Safe-Home.com

Question about Envirosept Furnace Filter Panels and How to Choose the Correct Size.

Answer: In the furnace industry, furnace filter sizes are actually rounded up to the next whole number. (Thank you for your question because this was not a fact that was active in my mind!) I phoned the manufacturer and learned this and also that a 2 x 4 is actually 1.75 inches by 3.5 inches! Actually, in the first paragraph of every Envirosept Furnace Panel, Safe Home does give this information!

To determine the actual size of what you need, imagine a picture frame. You would measure that edge to edge across the top and the same up the side. That is how you measure a furnace filter. Then you pick the next larger furnace filter or furnace panel. Or you can remove the disposable furnace filter and measure it the same way.

In your situation, you would need the EnviroSept 22x23 Furnace Filter Panel,14 Filter Pads. This panel actually measures 21.5 inches by 23.25 inches, the measurements you gave me on the phone. This Envirosept includes 14 filter pads, two of which are in the furnace filter panel when it is delivered. So this filter size is rounded up if it is .5 inches for the 22 part and rounded down for the 23 part since your filter is 23.25 inches.

To get the most from your Envirosept, you need to run the fan continuously and change the filter pads regularly. This can mean every 3 to 4 weeks or even longer. We recommend that you check the panel after the first two weeks. Your choice then is to take the dirty primary filter and throw it out and use the secondary filter in the primary or first slot or replace both filter pads. Remember you do need an electrical outlet for this unit.

Thanks for your questions.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the AirPura Whole House forced air heating and cooling system air purifiers.

Answer: All the AirPura systems are supplemental air cleaners, i.e. they bypass air from the central air flow, clean it and return it through the main system. All are made in Canada, not China. AirPura suggests you have a "tinsmith" or HVAC person cut the holes in your return air duct. Once connected to your return air duct, a portion of the main airflow is by-passed through the unit which purifies it and returns the clean air into the system. The Airpura unit can continue to filter and distribute clean air throughout your home even when your central air system is turned off. Even when your central air system is turned off the Airpura W600 can continue to filter and distribute clean air throughout your home.

Here are the common features of all AirPura Whole House Air Purifiers:

• draws a portion of the main airflow as a by-pass, purifies it and returns the clean air into the system.
• efficient 560 CFM fan motor ensures that no change in air pressure takes place in your central air system.
• variable speed control, you choose the level of purification required: from OFF to MAX.]
• save on your energy costs and help protect the environment by cleaning and recirculating your indoor air instead of heating or cooling outdoor air.
• easy change pre-filter:simply unclip the input pipe and replace the pre-filter pad.
• 18 lbs Carbon Filter
• True HEPA filter Traps 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns:40 sq ft HEPA filtration surface
• Motor and electric parts out of the airflow:Other systems blow clean air over the motor and recontaminate it
  
• One piece motor / fan assembly: Eliminates vibration problems where separate fan is attached to a shaft with a set screw. Compact motor / fan design allows more space for filtration
• Powdercoat steel housing: Robust construction. No plastic vapors.
• Felt Gaskets Seal the filter chamber: No off gassing from rubber seals
• Unique pressure seal: The pressure seal system on the filter chamber ensures that all the impurities pass through the filters. Other systems allow dirty air to escape and fail to acheive their promised HEPA rating of 99.97% filtration.
• Physical Size: 22" high, 15" wide
• Effective for up to 2000 sq ft

These are the various units and what makes each unique:

• Airpura R600-W: All Features Listed Above, ie. 18 lb carbon filter plus true HEPA filter. Use in a typical home up to 2000 sq. ft where you want better air quality.
  

• Airpura V600-W: All Features Listed Above Plus Enhanced special blend carbon in the 18 lb carbon filter adsorbs VOCs and specific chemicals. True HEPA Filter. Use in a home up to 2000 sq. ft where you have exposure to ammonia, formaldehyde, etc.
  

• Airpura UV600-W: UV Germicidal lamp sterilizes antigens, pathogens and mold spores as they are trapped on the filters.17 inches germicidal surface U shaped lamp: 2 times the length of other makes and 2 times as effective Plus 18 lb carbon filter plus true HEPA filter. Use in a home up to 2000 sq. feet. when you are concerned about mold, antigens, germs, etc.
  
