Are Reusable Air Filters Worth It?

August 15, 2024

Air filters are an integral part of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. By investing in reusable air filters, you can save money on replacement filters and protect the environment. Plus, these filters are an eco-friendly way to protect your HVAC unit from dirt, dust, and other contaminants. What Are Reusable Air Filters? These washable air filters are made from a type of woven polypropylene material. They are designed to be electrostatically charged, allowing them to attract more contaminants. Thanks to their design, they can be washed instead of thrown away. While reusable air filters are generally more expensive upfront, they save you money in the long run because you don’t have to keep buying replacements. However, you can’t simply install a reusable air filter and forget about it. These filters have to be cleaned every month. How Do I Clean a Reusable Filter? Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to keep your air filter clean. Prior to cleaning, you should check out the manufacturer’s guide to see if there are special warnings or precautions for your air filter. To begin cleaning your filter, you must start by turning off your HVAC unit. Then, remove the air filter. Wash the...

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What is an Air Scrubber and Why Do I Need One?

December 1, 2020

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the air inside our houses is up to five times as polluted as the outdoor air. Therefore, if you think your indoor air is clean, you may be very mistaken. It’s important to be concerned about your indoor air quality, particularly if anyone in your family has been suffering from asthma, allergies or respiratory issues. It is difficult to be comfortable, healthy and happy if your home contains allergens, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), mold and other pollutants. Luckily, you can improve your indoor air quality easily with a device known as the air scrubber. This appliance will remove dust, odors, pet dander, VOCs, surface contaminants and other pollutants that have been afflicting your family and make life incredibly easier for you. Keep reading to find out exactly what this device is, what it does and why you need it. What an Air Scrubber Is An air scrubber is a specialized machine that is used to purify air without any ductwork. This device can also be used inside existing ductwork as a permanent fixture. Besides cleaning your indoor air, this machine can clean your home surfaces, including countertops, doorknobs and bathrooms. How the Air Scrubber...

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FAQs About Air Filter Ratings

September 20, 2020

No matter what type of heating and cooling system your St. Louis, MO, area home has, it’s important to check its air filter once a month. The air filter captures particles from your home’s air, which keeps your home cleaner, reduces excess wear and tear on the heating and cooling equipment, extends the heating and cooling system’s lifespan and helps you breathe easier. Choosing an air filter can be tough, which is why our technicians at offer these 10 FAQs and answers for homeowners in and around St. Louis. 1. What Rating System Is Used for Heating and Cooling Air Filters? The rating system used for heating and air conditioning air filters is called the minimum efficiency reported value, or MERV, system. This rating system was designed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. This is a group of professionals who each have decades of hands-on experience with building, designing, installing, maintaining and repairing heating, ventilation, refrigeration and air conditioning systems. 2. What Is the Range of Ratings for Air Filters? MERV ratings range from 1 to 20. The higher the MERV rating, the more particles 0.3 microns in size the filter is able to capture. It’s...

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Spring Allergy Tips

March 24, 2015

Spring officially arrived on Friday March 20, bringing with it Spring allergies that cause misery for millions of Americans. But there are ways folks can get relief, a medical expert says. “The key to surviving spring allergies is knowing what triggers your symptoms,” Dr. James Sublett, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, said in a college news release. “Because there can be millions of pollen particles in the air, finding allergy relief can seem nearly impossible for some. But by knowing what triggers your allergy symptoms and how to avoid these allergens, you can be on your way to a sneeze-free season,” he said. The college offers some tips for dealing with spring allergies: Avoid clothing made of synthetic fabrics, which, when rubbed together, can create an electrical charge that attracts pollen. Opt for natural fibers such as cotton, which also breathe better and stay drier, making them less likely to harbor mold. Exercise outdoors when pollen counts are at their lowest — before dawn and in the late afternoon and early evening. Because exercise causes you to breathe more deeply and inhale more pollen, try to do vigorous workouts indoors. If you’re going out for...

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Get smart about home energy efficiency

February 8, 2013

Did you know as much as half the energy consumed in your home goes to heating and cooling? If you haven’t replaced your HVAC system with a high-efficiency, ENERGY STAR® qualified model, you’re probably spending significantly more on home utility bills—up to 20% more if your heat pump or air conditioner is more than 10 years old, and up to 15% more if your furnace is more than 15 years old. Here are a few more steps you can take to increase energy efficiency and savings in your home: Close the envelope Insulating and sealing the exterior of your home, often referred to as the “envelope,” can help keep air from leaking into the home from the outside, or vice versa, helping you to save up to $200 per year on home heating and cooling costs. Seal the ducts Duct sealing can save up to $120 per year in coastal areas, and as much as $190 if you’re inland. Install a programmable thermostat An ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostat can save you up to $100 per year in coastal areas and over $150 inland. Lennox’ icomfort Wi-Fi Touchscreen Thermostat lets you set your home’s temperature to save energy from anywhere in...

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