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Improving Winter Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Improve Your Homes Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)You might expect some relief from allergens and the allergies that they cause during the winter months. However, the colder months have proven to be very a very challenging time for those that suffer from indoor air allergies. Indoor air allergies are caused by dust and the allergens that are contained/associated with it. Weather you can see them or not, pollutants, allergens, and other debris are lingering in your air. Improving your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ) during the winter months can make a big difference, especially to those with allergies and respiratory issues. The EPA reports that the air that we breathe in our homes, in schools and in offices can put us at risk for health problems. Improving your IAQ will reduce allergens such as dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and other impurities and help your family breathe a bit easier.

Five Tips for Improving Your Winter IAQ

Circulation – The most beneficial thing you can do during the winter months (when your home is typically closed up) is keep the air circulating, which is a form of air replacement. On a “warmer” winter day, let some clean fresh air in to circulate throughout your home. This refreshes your indoor air and allows the allergens that are “trapped” inside your house a chance to move outside, increasing your home’s IAQ.

Humidity – As the air becomes more and more dry, increased humidity is often desired in the cold, dry months. However, many allergens, such as dust mites, mold, and bacteria thrive in overly-humid conditions. Turning on your humidifier is definitely necessary, but make sure to keep the relative indoor humidity level around 35%-50%. Also important – replacing your humidifier filters with fresh humidifier pads or filters about twice per season. When using the bathroom, especially when enjoying hot sowers, use the bathroom exhaust fans to keep the moisture level down. Keep an eye on basements and storage areas as well, as these are ideal locations for potential moisture.

Smoke – A tiny vapor particle that, in any form, will affect your indoor air quality. Examples include: smoke from tobacco, fireplaces, cooking, and even burning candles. Some of these produce a desirable scent or cozy atmosphere, however, they do not improve the quality of the air you breathe. Continue to enjoy and use your fireplaces and candles, but be aware that smoke particles can be bothersome to those respiratory conditions.

Air Filtration – Your furnace filters are a huge help with improving IAQ as their function goes beyond the basic purpose of just protecting your HVAC system (their main job). In fact, they add a level of defense by cleansing your air of impurities. Always keep on a regular schedule with changing your air filters as well. This allows your system to function optimally and continuously provides new surface areas for dust and allergens to collect on.

Regular Cleaning – Maintaining a clean home will only help keep the level of contaminants and dust to a minimum. Once dust and debris has settled, it is more difficult for them to be picked up by your furnace filter unless the area is disturbed. Regular vacuuming, dusting, and cleaning of surfaces will re-disperse the dust, allowing another opportunity for it to be captured by your filter before settling again.

US Home Filter Carries AC Filters to Fit All HVAC Units

No matter which HVAC system you have, every unit needs a quality filter that fits properly to keep your indoor air quality clean and your heat running at its maximum efficiency this Fall and Winter. US Home Filter can supply you with the best and most efficient HVAC filter available! Changing the filter is as important as changing the oil in your car and US Home Filter makes filters that fit all AC/HVAC units. From standard to custom air filters, to whole-house filtersgrille filters and humidifier filters, we have all of your filter needs covered!

Order now from US Home Filter and receive FREE SHIPPING on your order!

Selecting the filters that are right for your home can be difficult and confusing at times. At US Home Filter we understand this, which is why we offer an experienced staff to help answer any questions you may have. For personal assistance with your air filter needs, please contact us now online or call us at (855) 237-1673 and we will do our very best to assist you in selecting the right filter for your individual needs. We want to earn your business and we guarantee your satisfaction! Take advantage of our quality products, vast selection, low prices, and enjoy FREE SHIPPING on every air filter order within the Contiguous USA.

