http://www.ushomefilter.com/This is the US Home Filter BlogCopyright (c) 2012 Sun, 05 Feb 2012 07:49:18 ESTSun, 05 Feb 2012 07:49:18 EST5Recently, a report was done by the UK charity Allergy UK (which supports people with allergies, food intolerance, and chemical sensitivity) in order to better understand the effects of indoor allergies and in honor of Indoor Allergy Week.  It hopes to provide information in what allergies are the most common and also how to help limit the effects of them.  Questioning 1,600 people, the survey looked at the phenomenon of “home fever”, an allergic reaction to dust mites and other allergens in the home.  Similar to hay fever, the most common symptoms of this “fever” are runny noses and sneezing....

]]> http://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/millions-are-allergic-to-their-own-home.htmlhttp://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/millions-are-allergic-to-their-own-home.htmlThu, 08 Dec 2011 01:07:00 ESTAs the weather gets colder, we have to worry more and more about the effect of indoor allergies instead of just outdoor ones.  Did you know the quality of air indoors can actually carry two to five times as many air pollutants as the air outdoors?  Because of this, it is important to take steps to improve the air quality in your home.  There are many ways that you can do this.  For starters, you should make sure to keep area rugs and carpets as clean as possible – compared to hardwood, tile, or laminate flooring that doesn’t hold in allergens, rugs and carpets can absorb as much as three pounds of dirt, dust, and allergens every week....

]]> http://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/tips-for-reducing-home-air-pollutants.htmlhttp://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/tips-for-reducing-home-air-pollutants.htmlThu, 08 Dec 2011 01:05:00 ESTWe have good news and bad news for all those Santa and sleigh bell aficionados: the bad news is - both real and even artificial trees can trigger asthma and allergic reactions.  The good news, there are steps you can take to prevent these allergies from ruining your holiday spirit. Specialists say that even though evergreen trees pollinate in the spring instead of the time of harvest, pollens from grasses may piggyback into the house on the trees, as well as ragweed.  Ragweed is a fall allergen, and can adhere to the needles of the tree along with mold if it has been a damp season....

]]> http://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/allergic-to-christmas.htmlhttp://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/allergic-to-christmas.htmlThu, 08 Dec 2011 01:00:00 ESTAs you bundle up for winter, you may be apt to close all your windows as well, which can lead to stagnant air in the home.  With no fresh-air circulation, moisture and pollutants can become trapped within the home, causing irritations to you and your family if you suffer from asthma or allergies.  In order to help this, you will need to take steps to improve the indoor air quality in your home and manage the amount of moisture throughout winter. There are some key places that indoor moisture can accumulate during the winter months....

]]> http://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/how-to-improve-air-quality-in-your-home-this-winter.htmlhttp://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/how-to-improve-air-quality-in-your-home-this-winter.htmlFri, 04 Nov 2011 09:20:00 ESTAs the leaves begin to change colors in some parts of the country and the temperature begins to cool down, there are some easy ways you can save money on your first heating bill.  By preparing in advance before turning on the furnace for the first chilly morning, you can not only save money but also increase the comfort in your home. First and foremost, make sure to perform basic HVAC system maintenance.  Turn the system off and sweep around the outdoor unit in order to clear any dirt, leaves, or other debris that could get clogged in the condensing unit and waste energy....

]]> http://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/finding-fall-savings-autumn-tips-to-save-energy-and-money.htmlhttp://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/finding-fall-savings-autumn-tips-to-save-energy-and-money.htmlFri, 04 Nov 2011 09:14:00 ESTNot many people know about particle pollution, although it is a very common and potentially very dangerous occurrence.  Particle matter is a mixture of solid and liquid droplets that can be caused by a host of activities throughout not only your home but also the neighborhood – from your cooking at home to the running of a car engine to the burning of fossil fuels at a local power plant, particle matter is released into the air almost continuously.  These particles are dangerous to your health as they can be inhaled into the lungs and penetrate deep into the body’s respiratory system....

]]> http://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/particle-pollution-what-is-it.htmlhttp://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/particle-pollution-what-is-it.htmlFri, 04 Nov 2011 09:04:00 ESTA lot of people believe that once the cold air hits, their allergies will go away.  Unfortunately, though, this is not the case for everyone.  More often than not, people are quick to assume that the symptoms are caused by either a cold or the flu – and who can blame them, as the most common symptoms of winter allergies are coughing, dark circles under the eyes, itchy eyes and nose, runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes.  But as pollen levels subside, what else could be the cause? Well, as people spend more time inside than outside during the winter months in general, indoor allergies become more prevalent....

