Safe-Home.com

Question about the difference between a 4 inch Trion Air Bear Filter Pleated Furnace Filter and the Safe Home Duo Air Purify Furnace Filter 16x25x4 Inch.

Q; "How does the Safe Home Duo4 differ from the pleated 4 inch Trion Air Bear brand filter I currently use in my HVAC system? We are an allergic family but do not want the expensive, high maintenance HVAC systems with HEPA filters or electronic air cleaners. We were looking at the Envirosept Electronic Furnace Panel but those electronic furnace panels come only for one inch furnace slots. Thanks. Tim."

Answer:  Websites that sell the Trion Air Bear Filters note the high efficiency of filtration of the Trion Air Bear whole-house media air cleaners because of synthetic filter media and extended surface pleats that let the air pass straight through the pleats. The consensus is that using highly efficient air filters can increase HVAC equipment life (the motor, etc. remain cleaner) and save money.

Trio Air Bear and Safe Home Duo4 Filter Similarities:

• Synthetic filter media
• Extended surface pleats
• Omni-directional air flow
• MERV 7 to 8 rating: Note, using a high MERV rated filter on an older furnace with a smaller furnace motor is not advised. 
• Fit tightly in filter slot: air must go through filter

Trion Air Bear and Safe Home Duo4 Filter Differences:

• Air Bear has metal wires
• Safe Home™ Duo4 has Formaldesorb™ impregnated into the media filter so odors, dust, pollen and chemicals are stay in the filter as air flows through it.
  

So why choose the Safe Home Duo4 Filter over the Trion Air Bear? The major reason is the Formaldesorb™ addition to the media material. Formaldesorb™ combines activated carbon and potassium permanganate. Chemicals like activated carbon and potassium permanganate make the filter media more efficient as they absorb smoke and chemicals as well as neutralize odors. So the air in your home or office is cleaner and smells fresher.  The only other air purifier units that use this combination are the Miracle Air PM-400 Commercial Grade UV Purifier. The MiracleAir HEPA Filtration System is portable and has an activated carbon pre-filter, 82 sq. feet of hospital grade HEPA plus a 15 pound carbon/potassium permanganate filter cartridge that has 12 lbs of activated carbon and 3 pounds of alumina potassium permanganate. So using the Safe Home™ Duo4 gives you a similar combination of carbon and potassium permanganate to reduces odors and volatile organic chemicals in a furnace filter.

Safe Home Duo4 Filter Specifications:

• Thickness: 4 inches, also fits 5 inch filter slots
• Captures up to 95% of common household allergens
• Eliminates odors from pets, paint, cooking, and more
• Uses high density carbon and advanced compounds plus synthetic filter media
• Highly effective and affordable: Uses the same materials that protect critical environments in most hospitals
• MERV 7 polyester white ASHRAE rated allergen filter plus an industrial chemical and odor filter,
• Replacement intervals: every 3 to 6 months depending upon air quality of building.
• Fits tighly in slot due to foam around entire outside of filter.
• 300 grams per square foot of a 50/50 activated carbon and FormaldaSorb™ blend
• Made in USA
• Note: This furnace filter is not a control device for radon, carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide.
• Limited Warranty: Free of manufacturing and material defects . If product is found defective within 30 days of purchase, it will be replaced at no additional charge. 
• Product is not packaged for sale outside of the United States

Many furnace filters remove dust and dirt, only one aspect of indoor air pollution. Levels of gases from cleaning products, formeldehyde out-gassing from laminated wood, VOC's i.e volatile organic compounds etc. are higher than in the past because of increased sealing and insulation of homes and businesses. For those with allergies and chronic medical problems, indoor air pollution is uncomfortable if not dangerous. The EPA ranks indoor air as often a greater risk than outdoor pollution and water contamination. Allergy and asthma symptoms, as well as long term health problems, are often caused or triggered by these common gases. In many areas, polluted indoor air is a greater health threat than outdoor air or contaminated water.

Thank you for your question. If your allergy symptoms require more, you may want to add a supplemental air purifier system. Consider the Airpura P600-W HEPA,VOC, UV HVAC Whole House Air Purifier which filters air even when the furnace blower is off. This unit pulls air from your return air ducts and passes it through HEPA filtration and a VOC filter while the UV light works to kill bacteria and viruses.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about why the Safe Home Duo 16 x 25 x 1 furnace filter is a better furnace filter than a washable metal one or a fiberglass disposable one.