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Standard Stock Size Air Filters

Facts About Standard Sized Air FiltersHave you heard the term “Standard stock size” air filter? This merely means that your HVAC unit has a filter that is a common size that is mass produced and easily found. For example: 16x20x1, 20x20x1, 16x25x1, 20x20x1 are all standard sized air filters. Every unit has a specific sized filter which allows the it to perform correctly and efficiently. Most AC and HVAC units use standard sized filters, but some do require a custom size air filter to be purchased and installed. But why is filter size important? According to EPA.gov, incorrectly sized or installed filter frames can cause air seepage, which significantly decreases filter effectiveness. Also, if there is any air flow resistance caused by using a filter that is not correctly sized, it can result in unnecessary stress on the HVAC unit itself, potentially damaging your system equipment and increasing your energy bills.

Standard Size Air Filter Facts

  1. There are only about 10 of the most common air filter sizes available at retail locations. US Home Filter makes over 80 standard stock sizes that local stores do not have the shelf space for, nor the inventory capacity to keep them in stock. We do manufacture and stock them all because that’s our business! So take a look at our stock filters, from the most common 16x20x1, 20x20x1, 16x25x1, 20x25x1 to other sizes like 8x16x1 to 30x36x2 to 25x29x4 to 20x25x6. If we don’t have it, we can make it!
  2. Nominal Size: This is the approximate size, such as 16x25x1. All 16x25x1 filters are designed to fit standard 16x25x1 filter slots.
  3. Exact Size: This can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer. The die-cuts (filter frames) are manufactured in bulk and purchased as a raw material for making air filters and determine the exact size of the air filters. The exact size is always slightly smaller than the nominal size to allow the filter to properly fit in the slot or housing. For example, a stock size of 20x20x1 may have exact dimensions of 19-1/2 x 19-1/2 x 3/4. This is completely normal and is the standard in air filter manufacturing.
  4. Slight variances in size may make a difference in certain situations. For instance, you may find that the stock size at your local hardware store is just a bit too big to fit your housing slot; however, you may be able to find the same stock size online by a different manufacturer that is slightly smaller size and it fits perfectly.
  5. There are thousands upon thousands of possible exact air filter sizes that can be used in an HVAC unit. Because of this, you will not always be able to find a filter at a store or online as you are able to find regular stock sizes. If this is your situation, you will need to order a custom size air filter. Custom filters are not made to a nominal size, with a smaller actual size as stock sizes are made. At US Home Filter, we make your custom size filter according to your HVAC manufacturers specifications.

Finding the Right Fit

The filters don’t need to fit with an “airtight” seal, but you should be able to easily install and uninstall your filter without a struggle. Your filter should be a bit smaller on each side of the filter housing slot, allowing you to slide the filter in and out with ease. For most systems you can use a standard sized filter within 5/8 of an inch smaller than the air filter housing.

US Home Filter is Here for YOU

Hopefully this information helps you better understand what your AC/HVAC system requires for optimum performance. It’s also important to remember that using the correct size filter for your system protects your AC/HVAC unit from malfunctions and damage, allowing it to continue to perform correctly and keep your air cleaner and your family and home safer. Take a look at our air filter measuring guide for steps on figuring out the correct size filter for your system. If you’re still unsure, US Home Filter is here to help! Call us at 855-237-1673 or contact us online.

Order now from US Home Filter and receive FREE SHIPPING on your order!

Selecting the filters that are just right for your home can be difficult and confusing at times. At US Home Filter we understand this, which is why we offer an experienced staff to help answer any questions you may have. For personal assistance with your air filter needs, please contact us now online or call us at (855) 237-1673 and we will do our very best to assist you in selecting the right filter for your individual needs. We want to earn your business and we guarantee your satisfaction! Take advantage of our quality products, vast selection, low prices, and enjoy FREE SHIPPING on every air filter order within the Contiguous USA.

