Air Quality
Why Does All Weather Recommend REME HALO® Products?
The REME HALO® is an air purification system that can be installed to improve indoor air quality (IAQ). Some of the benefits include:
- Improved air filtration: The system uses advanced oxidation technology to effectively remove airborne particles, such as dust, pollen, and mold spores, from the air. This makes the air filter in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system more effective at trapping and removing these particles, leading to cleaner and healthier indoor air.
- Surface cleaning in ductwork and home: Its advanced oxidation technology also helps to clean and disinfect the surfaces within the ductwork and throughout the home. This can help to reduce the buildup of dust, mold, and other contaminants, leading to a cleaner and healthier indoor environment.
- Odor reduction: The REME HALO® can also help to reduce odors in the home by effectively neutralizing and eliminating odorous compounds in the air. This can lead to a fresher and more pleasant indoor environment.
- Improved cleanliness: By effectively removing airborne particles and disinfecting surfaces, REME HALO® can help to improve the overall cleanliness of the indoor environment. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions, as well as for maintaining a clean and healthy home.
Overall, it provides a range of benefits for improving indoor air quality, reducing odors, and maintaining a cleaner and healthier indoor environment.
- Advanced technology: The advanced technology, such as Reflective Electro Magnetic Energy, is used to effectively purify the air in a space. This technology is designed to actively target and reduce airborne contaminants, including viruses, bacteria, mold, and odors.
- Whole-home purification: Unlike many air purifiers that only cover a small area, REME HALO® is designed to provide whole-home purification, ensuring that the air throughout the entire space is clean and healthy.
- Low maintenance: Minimal maintenance is required due to a long-lasting replaceable cell that only needs to be changed every five years. This makes it a convenient and cost-effective option for air purification. Most other brands require maintenance every two years.
- Proven effectiveness: REME HALO® has been tested and proven to effectively reduce airborne and surface bacteria, mold, and viruses, including the COVID-19 virus. This makes it a reliable choice for improving indoor air quality for up to 6,000 square feet of home.
REME HALO® is considered better than other air purifiers due to its advanced technology, whole-home purification capabilities, low maintenance requirements, and proven effectiveness in reducing airborne contaminants.
REME HALO® and Clear Sky
The award-winning REME HALO® in-duct air purifier is the next generation of indoor air quality (IAQ) technology and capable of purifying every cubic inch of air that your central air conditioning system reaches. Designed to eliminate sick building syndrome risks by reducing odors and air pollutants, the REME HALO® in-duct air purifier is the best solution for whole house and building air purification.
Invented to recreate nature's process of purifying the air, it's like bringing fresh outdoor air inside without ever having to open your windows. And it's effective against all three categories of indoor air pollutants: Particulates, Microbial and Gases. You can now reduce common allergy triggers from particulates such as pollen, mold spores, dander and dust.
Thoroughly tested on airborne and surface bacteria & viruses, such as MRSA, e-coli, and Norwalk, to name a few. Say goodbye to odors from cooking, pets, dirty socks, diaper pails, and musty rooms.
The RGFCLEAR SKY Continuous Self-Cleaning Ion Generator for mini split HVAC units was developed to produce bi-polar ions in the conditioned space of homes and commercial buildings. This system has separated quad ion emitters for superior Bi-Polar ionization.
The RGFCLEAR SKY reduces particulate, allergens, smoke, bacteria, viruses and mold spores. The unit attaches directly to the top of the mini-split unit using hook and loop fasteners. Its small size, easy installation, and low cost make it an ideal alternative to more expensive air purification systems.
The MS unit is designed to accommodate air flows from standard mini-split units. The RGFCLEAR SKY is a good air quality solution for the budget minded consumer.
Air Scrubber by Aerus
The Air Scrubber Plus by Aerus substantially reduces odors, visible smoke in the air, and microbial populations on surfaces*, utilizing the patent pending ActivePure® Technology. ActivePure consists of a special UV light and photocatalyst target, creating an Advanced Oxidation Process containing several friendly oxidizers. Certified Space Technology continuously protects and purifies the air, and attacks contaminants on all surfaces.
The AP3000 substantially reduces odors, visible smoke from the air, and microbial populations on surfaces,* commonly found in the average home or office environment. AP3000 also utilizes needlepoint ionization, pulsating negative/positive ion field generator, corona discharge air freshener, and the patent pending ActivePure® Technology - consisting of a special UV light and photocatalyst target - thereby creating an Advanced Oxidation Plasma containing several friendly oxidizers
Honeywell F100
The F100 Whole-House Media Air Cleaner is up to 85% more efficient at capturing both microscopic particles like dust and smoke in addition to larger contaminants such as mold spores and pet dander. This highly effective air cleaner also requires minimal maintenance. Basically, once you install the filter you only need to replace it every 6-12 months. That's four times longer than a standard one-inch furnace filter.
- Up to 85% more efficient at capturing airborne particles compared to a standard one-inch filter
- Captures both microscopic particles and larger contaminants
- Lasts up to four times longer than a standard one-inch furnace filter
- Replace filter every 6-12 months
- Widely compatible
- Easy to upgrade to a higher-performance electronic air cleaner
- Five-year warranty
- Professional installation
Why Does All Weather Install Honeywell F300 Electronic Air Cleaners?