]]> http://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/winter-allergies.htmlhttp://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/winter-allergies.htmlFri, 04 Nov 2011 08:52:00 EST Mold spores float through the air just like pollen.  They are transported by air current or by direct contact.  Spores are  present everywhere as there are indoor and outdoor mold sources.  The outdoor mold season begins in the early Spring and is most prevalent from July – October.  Most can be present in the outdoors year-round in warmer southern and coastal climates.  Indoor mold will produce spores all year.   Definition:  Mold spores are microscopic organisms that are dispersed indoors and outdoors year-round.  When spores land on moist surfaces such as wood, carpeting, and paper, they can begin to grow and reproduce....

]]> http://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/analyze-your-allergies-mold.htmlhttp://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/analyze-your-allergies-mold.htmlWed, 15 Jun 2011 05:46:00 EST       Most often, we think of Spring as allergy season.  In the Spring, trees begin to release their grains of pollen and bring misery to those who suffer from allergies.  Pollen continues to attack in the Summer months as well, with grasses and weeds as the main offenders.   Grass pollen is highest during the months of May and June while weed pollen will peak during August and September.  Depending on the type of pollen that triggers and allergic response, some with allergies may only be affected for a month or two while others may be at the mercy of pollen for several months....

]]> http://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/summer-allergy-tips.htmlhttp://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/summer-allergy-tips.htmlMon, 13 Jun 2011 05:15:00 EST It is estimated that as many as 35 million Americans are allergic to pollen.  Pollen is the most common and widespread windborne allergen that can be found nearly everywhere, indoors and out.  An allergy to pollen causes hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis.  You can be allergic to one or all of the three main pollen categories:  Tree, Weed, or Grass.    Definition:  Pollen grains are the reproductive cells that come from plants, grasses, trees, weeds, and flowers.  From Spring through Fall, pollen grains are released and carried by the wind with the intent of fertilizing other plants if that is where they arrive....

]]> http://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/pollen-it-s-coming.htmlhttp://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/pollen-it-s-coming.htmlMon, 28 Feb 2011 04:00:00 EST  Pets are a part of over 70% of American households.  They provide us with affection, companionship, entertainment, and security.  These furry (and sometimes non-furry!) family members also bring another element to the home environment.  Those with allergies to animals, over 6 million of us, are all too aware of this element.  Definition:  Pet dander comes from tiny microscopic skin flakes, similar to dandruff but much smaller.  Dander is dispersed into your pet's fur or into the air when they scratch.  Dander can remain airborne for several minutes to hours before landing on a surface where it can remain for months....

]]> http://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/pointing-out-particles-pet-dander.htmlhttp://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/pointing-out-particles-pet-dander.htmlMon, 14 Feb 2011 10:07:00 EST Controlling household dust is an ongoing battle for the majority of us.  Dust can appear and reappear just about anywhere in your home no matter how much effort you put into cleaning and dusting.  That is because there are many potential sources of dust.  The best way of tackling dust is at the source.  Although you can attempt to minimize the sources of dust, you will not be able to completely remove them....

]]> http://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/conquering-dust-or-at-least-attempting-to.htmlhttp://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/conquering-dust-or-at-least-attempting-to.htmlTue, 08 Feb 2011 10:48:00 EST   Having trouble getting rid of smoke odor in your home or business?  There are many useful ideas available to help you overcome this issue.  Perhaps you will need to try more than one of them, but you should absolutely consider adding Activated Carbon air filters to the equation to do alot of the work for you.  Click here for more information about how Activated Carbon air filters work.   Here is some information regarding smoke odors and particles.  Facts:  There are many recommendations and home remedies for removing smoke odors including vinegar, baking soda, ammonia, coffee grounds, vanilla, dryer sheets, and hydrogen peroxide....

]]> http://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/pointing-out-particles-tobacco-smoke.htmlhttp://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/pointing-out-particles-tobacco-smoke.htmlTue, 25 Jan 2011 12:34:00 EST Your air filter serves as protector of your HVAC system.  Air filters prevent unfiltered air from entering your system where dust can accumulate on system components and inside the ductwork.    So, first and foremost, you need a decent air filter.  We recommend a flat-panel Poly filter at a minimum which will serve this basic purpose - system protection.  Secondly, and just as important, it is necessary to change your filters on a regular basis.  Leaving a filter caked with dirt and debris in place can be nearly as bad as having no filter at all....

]]> http://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/so-why-is-it-so-important-to-change-your-air-filter.htmlhttp://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/so-why-is-it-so-important-to-change-your-air-filter.htmlFri, 21 Jan 2011 12:03:00 EST   Cedar Fever - this is not your average everyday allergy.  This is a tormenting, raging affliction (most prominent in Texas, but also in the South-Central US) that can bring about misery and distress for most of the Winter season.  Cedar Fever is caused by the pollen from Mountain Cedar trees, also known as Ashe Junipers....