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Custom HVAC and Air Filters

Custom Replacement Air FiltersCustom air conditioning and furnace filters are necessary when you cannot find a standard stock size air filter to fit your filter housing, track, slot, or vent properly. We discussed measuring your air filter housing slot in our last post about how to figure out if your air filter is too small for your unit. Once measured, if you are unable to find a standard sized air filter within 5/8th-in smaller than the housing slot, your unit requires a custom sized air filter. Custom sizes are not stocked on shelves or available at local stores. With literally tens of thousands of possible size combinations, there is simply no way to keep each size in stock. However, you can select the exact size you need by building a custom air filter from US Home Filter where we keep a vast array of standard sizes, including many uncommon hard-to-find sizes, in stock and can make any custom size air filter that you may need!

Unfortunately, while there are many standard and commonly used sizes, the HVAC industry as a whole has not standardized air filter sizing. The majority of the time, air filter sizes are determined by the manufacturer of your unit and the size is generally determined based upon the finished size of the unit itself, rather than what would be known as a common air filter size that you can easily find at a local store. This can prove to be quite an inconvenience for many.

Some will recommend to put your main focus on the type of air filter you use. While that is an important factor, when you are faced with choosing a custom sized air filter your first and foremost concern should be in determining the exact size you need. The type of filter you use is irrelevant if it does not fit properly.

Custom Filters Reduce Indoor Air Pollution

According to the EPA, indoor air pollution is among the top five environmental health risks. Ensuring your air filter fits properly within your system and regularly cleaned is imperative to your furnace or air conditioning system operating properly and preventing costly repairs and replacements. This is where custom sized air filters are essential. The air should move through the filter, not around it, so those indoor air pollutants are caught in the filter and not returned into your home and the air you breathe. At US Home Filter, we have a step by step process to determine the appropriate air filter dimensions for your heating and/or cooling system and we deliver your custom air furnace filters straight to your door.

Once you have figured out the exact dimensions you need for your custom air filters, then you can select the type of filter you need based upon your needs. Your needs will likely depend on how much you prefer to spend balanced with what level of filtration you desire. It is also extremely important to change your custom air furnace filter on a regular basis. This allows for a constant flow of clean air into your home which will help you and your family avoid respiratory difficulties, allergies, and illness and keep your family safe and comfortable. It will also allow your system to work efficiently increasing its performance and longevity and decreasing energy bills.

In conclusion, a properly fitting air filter is necessary to keep your home safe and the air you breathe clean. There are hundreds of air filter sizes and US Home Filter is here to help you get the correct filter as easily and efficiently as possible.

 

Order now from US Home Filter and receive FREE SHIPPING on your order!

Selecting the filters that are just right for your home can be difficult and confusing at times. At US Home Filter we understand this, which is why we offer an experienced staff to help answer any questions you may have. For personal assistance with your air filter needs, please contact us now online or call us at (855) 237-1673 and we will do our very best to assist you in selecting the right filter for your individual needs. We want to earn your business and we guarantee your satisfaction! Take advantage of our quality products, vast selection, low prices, and enjoy FREE SHIPPING on every air filter order within the Contiguous USA.

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WHY CHOOSE CUSTOM AIR FURNACE FILTERS

Air filters keep atmospheric dust and other airborne particles from surface buildup on heating and cooling system’s fan motor, coil and drip pans.  Without clean air filters, a furnace or air conditioning system cannot operate properly and leads to costly repairs and replacements.  It is imperative to maintain air filters by checking them regularly and ensuring they fit properly to your system. This is where custom air filters can be extremely beneficial. You want the air to move through the filter, not around it so it is important for the filter to fit the air return.  At US Home Filter, we can walk you through a step by step process to determine the appropriate air filter dimensions for your heating and cooling system and deliver your custom air furnace filters straight to your door.

Once you have determined the size of the filter you need, it is important to change your custom air furnace filter on a regular basis.  This will allow a constant flow of clean air into your home to help avoid respiratory difficulties, allergies, and illness keeping your family safe and comfortable.  It will also allow your system to work efficiently increasing its performance and longevity and decreasing energy bills.