The Breathe Easy Blog

UV-C (Germicidal) lamp radiation is a method of disinfecting air, water, and surfaces from infection and bacteria. Viruses (including the various strands of coronavirus) have been tested to respond to UV-C radiation processes and completely disinfect surfaces from them in as little as just a few seconds.  The Ultraviolet (UV) light within the lamp gives off a light that is unable to be seen by the human eye and effectively breaks down the DNA of microorganisms, eliminating their ability to replicate and cause disease. UV-C lamp technology is: Trusted. It’s been used for over 40 years. Effective. Every virus tested to date with the technology responds. Versatile. This can function in home, office, and public environments. Some lamps even emit a trace ozone to help eliminate odors. Fast. The technology eliminates bacteria within minutes—sometimes seconds. Replacing Your UV-C Lamps: Avoid Knockoffs It’s imperative to make sure the lamp you replace within the system is one that will be effective and will stand the test of time. Many knockoff brands do a funny thing of overpromising and under-delivering—boasting low price tags and guarantees that the lamp will last for 9,000 hours (1 year). But unfortunately, they often are not effective to last through that timespan, if they’re even fully effective from the beginning. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) germicidal lamps are developed directly by the manufacturer of the UV-C disinfection system itself, so it’s guaranteed that the lamp will be the right match for keeping the system running at optimal performance. Even though these are associated with a slightly higher price than the knockoffs, it’s not without reason. Not only do OEM UV lamps protect your overall system by being the best fit, but they’re rated to last between one to three years at full functionality. It’s very much worth it to pay for the slightly increased price of an OEM UV replacement lamp versus a knockoff version. Proper Germicidal UV Lamp Replacement Tips There are a few things to keep in mind when replacing UV-C lamps. Here are some pointers: It’s recommended that UV lamps should be replaced every 9,000 hours (approximately one year) for residential usage. It’s important to adhere to this schedule, especially if anyone in your household has respiratory conditions or sensitivities. If your UV-C lamp is used as a way to keep the coils clean on your HVAC system, you can stick to a two-year replacement schedule.  If you’re using a UV lamp after it’s been in use for three years, this can lead to excessive power consumption and overheating. In some cases, this contributes directly to system failure.  My UV Lamp Still Lights Up—Do I Need to Replace It? The part of the UV lamp that does the job of disinfecting the air, water, or surfaces from bacteria is actually invisible to the human eye due to the level of the ultraviolet radiation required to properly disinfect. So, the light blue glow from the filaments that we can see through the system viewport is simply a byproduct of the system and not a true reflection of its effectiveness.  The UV light energy that is put out by these lamps slowly diminishes to lower levels on the germicidal spectrum as time goes on. Simply put, sticking to the recommended schedule for the lamp and its location is always the best way to go.  Your Source for Reliable OEM UV Replacement Lamps HEPA Filter Sales is happy to offer OEM UV replacement lamps that we would trust to put inside of our homes and protect the ones we love from harmful bacteria. We believe in the importance of distributing lamps that come from the manufacturer, as they will better protect the air you breathe and the system that allows you to do so. We make sure you get the most for your money when it comes to germicidal systems, so your mind can be at ease. Contact us today and we’ll help you find the right UV replacement lamp!