Answer: Differences are several:

• All air must pass through the Safe Home Duo furnace filter because the frame is internal. The twin media covering the frame are self-sealing. To install, push the Safe Home filter into the one inch slot. The soft filter media seals against all 4 edges.
• Each Safe Home Duo filter has two types of media: one layer is for dust, dirt and pollen; the second layer also contains an odor and formaldehyde absorbing layer.  Judged to be 95% effective at filtering out dust, dirt, allergens, etc.
• Compare 95% effectivness of the Duo with either an all metal filter or one made of fiberglass. Fiberglass tend to clog quickly with large dirt particles, restricting air flow while letting small particles go through. These smaller particles can include mold and bacteria. Fiberglass are often rated at 2% effective while non-electrostatic are rated at 4% effective or less.
• Neither the metal washable filter nor the disposable fiberglass filter contains activated carbon and potassium permanganate, the filter media for odors and chemicals such as formaldehyde and paint fumes.
• The Safe Home Duo is a MERV 8 rated filter made in the USA: inexpensive metal and fiberglass filters are often MERV 2 or 3.
• No mess. No time spent washing filters. Just put the dirty Duo filter into the garbage and replace with a clean one every 3 to 4 months or more often if yours is an exceptionally dirty environment.

Thank you for your question. We sell the Safe Home Duo in many sizes. We also sell the Safe Home Duo Air Purify Furnace Filter 20x20x4 In. and other sizes in the 4 inch furnace filters. These thicker furnace filters also have self-sealing edges around a 4 inch furnace filter core to filter out allergens with the Formaldesorb carbon and potassium permanganate.

Thank you for your question.

Qustion about the Vapamore MR-100 Primo Steam Cleaner Sanitizes Plus Kills Mold, Bedbugs Etc..

Q: "I have mold growing in the grout between the ceramic tile in my bathroom. I bought this house at auction in the fall. It was abandoned in the spring so no AC was on during the summer months. The ceramic tile itself is really dirty both in the shower and on the floor. I am concerned about bedbugs and dust mites in the carpeting. Can the Vapamore handle these problems? Is it expensive to operate? Do I need to add chemicals for the best results? Thanks. Will."

Answer: The Vapamore Primo Steam cleaner includes accessories to clean almost any hard surface that can be cleaned with water. Kill the mold in the grout and clean the tile as well. This unit was invented by a former ceramic tile installer and repairman.

The only requirement is that you always use distilled water in the Vapamore. The holding tank holds 1.6 liters of water: fill the included plastic measuring cup twice. Remember you must let the unit cool down for 30 minutes between refills to avoid steam/scalding. This is an economical way to clean this home, your cars and more since there are no expensive chemicals, no dangers other than steam.  Professionals use this machine to kill bedbugs and dust mites so you can, too.

Your wife or you will also appreciate using this as a steamer to get wrinkles out of clothing.

Vapamore Specifications:

• Power requirement: 120V/60Hz
• Heater Wattage: 1500 watts
• Steam Flow: 40g/Minutes (Maximum)
• Steam Availability: 50 minutes per tank (Maximum)
• Steam Pressure: 3.5 Bar (Maximum)
• Permissible Pressure: 5 bar maximum
• Water tank volume: 1.6 Liters Maximum
• Sound Level: 30 decibels during use
• Appliance weight without accessories: 4.5 kg or 10.5 lbs
• Heating time: approximately 11 minutes.
• Wheels: Two, each are 4.5 inches in diameter.
• Power Cord Length: 18 feet
• Steam Hose Length: 6 feet

Below is a list of what is included with each Vapamore Primo.

Question about Critter Ridder Animal Repellent

Answer:

Havahart® Critter Ridder® animal repellent contains the scent and taste deterrent ingredients of oil of black pepper, piperine and capsaicin. These active ingredients irritate animals when they touch or taste the product. This patented, effective animal repellent is both OMRI (Organic Material Review Institute )listed and compliant for use in organic gardening. Effectively repels skunks, groundhogs, dogs, cats, squirrels and raccoons from treated areas for up to 30 days. The competition requires more frequent application.