• Airpura P600-W:  TitanClean photocatalytic oxidizion technology targets VOCs, airborne chemicals and odors as well as mold, particles and microorganisms. Has a titanium dioxide reflector that works in conjunction with the Airpura'20 watt UV germicidal lamp. 18 lb. carbon filter, true HEPA filter. Use in home or business up to 2000 sq. ft. when you are concerned about reducing airborne chemicals to smaller safer compounds, until only carbon dioxide and water vapor are left. You can retrofit your UV600-W (a portable air cleaner) to use this reflector.
  
• Airpura H600-W:  For allergy and asthma sufferers and full scale particle filtration. Hi-C carbon weave filter traps airborne chemicals and odors. 18 lb. carbon filter, True HEPA Filter. Use in a home up to 2000 sq. ft. where persons live with allergies to pollen, dust mites, dust, etc. as well as to chemical odors.
• Airpura C600-W:  Extra large carbon bed ( 3 Inch) for maximum carbon adsorbtion. Especially effective for airborne chemicals and gases. 26 lb. carbon filter.  Special carbon blends available for specific chemical problems. HEPA-Barrier post filter traps particles. True HEPA Filter. For house or building up to 2000 sq. ft with HVAC forced air heating and air conditioning system.
  

So choose an AirPura whole house unit based upon your needs. Remember that if you have a house larger than 2000 sq. ft, the effectiveness of any of these units is greatly reduced. In many homes larger than 2000 sq. ft, there are 2 or more HVAC units depending upon the home size.

I hope this has helped you to make your decision. Thanks for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about theSafeHome Duo 20 inch by 20 inch by 1 inch 4 Pack and the Safe Home System Cold Air Return Purifier, 16X20X1

Answer: Both types of air filters will fit your 16 x 20 x 1 inch air return filter grille.

The Safe Home Duo, is a two layered polyester filter with a MERV8 rating. The first layer filters the particulates like dust, pollen, etc. The second, inner layer is impregnated with carbon and potassium permanganate that is for chemical removal.The Duo offers the same allergen, odor and chemical removal as the System, but in a single 1" filter. Duos utilize an inner steel frame that creates a filter with self sealing edges for great filtration and whisper quiet operation. SafeHome Duos are available as individual 3 month filters. You may need to replace more often depending upon your facility. To install, you fold the excess material around the filter's internal frame to slide it into the grille and then tuck the remainder in so you can close the cover over the filter slot. This excess material helps seal the edges where the filter fits into the equipment and keeps air from going around the filter through gaps. Air should enter the white side, which traps allergens, and exit through the dark side, which traps gases and odors.

The SafeHome System Annual filter package consists of four pre-filters for dust, pollen, spores, etc. and one pollution filter. The pollution filter absorbs gases and odors and fits into the air duct behind the return grille with filter slot. The System has 125 grams per square foot of activated carbon and FormadaSorb to remove the most common, hazardous pollutants. The replacement filters for the filter slot are electrostatic air purifier filters. These pre-filters should be changed at least every three months.

More frequent changes may be necessary due to a wide variety of circumstances that increase chemical, odors and particles like allergens or dust. Examples of chemical and particulate sources include the following:

• Painting or renovations
• High levels of outdoor pollution
• Burning candles or using air deodorizers
• Cleaning agents
• Shedding Pets
• High activity levels

Rated at MERV 7, these filters are pleated with thin metal wire in diamond shapes covering the pleats. MERV 7 is an industry standard rating that means the filter removes 50% to 70% of particles down to 3 microns in size. With use, removal increases to more than 98% effectiveness.

The manufacturer recommends that the Safe Home System be used in the largest air return grill for each air system. So, one choice is to use the Duo filters in all but the largest air return grill. When you calculate the difference in price, however, you may elect to keep all the grille filters the same especially if they are the same size in each exam or waiting room.

Both the SafeHome Duo and the SafeHome System come in many sizes.

Thank you for your question. Please contact us if you need more information.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Safe Home Duo Air Purify Furnace Filter 16 x 20 x 1 In.

Answer: I recommend the Safe Home air purification furnace filter because it is so effective. This is a dual filter with a MERV rating of 8. MERV ratil layered polyester filter. There is a white pre-filter attached to a second polyester filter with embedded activated carbon and potassium permanganate. This air purifier filter has an internal steel frame. The polyester extends slightly beyond the metal frame so the filter seals very tightly in the slot. That way allergens, gasses, etc. cannot go around the filter edges.