Changing the filters in your air filtration or heating and cooling systems is one of the largest components to keeping a safe and clean home or office environment. Especially in today’s world, breathing clean air shouldn’t be taken lightly. Changing your air filters on schedule is particularly significant, but 1 out of every 5 people believe it’s not important to do.  The damage that can be caused by a lack of regular filter replacement reaches beyond just dirty air, and heavily into your wallet. Your HVAC system can suffer and require costly repairs if it’s frequently trying to operate with dirty air filters, and many people experience health problems due to breathing impure air in their homes or workplace. It’s not only imperative to replace your filters at the right times and frequencies, but with the right type: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) filters are a far better option than “knockoff” brands. The Differences Between OEM and Aftermarket Air Filters Unfortunately, there are a lot of “knockoff” brand air filters available to homeowners or business owners that claim to be the right match for your respective heating or cooling system and are advertised for a lower price than OEM filters. Why are these typically priced lower? The answer is simple: The quality and reliability of these filters are nowhere close to the ones that come from the manufacturer of the HVAC system altogether.  Here are a few ways these two categories of filters set themselves apart: Materials: Even though they may look the same, OEM air filters are typically made out of higher-quality materials due to the patents required for the manufacturer to produce their products. These materials are not always available for companies producing aftermarket filters.  Correct Fitting: By getting your replacement air filters from the company that also made the HVAC system they go to, you can be sure it will fit exactly the way it needs to. Without direct access to these systems, there’s a chance that the measurements on the filters from aftermarket filter companies could be incorrect and cause ineffectiveness of the filter.  Efficiency: With the filter company being the ones responsible for installing your heating and cooling system, they want their customers to be satisfied in the long-run with these appliances. Pairing them with low-efficiency filters can increase the cost and decrease the quality of the HVAC’s performance, so they are quick to provide high-efficiency filters that will save you money over time and keep their products running smoothly. Reliable Timeline: With an OEM filter that comes directly from the manufacturer of the HVAC system, you can be assured that the recommended replacement schedule and frequency that comes with the filter is accurate and specific for that specific furnace or air conditioning unit. Trusted Experience: With a brand that manufactures both HVAC systems and their respective filters, they’ve traditionally developed a trusted brand name in the market. A “knockoff” filter company might not have as deep of industry knowledge and experience, combining for an unrecognized and untried brand name. Isn’t “High-Efficiency” Always Best? Not necessarily. Some knockoff filters that are labeled as extremely high-efficiency can actually be dangerous to the health of your heating or cooling system. These can create an airflow restriction, leading to hidden damage to your system and premature repair or replacement costs. Again, the best option out there for your replacement filters is the one that comes directly from the manufacturer, as it’s designed to help the overall system perform exactly how it’s promised. In a World of Knockoffs, HEPA Filter Sales Emerged The growing problem of unqualified replacement filters on the market is actually one of the main reasons HEPA Filter Sales got started in 2006. After hearing horror story upon horror story regarding knockoff filters, we set out to be a trusted supplier of OEM filters for homeowners and business owners. Even though you might find a filter elsewhere that may save you a few dollars initially, the lack of quality and performance will lead to much higher costs in the long run. Our philosophy is that it’s simply not worth the gamble! Check out our FIlter Finder services to order your replacements, certified directly from the manufacturer, today!