The Critter Ridder® animal repellent granular shaker canister is perfect for perimeter protection. Sprinkle your lawn, garden path and flower bed or spot-treat ground around other problem areas such as garbage bags, ornamental plants, trees or shrubs. It can also be used indoors – ideal for use in potted plants and non-living areas such as basements, cellars, storage areas, sheds and barns.

CritterRidder Sizes:

• CritterRidder 2.2 lb. ShakerProtects about 100 square feet.
• Critter Ridder 1.25 lb. Granular FormulaProtects against animal intruders for up to about 75 square feet.
• Havahart CritterRidder 8 ounce Concentrate Lets you spray a perimeter barrier. Dilutes to cover up to 640 square feet.
• Critter Ridder Granules for protection of up to 200 square feet

As noted above, this is also for indoor use to keep animals out of potted plants, repel animals from barns and sheds or to keep raccoons and squirrels out of attics!

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the lambswool dusters, the Lambswool Duster, 10 inch Head, with Standard Handle and the Lambswool Duster w/ Telescope Handle, Assorted Colors

Answer: These are made in Canada with Canadian wool. Our  primary customers are large hotel and motel chains, cleaning and janitorial services and private companies who have their own cleaning and maintenance personnel. Individuals often purchase these dusters along with our Bona Kemi and Sh-Mop products if they do their own housecleaning.

The standard handle duster has a sturdy plastic handle that is 16 inches long, 26 inches with the 10 inch lambswool dusting head. We buy these in cartons of assorted colors as we do the lambswool duster with telescoping handle. Each has an end loop for hanging or you can thread a cord through for hanging if you choose.

The extended length, telescoping duster has the same 10 inch long lambswool duster head. The handle locks at the length you prefer. The handle extends to 42 inches from 32 inches.

Question about the Organic Biotech Pristine Natural Pond Cleaner 32 oz and Organica Clear Blue Pond Clear Water Formula 32 oz.

Answer: The products are identical in composition. The difference is that the second one has a safe blue organic dye. Both formulas of pond water cleaner contain a broad spectrum of beneficial bacteria and microbial nutrients. The water cleaner removes excess nutrients such as phosphates, nitrates and ammonia from water, breaks down sediment, colors water an aesthetically pleasing shade of blue, improves water clarity and water quality. Both are safe for all aquatic life including fish, plants, and invertebrates. You need to measure your pond and determine approximately how many gallons of water are in it.  Unfortunately, I do not currently have this in our Iowa warehouse. The best information I can find is to put in 4 Gallons Per Acre Foot (325,000 Gal) As A Shock Dose, 2 Gallons Per Acre Foot (325,000 Gal).

Fountain Protector by Care Free Enzymes 4 oz. treats up to 5 gallons of water in small fountains with just one capful. Made in the USA, the directions say to use weekly. This is a non-toxic, biodegradable, natural enzyme product that uses food grade enzymes and is free of bacteria. It prevents stains, sludge, mineral deposits and organic contaminants for naturally clear water. It is safe for birds, pets, wildlife and humans. The only caution has to do with drinking the product undiluted and keeping it out of one's eyes.

Fountain Clear for Bird Bath and Pond 16 Oz. is another preventative option for cleaner bird baths and ponds. This formula prevents organic contaminates from forming (ie: crusty white scale deposits, iron, copper, hard water stains) using two unique technologies: one helps prevent the buildup of stains, and mineral deposits on the birdbath surface; the second uses bio-enzymatic activity to keep water clear and free from the organic debris that can make the water cloudy. For larger water fountains and indoor/outdoor waterfalls, Fountain Clear is also a great choice. One capful treats 1 gallon of water. No need to dilute. Just pour in. 16 ounce bottle of fountain clear treats 6400 gallons of water. Safe for fish, birds, animals, even safe for humans! From Ecological Laboratories.

