playing outdoors. Activated carbon, combined with particle filter media collect emissions particles as well as pollen and dust, to protect the lungs from the effects of repeated exposure.

We have seen strong interest in compact and portable purifiers, like the Roomaid and others. They're typically inexpensive, lightweight and very compact. While the Roomaid can sit in your car, other models are also small enough to take with you when you travel. Even though compact air purifiers rarely offer as comprehensive filtration as full size models, they do reduce harmful air pollutants no matter where you go.

Though studies reaching back nearly a decade show clear links between emissions exposure and asthma rates, the debate over vehicle emissions and regulation is one that will not be going away soon. Public policy is rarely shaped by health considerations alone, but those living near traffic congestion or suffering from asthma cannot afford to wait for legislatures to pick up the banner of cleaner air. By limiting your time outdoors, avoiding time outside when traffic pollution is at it's worst (during the rush hours), and taking steps to filter the air that you breathe in your car or home, you make huge strides in reducing your exposure to emissions pollution.

Author: Kevin Gilmore

Whirlpool has been and continues to be one of the most well known brands in home appliances. Several years ago, they began offering HEPA air purifiers. Having been reviewed by consumer reporting agencies and AHAM, Whirlpool air purifiers test well and offer an affordable solution to allergy and asthma sufferers. As the most recent addition to the line of Whirlpool air purifiers, we now offer the Whirlpool Tower air purifier.

The Whirlpool Tower Air Purifier provides HEPA quality particle filtration while offering removal of light smoke and odors. With a slim tower design and easy to use controls, the Whirlpool APT40010R is compact and lightweight, easily fitting in to most spaces and blending into the decor of most rooms.

The filtration behind the Whirlpool Whispure Tower is a certified HEPA filter, which traps 99.97% of all particles 0.3 microns and larger, and a non-woven polyester pre-filter with carbon/charcoal for adsorption of light odors and smoke. This combination provides ideal filtration of common allergens in smaller spaces like bedrooms, dorm rooms, and offices.

As a Whispure model, the Tower is very quiet on its low fan setting and is Energy Star qualified. It does not produce ozone or use any type of ionizing filtration technology and is backed by a five year warranty. So if you're looking for a tower style air purifier from a brand you know, consider the Whirlpool Whispure Tower.

As the temperature begins to heat up, people in cities across the country begin to see their air quality index dive deeper in the red hues. While the summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends, urban dwellers often have to contend with big increases in ground level ozone. That makes this time of year even more important when it comes to your indoor air quality.

With most homes sealed tightly to keep the cooling effects of air conditioning in, the air quality inside your home can quickly become as bad as the ground level ozone infused air outside the home. Dust, pollens, dander, residue from household cleaners, cooking fumes, and pet odor can accumulate quickly when the air in the home stagnates. Not cooking or cleaning, and getting rid of the pets is not likely to happen, but what you can do is invest in your health by using a high efficiency air purifier.

At this point, you can take a trip to your local big box and pick up an air purifier fairly cheaply, but if cheap is what you need, you may be better served by not purchasing at all. Not only is the quality of most cheap imported air purifiers questionable at best, but filtration is often less than adequate. No air purifier will do you much good if the materials are cheap and the workmanship is shoddy. For as much particle content as most cheap air purifiers allow to pass through their filters, you could likely get a box fan, strap a furnace filter to it and get about the same results.

Any air purifier worth it's price tag should have at least a few basic features: HEPA filter, sealed system, and some type of odor control filtration. The HEPA filter is the core of any air purifier, so look for models that have true HEPA filters (not HEPA-like or S-Class). You want something that is certified HEPA--traps 99.97% of all particles 0.3 microns or larger. This is key because this type of filtration has the range to remove dust particles, dust mite allergen, pollen, dander, mold spores and even most bactera.

Next make sure the unit has a sealed system. An air purifier lacking a sealed system is like closing the front door during winter, but leaving the window open and wondering why it's cold in your house. If air can escape or bypass the filter, it will. So look for models that mention a sealed system (usually use rubber or foam gaskets or are designed to interlock tightly enough to form an air tight seal).

Lastly, look for one that at least has an activated carbon pre-filter. Activated carbon remains the most efficient way to remove odors, like those from smoke, pets and cooking. Though activated carbon pre-filters generally only last three months or so, they are usually effective during that time. For heavy duty filtration, look for air cleaners that use granular activated carbon. Usually measured in pounds, this stuff lasts much longer than carbon pre-filters and provide better filtration.

So while the temps heat up and ozone increases, make sure your home is truly a refuge from the heat and pollution by using a high quality air purifier. Currently we have a couple promotions running on our most popular units. Purchase any IQAir Health Pro Plus air purifier and automatically be entered to win five years worth of replacement filters. If the HealthPro Plus is out of your budget, you may want to consider an Amaircare HEPA Air purifier. Both the 2500 and 3000 series models have true HEPA filtration and activated carbon filters, in addition to a sealed system. If you want better odor and chemical filtration, consider the model that comes with a VOC canister.

Whether it's for a home office, bar, bedroom or anything in between, we offer a wide variety of air purifiers to meet your air filtration needs.

Author: Kevin Gilmore

With pollen levels reaching records highs very early in the year, it's a good time to take another look at controlling your indoor air quality (IAQ). While we always advise using a quality air purifier, particularly in your bedroom, cleaning the air can be much easier when you eliminate or reduce the actual causes of poor indoor air quality. Here's a quick list of IAQ problem areas and how to reduce the pollutants created by each.