]]> http://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/the-cedar-fever-curse-is-upon-us.htmlhttp://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/the-cedar-fever-curse-is-upon-us.htmlWed, 19 Jan 2011 05:25:00 EST  Here is a quick and convenient tool to help you choose the best filter to suit your indoor air quality needs!  Take a look at our Filter Comparison Chart to help you make your decision.  Click on the particles and features for extended information including interesting facts, allergy symptoms, and particle sizes....

]]> http://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/which-air-filter-is-best-for-you.htmlhttp://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/which-air-filter-is-best-for-you.htmlMon, 17 Jan 2011 05:55:00 EST This indoor allergen can be particularly obnoxious during the Winter months as we tend to spend more time in our homes cooped up with the furnace running and stirring up all kinds of dust which is where these disgusting creatures abundantly reside.    Dust mites are unwelcome guests in every home.  These microscopic insects infest our bedding, carpeting, and furniture.  Although dust mites can survive in most climates, they thrive and multiply best in warm and humid environments.  Since they feed off of dead skin flakes and dander, they make their homes easily anywhere people and animals live....

]]> http://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/analyze-your-allergies-dust-mites.htmlhttp://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/analyze-your-allergies-dust-mites.htmlThu, 13 Jan 2011 12:12:00 ESTViruses A virus is a microscopic organism that can only grow inside of a living cell. Viruses can cause infection, illness, and disease in all living organisms and can be found in any environment where life is present.   Facts: Antibiotics do not help in the treatment of viruses....

]]> http://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/pointing-out-particles-viruses.htmlhttp://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/pointing-out-particles-viruses.htmlTue, 11 Jan 2011 04:29:00 EST  Winter is not necessarily the first season that comes to mind when you think about allergies.  But for those with allergies to dust, pet dander, and mold...Winter can be a miserable time.  If you seem to suffer every year from a cold that lasts throughout the Winter months, you could actually be dealing with allergies in disguise.  But how do you know the difference?   There are many similarities, but the main differences are:   1.  The duration of a cold will be no more than 10-14 days.  Allergies can be ongoing as long as there is exposure to the source of the allergy.   2....

]]> http://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/common-cold-or-winter-allergies.htmlhttp://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/common-cold-or-winter-allergies.htmlThu, 06 Jan 2011 09:56:00 ESTMinimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) is a filter rating system devised by the American Society of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) to standardize and simplify air filter efficiency ratings for the consumer.  The higher the MERV rating, the higher the efficiency of the air filter.  This simply means that a MERV 13 filter will remove smaller particles from the air than a MERV 8 filter.  MERV ratings give you the ability to effectively compare one brand to another.  Aside from any value-added features such as antimicrobial or odor control properties, one MERV 8 filter will perform about the same as any other MERV 8 filter....

]]> http://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/merv-ratings-explained.htmlhttp://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/merv-ratings-explained.htmlThu, 23 Dec 2010 02:02:00 ESTAlthough we strive to provide customers with the best possible experience when ordering air filters from our website, we understand that there are convenience and security features available when ordering through Amazon that may be beneficial to you....

]]> http://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/check-out-our-amazon-storefront.htmlhttp://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/check-out-our-amazon-storefront.htmlWed, 01 Dec 2010 01:01:00 EST 2010 HVAC Dealer Design GOLD Award Winner!   As cold weather approaches for many of us, we begin to think about the high cost of heating our homes during the Winter months.  This is a reasonable concern as our HVAC systems can be responsible for nearly half of the energy used in our homes!  Along with regular maintenance and filter changes, there are several things that can be done to trim the costs of heating and cooling your home.    Here is a quick and affordable solution that addresses one area of concern....

]]> http://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/reduce-utility-bills-with-filterlock.htmlhttp://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/reduce-utility-bills-with-filterlock.htmlTue, 26 Oct 2010 04:56:00 EST After months of thoughtful planning, we are pleased to welcome you to our completely new and updated website!  Our goal has been to create a site that is not only unique in appearance, but in content as well....

]]> http://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/us-home-filter-announces-newly-designed-website.htmlhttp://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/us-home-filter-announces-newly-designed-website.htmlSun, 01 Aug 2010 11:37:00 EST Our new line of SB40 MERV 8 Baking Soda Pleated Filters is now available!  There has been a great demand for a replacement filter since the discontinuation of the Arm & Hammer line of filters....

]]> http://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/us-home-filter-introduces-new-line-of-baking-soda-filters.htmlhttp://www.ushomefilter.com/blog/posts/us-home-filter-introduces-new-line-of-baking-soda-filters.htmlSun, 01 Aug 2010 11:32:00 EST