The white polyester outer layer first receives the air flow: it removes pollen, mold spores, and other common allergens. The second layer features FormaldaSorb™ (potassium permanganate) and activated carbon that traps odors and hazardous gasses, such as formaldehyde, ammonia, and others. These are emitted by cleaning chemicals, paint, particle board, and other household items. No other one inch furnace filters are as effective at removing dust mites, mold spores, pollen, odors, cleaning chemicals, ozone, paint fumes, and common gasses like formaldehyde which triggers asthma and allergies.

The SafeHome Duo utilizes polyester layers as a prefilter and uses carbon and FormaldaSorb injected fibers for further filtration. This filter design uses mechanical filtration which offers the advantage of increased filtration efficiency over time because the particles themselves become part of the filter and there is no reliance on electrostatic charges which degrade over time. Mechanical filtration is particularly advantageous in humid areas or near kitchens because humidity and vapors significantly degrade pleated air filters’ electrostatic charge. By containing multiple densities of material, Duo filters are able to capture more particles while maintaining proper air resistance.

Safe Home Duo Filter Features:

• Dimensions: 16" x 20" x 1"
• Captures up to 95% of common household allergens
• Eliminates odors from pets, paint, cooking, and more
• Uses high density carbon and advanced compounds
• FormaldaSorb™ traps hazardous gasses
• Highly effective and affordable

Change the Duo at least every 3 months. Some conditions may require more frequent changes due to increased pollutants. Examples: furry pets, construction work, painting and smoking.

There are other filter sizes from which to choose as well. These include 12 x 12 x 1, 12 x 24 x 1, 14 x 14 x 1, 14 x 24 x 1, 12 x 25 x 1, 14 x 30 x 1, 20 x 20 x 1, 20 x 25 x 1, 20 x 30 x 1, and 24 x 24 x 1. If you need a custom size, contact us. There is a minimum of 12 units required for custom sizes. We'll get a quote to you in response to your email.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about the Xtra Fresh Air XFA-1500

Answer: The Xtra Fresh Air XFA-1500 replaces the Solaire unit that we previously sold. (If you need replacement bulbs for the Solaire, we have those available. Yes, you can install this unit and it will fit all cold air return air ducts. Where it goes in in the duct work nearest to the air filter.

The X-tra Fresh Air Purifier is a UV-C germicidal light element device that is set to turn on when the blower on your HVAC system is on. For best results, leave the blower running all the time. At a minimum, run the unit during summer if you live in a humid environment and use central air.

• UV-C Germicidal Lamp Element: Produces cleansing rays similar to solar rays. Bathes cold air return (duct work) of central heating and cooling systems with germicidal UV-C rays!
• Power Cord: Fast, Easy, Convenient. No hard wiring required. Plug Xtra Fresh Air into the nearest 110 volt outlet. Power cord is 9 feet long with 2-prong plug.
• O3: Generates super Oxygenated Air (O3) in a scientifically-proven, safe, balanced concentration of 20 to 30 parts per billion (PPB) to purifier and freshen your household air … odors are destroyed, not masked.
• Secure-hold Magnets: Simple installation and maintenance as magnets securely hold the Xtra Fresh Air unit in place no screws, and a simple fast cleaning and bulb replacement.

The only maintenance is a yearly change of the germicidal bulb. The bulb may appear to be working but it has lost its ability to provide UV-C and O3.

Along with the Xtra Fresh Air, we recommend installing an Envirosept electronic furnace filter panel if your panel size is one inch thick. These units come in dozens of sizes. Just see what size replaceable filter you are using and purchase accordingly. Just slip into the filter opening, plug into a nearby outlet and begin to work. Change filters every few weeks to monthly depending upon your needs. Here at the office, we change ours out every two to three weeks because of all the printers in use.

Thank you for your questions.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Q: "Before I buy an EnviroSept furnace filter panel, I need some questions answered.

1. Can this unit be used in a heat pump forced air unit?
2. With a gas pack unit?
3. Is there a reduction of air flow through the filter? How much?"

Answer: The answers to questions 1 and 2 is "yes." The answer to question 3: yes the air flow is reduced somewhat. A clean fiberglass filter has an airflow reduction of .05 and this restriction with the Envirosept panel is .20.

Please let us know the size of your current fiberglass filter so we can help you choose the correct unit. Thanks for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Comments: The Envirosept comes in sizes to fit all HVAC units. Maintenance is minimal: polywool filters need changed every month for most homes. Once a year or so, the panel needs wiped off with a microfiber or lint-free cloth.