It’s become quite a cliche statement, but we really are experiencing “unprecedented times,” nearly ONE YEAR later. To help stop the spread of COVID-19, it’s important to take safety precautions in many aspects of our lives. These measures include your use of “central” furnace and air conditioning filters in your home and/or office. The Basics of Air Filters The filter’s primary function is to protect the operation of the equipment, not the occupants of homes or businesses! Sounds outrageous, doesn’t it? We call the typical 1-inch thick filter you’ll find at “box” stores “boulder catchers”; certainly NOT appropriate to catch and hold dust, bacteria or airborne viruses. So, changing your dirty standard air filter with a “boulder catcher” does nothing to protect the health of the occupants. If you can see through the filter, it can’t capture particles you can’t see! Fine dust, molds, viruses and bacteria are NOT visible to the human eye. What’s a Homeowner or Business Owner to Do? In one word—upgrade! If you already have upgraded filters, follow the recommended replacement schedule and modify based on your environment. Living near a busy highway, living with wall to wall carpet, highly active children, pets, and wooded areas will increase the replacement frequency. (Carpeting is a dust and dirt catcher—walk across the carpet and you stir up a fine cloud of dust and particles behind you that you don’t see. When is the last time you saw the obnoxious cologne your friend was wearing?) Most standard “central” system filters are rated with a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which designates the size of the particle the filter media will catch and hold. The higher the MERV rating, the more restrictive air flow and particulate flow back into the air we breathe. Studies show that using a MERV 13-rated filter works at a 95% efficiency level in capturing the COVID-19 virus particle. This filter will hold the virus particle long enough to render it harmless. Ductless filters are rarely rated in MERV. The large ductless filters are supposed to be cleaned every 2 to 3 weeks and replaced annually or bi-annually. Most ductless units have specialty air filters available to help capture the fine particles, remove odors or add “health-enhancing” products to the air. The challenge with “central” systems becomes the restriction to airflow, which can cause significant system efficiency loss, higher operating costs, and damage to marginally healthy equipment! In fact, many air duct systems are undersized, making the use of higher efficiency filtration even more dangerous to equipment longevity, cost-efficient operation, and healthy living. HEPA Air Filters The word ‘HEPA’ stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. This type of air filter can trap up to 99.97 percent of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns, the most penetrable size of air particles. Their MERV ratings (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values) are among the highest of air filter types. To see a table of ratings and their respective particle size blockage, see the EPA’s table here. Structurally, these filters have an interlaced glass fiber construction twisted together to make a sustainable fibrous maze. So when particles move through the web, the filters pick them out of circulation. Despite the standards and certifications being as recent as 1983, HEPA air filters actually date back to World War II. American scientists with the Manhattan Project created the first HEPA air purifiers to capture radioactive particles that atomic bombs released.  How HEPA Air Filters Help Cleanse the Air of COVID-19 When people carrying the coronavirus talk, sing, cough, yell or even breathe, they release the virus into the air through particles ranging in various sizes. Although the large respiratory droplets fall quickly, the smaller aerosols are able to remain in the air for 30 minutes or longer until they’re taken away through ventilation or captured by an air-purification system. Air cleaning filters specifically filter out all kinds of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and airborne particles; reducing airborne contaminants including viruses. Air purifiers are also helpful when you have limited ventilation from the outdoors.  To help reduce the amount of viral contaminants from the air, it’s best to use HEPA air filters that come with MERV ratings ranging from 0.1 to 1 micron capture, and make sure to be on top of checking them and changing them for new filters on their proper frequency and recommended schedule.  Air Cleaners in Your Home A central heating and cooling system can be the ideal way to decrease indoor air pollutants as it regularly exchanges the air throughout each room of a home. Keep in mind, your standard air filter is made to protect your unit, so you can’t exactly count on them to remove the virus. A Central Air Purifier (CAP) Could Be a Better Answer Using a “bypass” type HEPA air purification unit attached to your present system will help avoid the airflow restrictions caused by simply replacing an existing flow-through furnace filter. The “bypass” CAP unit uses a percentage of the system’s airflow, cleaning it systematically and in concert with an upgraded, but not too restrictive air filter.  The CAP is a multi-layered filtration unit with the first layer of filters removing the large particles, and the HEPA core removing the smaller particles. This layering helps increase the longevity of the HEPA core, which could last 2 to 3 years. The system circulates air continuously, even when the furnace or air conditioning unit is operating and eventually, all the air in the home is cleaned. Cleaner Air in Commercial Buildings Much like your home air conditioning system, a commercial HVAC system filters the air before allowing it to move into areas around the building. Upgrading the filter is a bit easier because most systems are built with filter racks that enable the owner to upgrade to thicker and higher efficiency filters.  One key difference between home systems and commercial systems is a requirement for commercial buildings to introduce outdoor air into the system, mostly to fight the ill effects of the carbon dioxide produced by various sources, including humans. Yes, it pulls in the hot and humid air in the summer, cold air in the winter, and whatever is in the outside air making filter changes and maintenance ever more important; all while increasing energy consumption!  We’ll talk about an answer next time… Can we help with your filter needs? Contact us today!