Clear Water Jumbo Bale Barley Straw for Ponds, 5000 GAL contains natural enzymes that keep pond water clean, too. One gallon treats 5000 gallons of pond water.  Just float this on your pond. Choose the correct size of barley straw according to the size of your pond. There are several sizes to choose from including Clear Water Mini Bales Barley Straw 500 Gal. 2/PK  with each bale treating 500 gallons of water and the Clear Water Super Mini Bales Barley Straw 1000 GL 2/PK with each of the bales treating 1000 gallons of water. The barley straw bales need to be replaced every 6 months. Since it takes about a month for the action to occur, the recommendation is to add sufficient barley straw bales every 5 months. Then water stays clear.

I hope this answers your question.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about the Bird Net Knotted ¾ In. Polyethylene 50 Ft x 100 Ft

Answer: I phoned the manufacturer to be sure (and then phoned you back as you know). Bird-X emphasized that this bird netting is what you need. This Bird-X BirdNet PE-Plus is the strongest bird net they sell and probably will last longer than the building. I was told that the break strength is actually based upon pounds per strand as noted below and the burst strength is a different measurement all together.

Joe noted that you will need two pieces since this comes in 100 ft lengths and is tricky to install if you try to "piece" it together. He also included a spec sheet of the possible bolts, cables, etc. you will need. Here are the Installation instructions. If there was electricity at the salt storage facility, a better choice would be a combination of sonic and ultrasonic bird repellers placed at the entrance and inside. The Super Bird Xpeller Pro and Terror Eyes or other visual deterrents would be the best choices.

Knotted Bird Netting Specifications:

• Thickness: 0.071" thick (6 strands, each 0.012" thick).
• Quality Control: filaments are twisted and knotted, pressure stretched and tightened for strength and durability.
• Mesh (hole size): 3/4"
• Color: Black.
• Waterproof: no water absorption, does not rot.
• Material: knotted polyethylene UV treated twine.
• Break strength: 52 lbs./23.6 kgs. per strand.
• Burst strength: 44 lbs/20 kgs.
• hemical Properties: Polyethylene, a paraffin hydrocarbon, is chemically inert and highly resistant to most chemicals at ordinary temperatures. High resistance to acids and alkaloids at all concentrations.
• High Temperature: 210-239°F/100-115°C.
• Low Temperature: -139 to -166°F/-95 to -110°C.

Thank you for your question and your order.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about the SafeHome™ Duo 20 x 20 x 1 4 Pack and the Safe Home System Cold Air Return Purifier, 20 X 20 X 1

Answer: Particularly in Southern and Western states where air conditioning is used most of the year, the newer homes have filter slots in return air grilles. One website notes that furnace filters located in the furnace plenum near the motor are meant to keep the motor clean, not the household air. The less dirt that gets to the motor, the more likely you'll get longer life. The problem is that dust and dirt get into the duct work. So filter grills not only keep the household air cleaner but also keep your duct work cleaner. Modifying older HVAC systems is difficult because the actual ductwork is often much smaller. If you put too high of a MERV rated filter into the furnace slot, you'll cut down the air movement and possibly have an overheated motor,too.

Safe Home™ sells the Safe Home Duo and the Safe Home System. Both are disposable filter products which means no messy washing, waiting for filters to dry and most likely running the unit without any filtration during that time.

The Duo has an internal metal frame with two filters, one for dust, mold, dirt and pollen and the other for gasses such as formaldehyde. The unit fits very tightly into the tip out filter grille holder because the filtration media surrounds the metal frame. The second layer, the inner layer, is impregnated with carbon and potassium permanganate which capture the VOC's such as formaldehyde and ammonia. We suggest changing that filter about every 3 months unless your home is subject to dust from remodeling, etc.

The second, the Safe Home System, consists of 5 filters of which 4 are electrostatic. These are pleated with wires that create the static charge. These 4 pre-filters that capture dust, pollen, dirt, etc. fit into the grille itself. The 5th filter, the VOC or volatile organic chemical filter, actually fits into the duct opening behind the grille. So it fits into the actual duct work. 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.

NOTE: Neither of these filters will remove carbon monoxide, radon gas or carbon dioxide. We recommend installing carbon monoxide monitors on every level of your home and in or near all sleeping areas. Test units regularly. Replace batteries at least annually.

So, either unit will meet your needs. Do check and make sure the carbon chemical fits. The Safe Home Duo and the Safe Home Filter System come in sizes to fit almost everyone's return air grille and/or furnace slot. If you have custom sized slots, please contact us for pricing on special sizes.

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