• Cleaners and Pesticides - Be aware that when you use chemical cleaners or bug sprays, that unintended byproduct can often be dirtier indoor air. Fumes from these often times harsh or toxic chemicals can quickly reduce indoor air quality. Limit their use or use more natural alternatives when possible.
• Smoking - Ok, this is a bit of a no-brainer. Smoking indoors not only pollutes the air, but the chemicals in tobacco smoke can cling to drapes, furniture and walls for years to come. If you're not going to quit, at least smoke outdoors, or if inside, limit it to a specific room where you have a decent exhaust system or filtration system installed.
• Furnace Filters - Furnace filters should be replaced every three months. If you have washable furnace filters please clean them regularly. Dirty or clogged furnace filters not only harm your blowers motor but they ineffective in controlling your indoor air quality.
• Exhaust Fans - You primarily need these in your kitchen and bathroom. Why? Often it is the kitchen (burnt food and cleaners) and bathroom (harsh cleaners) where indoor air quality can be at its worst. Exhausts fans help remove noxious odor and chemical fumes, so if you have them, use them!
• Maintain Your Heating/Cooling System - Not only can keeping this equipment running well cut your energy costs, but when it comes to IAQ, think of your heating and cooling system as the heart and lungs of your home. The central unit pushes and pulls air through the ducts throughout your home. Ensuring this is working properly ensures that air circulates properly and is filtered through your HVAC filter. Dust, dirt, allergens and other debris can settle in the vents and airways, and keeping them clean can not only improve IAQ but also keep the system running longer .

While this is not meant to be comprehensive, what it should do is highlight a few ways in which indoor air quality can be improved with some forethought and a little effort. So don't fight against your room air purifier and limit the sources of dirty indoor air.

In a study recently released in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers complicate our current understanding of air pollution and how air pollution is oxidized in the environment. The initial finds are cause for some concern. The results tend to show that our current understanding of what happens to pollution particles in the atmosphere is not correct, and that the air could be much dirtier than we currently believe.

When initial air pollution studies were completed nearly 20 years ago, they identified different types of particles that make up air pollution. Since then, air pollution control legislation has been largely tailored to target a specific set of fine particles that were thought to represent the most dangerous cross section of emission pollutants.

What this most recent study has shown is that a Secondary Organic Aerosols (SOA) comprise a larger slice of that air pollution pie. Initial air quality studies did not show the elevated levels of SOA's that were found in research completed over the last two years.

As a bit of backstory, Secondary Organic Aerosols are the combination of pollution particles that have chemically bound to airborne organic particles. So they themselves are not directly emitted by combustion engines, but are formed when particles that were previously thought to dissipate, bind to organic agents. And instead of evaporating once in the atmosphere, these new SOA's form tiny tar balls that evaporate much more slowly than originally thought.

While nature will tend to deal with pollutants over time, as the environment has and will continue to absorb and break down much of the millions of gallons of oil from the BP spill, so too will the atmosphere break down air pollution.

However, if current pollution control efforts fail to account for a secondary product of air pollution, especially one that takes much longer to break down, reevaluation of not only control measures but also actual pollution levels needs to be done.

It will take time to parse the study and evaluate it in the context of a larger pollution control effort, but those who are particularly effected by air pollution, allergy, asthma and MCS sufferers, this study is just another that reinforces the importance of maintaining good indoor air quality in your home and office. To that end, proper air filtration systems, like HEPA Air Purifiers and efficient furnace filters still remain your best tools in keeping indoor air clean and free of outdoor pollutants.

Normally, we like to stay further in front of announcements like this, but lost in the Thanksgiving shuffle was news about Austin Air purifiers and filters. Starting December 1st, 2011, prices are increasing on all Austin units and replacement filters. Due to rising commodity costs, Austin Air purifiers are increasing by 10-11%.

Austin Air purifiers have long been some of the most efficient air purifiers for allergy and asthma sufferers. Steel construction, easy to use controls and long filter life have made them popular for those who want efficiency without hassle. True HEPA filtration, granular activated carbon and a sealed system have made them ideal for removing pollen, dander, dust, and other particle allergens as well as smoke, odors, and VOC's.

If you were considering an Austin or are in need of a replacement filter, there is no time to order like now!

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In Toxic Indoor Air in Nail Salon: Part One and Two, we touched on the politics that can be involved in the accessibility of healthy indoor air. A recent NY Times article, The Privileges of China's Elite Include Purified Air, highlights the same topic.

The article describes how "the homes and offices of many top leaders are filtered by high-end devices, at least according to a Chinese company, the Broad Group, which has been promoting its air-purifying machines in advertisements that highlight their ubiquity in places where many officials work and live."

Beijing's air is notoriously polluted, and lately the city has been particularly polluted. The United States Embassy monitors Beijing's air and has registered unsafe levels of pollution multiple times recently. Interestingly, the Chinese government does not publicly release data on the smallest particulates in the air, those that are smaller than 2.5 micrometers. However, these are the most harmful pollutants because they can penetrate deeply into the lungs. Much of this pollution is due to vehicular exhaust.

While debates continue over whether and when to change this air quality reporting policy, Communist Party leaders don't need much convincing to obtain air purifiers that cost a couple thousand dollars: "To make their case, company executives [of the Broad Group air purifier company] installed [an air purifier] in a meeting room used by members of the Politburo Standing Committee. The deal was apparently sealed a short while later, when technicians made a show of cleaning out the soot-laden filters. 'After they saw the inklike dirty water, Broad air purifier became the national leaders’ appointed air purifier!'" according to the Broad Group's website.