What is a Furnace Filter, and What should I do if my air filter looks clean when it's time to change it? According to Freddie Williams, an instructor of air-conditioning technology at Lanier Technical College in Oakwood, Ga., high-grade filters are the most efficient way to clean the air in your home. But what do they look like when they've done their job? When it's time to change your filter -- anywhere from 1 to 3 months after you installed a fresh one -- it should look dirty. "A build-up of dust is usually apparent," Williams said. "There should be gray, ashy-looking material on the duct side of the filter." If your filter looks clean after it's been in place for the recommended time, here are some things you should check: Does the filter fit properly into the holder? If the filter is loose or too small for the space, the air can circulate around it instead of going through it. Measure the filter space and purchase a filter that fits snugly. Is the filter installed upside down? There is a correct air-flow direction for most air filters. Look for arrows on the filter frame, and install the filter so that the arrows point toward the fan. Is the filter you're using right for the job you want it to do? If you're using a low-end filter, it's not going to catch much dust. Upgrade to a filter with a higher MERV rating to increase the air cleaning efficiency. Check your rate of air exchange. According to Williams, if your system is functioning properly, it should run for about 15 minutes per cycle, with a cycle rate of not more than three in an hour. If it runs shorter cycles, it isn't creating the desired rate of air exchange. Call a professional and get your system checked. Your home environment and how often you run the heat or air can also affect how quickly your air filter gets dirty. If your home is well sealed, you have no pets, no dust-prone furnishings like carpet and fabric-covered furniture, and you dust and vacuum every day, your air filters will have fewer air-born particles to collect. Also, the system only filters the air when it's running. If you install a new filter, but don't turn on the heat or air conditioning until a month or two later, the filter should still be relatively clean since the system hasn't been forcing air through it.

These filters are available for these portable vacuums: H2500 (serial #s 1155 and higher) H2500IV H2500TF PPV This package ships with 1 filter.For more details and purchase info:https://hepafiltersales.com/products/abatement-technologies-h2520-99-24-x-18-x-6-hepa-filter

Our customers count on us to get straight answers and help. If they are going to invest in good quality filters, they want to know what they’re getting. So along those lines, the question I get asked all the time is: “Are your filters OEM (original equipment manufacturer)?” Some of the customers have purchased the cheap knock offs elsewhere before that didn’t hold up, so they just like to check that we have the real deal before making their purchase. The truth is that we don’t sell knock-offs; we only sell OEM filters (trusted brands like Abatement, Ultravation, Fujitsu, Mitsubishi, and more). If you have any questions about what you see in our store, don’t hesitate to ask. I’m right here. Live chat with us

Abatement Technologies H8518B Bag Filter is now available in Hepa Filter Sales store (actual stock may vary). Abatement Technologies H8518B replacement bag filter for the following Abatement portable vacuums: H2500IV and discontinued models H2500 (Serial Numbers (1) greater than 1155 and (2) Serial Numbers up to 1154) H4000 and H5000 Abatement Technologies H8518B is a second stage Merv 8 bag filter. This package ships with 4 filters. For more details and purchase info: Abatement Technologies H2515B Bag Filter for H2500, H2500IV, H2500B

We recently started offering this filter from Koch: The Koch Multi-Pleat XL8 MERV 8 furnace filter model 102-041-009 is a high performance disposable replacement air filter for all Bryant, Carrier and Payne gas and oil furnaces, heat pump and AC air handlers. This package ships with 12 filters and should be replaced every 1-3 months. For more details and purchase info: https://hepafiltersales.com/products/koch-air-filter-18-x-18-x-1-merv-8-pleated-air-filter-12-pack

Check out this new product available from Abatement Technologies: Abatement Technologies H2515B replacement bag filter for the following Abatement units: H2500 H2500IV H2500B H2500C H2500TF This product ships with one (1) replacement first stage bag filter. For more details and purchase info:https://hepafiltersales.com/products/abatement-technologies-h2515b-1st-stage-fitted-pre-filter-bag