The Honeywell F300 electronic air cleaner offers several advantages over disposable MERV 8 or MERV 10 air filters.
Here's a breakdown of the benefits:
- Environmental Impact
The F300 electronic air cleaner is more environmentally friendly than disposable filters because it is washable and reusable. This reduces the amount of waste generated from disposable filters, making it a more sustainable option. - Number of Filters Needed
Over the lifetime of a furnace, the F300 electronic air cleaner requires fewer filters to be disposed of compared to disposable filters. This further reduces environmental impact and waste generation. Assuming a furnace has a lifespan of 12 to 14 years, and a filter needs to be replaced every two months, this would result in approximately 60 to 100 filter changes over the lifetime of the furnace. However, these numbers can vary based on individual circumstances, so it's important to consult with the furnace and filter manufacturers for specific recommendations. - Energy Efficiency
The F300 electronic air cleaner can make the heating system more energy efficient by reducing air restriction. Improved airflow can lead to better energy efficiency and lower energy costs, prolonging the life of the comfort equipment. - Easy to Wash
The F300 electronic air cleaner is designed to be easy to wash, making maintenance simpler and more convenient compared to regularly replacing disposable filters.
In summary, the Honeywell F300 electronic air cleaner provides environmental benefits, reduces the number of filters that need to be disposed of, improves energy efficiency by reducing air restriction, and offers ease of maintenance through its washable design while prolonging the life of the comfort equipment.
Honeywell F300
The F300 Honeywell Home Electronic Air Cleaner can capture the majority of of airborne particles passing through the filter. It's low maintenance and eco-friendly because it has no filters to replace.
It's not asking too much to have an air filter that's affordable, efficient and low maintenance. That's our Honeywell Home F300 Electronic Air Cleaner. It can capture the majority of airborne particles - large and small that pass through the filter. Depending on use, you only need to remove the filter every 6-12 months – wash it and replace it. No replacement filters needed. Achieving cleaner air has never been easier.
- Renewable
- 3-stage filtration system
- No replacement filters needed
- Five-year warranty
- Professional installation
Why Does All Weather Install AccuClean® Electronic Air Cleaner?
The AccuClean electronic air cleaner is superior to the disposable air filter for several reasons:
- The AccuClean electronic air cleaner uses advanced technology.
It captures and remove airborne particles, such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores, from the air. - This technology allows it to capture particles as small as 0.4 microns, which is significantly smaller than what a paper air filter can capture. This means that the AccuClean is more effective at improving indoor air quality (IAQ) and reducing allergens and pollutants in the air.
- It is more efficient and long-lasting compared to a disposable air filter.
Disposable air filters need to be replaced regularly, often every one to three months, whereas the AccuClean only requires periodic cleaning of its electronic cells. This not only saves time and effort but also reduces the amount of waste generated from disposable filters. - Ability to communicate when it is dirty.
This ensures that it operates at peak efficiency, providing consistent air purification without unnecessary energy consumption while prolonging the life of the heating and air conditioning system. - More environmentally friendly than paper air filters.
Eliminating the need for disposable filters reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and helps lower the environmental impact of air purification. - AccuClean's reusable nature and reduced need for replacement parts make it a more sustainable and eco-friendly option.
The number of disposable filters needed over the lifetime of a furnace can vary based on several factors, including the type of filter used, the frequency of replacement, and the life span of the furnace itself.
Typically, disposable filters need to be replaced every one to three months, depending on usage and the specific recommendations of the filter manufacturer.
Assuming a furnace has a lifespan of 12 to 14 years, and a filter needs to be replaced every two months, this would result in approximately 60 to 100 filter changes over the lifetime of the furnace.
However, these numbers can vary based on individual circumstances, so it is important to check the furnace and filter manufacturer’s instructions for specific recommendations. This many filters over the lifetime enable the lowest cost of ownership due to not having to buy replacements or incur shipping expenses.
In conclusion, the AccuClean electronic air cleaner offers superior performance, efficiency, and sustainability compared to disposable air filters, making it a more effective and environmentally friendly choice for improving indoor air quality. Its advanced features, including the ability to communicate when maintenance is required, demonstrate its commitment to providing optimal air purification while minimizing environmental impact.
HEPA Air Filters Versus AccuClean Electronic Air Filters
Although HEPA air filtration is the best available option, the cost of installation and year-round maintenance can make it less viable for many Snoqualmie, WA, households.
A good alternative is the American Standard AccuClean Whole-Home Air Cleaner, which has a lower cost of ownership and a lower initial investment price. The AccuClean electronic air cleaner and the HEPA filtration system both have an equivalent particulate removal of 99.98 percent.
AccuClean® Electronic Air Cleaner
Cleaner air starts with better airflow. Traditional filters force air through dense materials to trap particles. Over time they become clogged and hamper airflow, which results in lower airflow and efficiency, also known as “pressure drop.”
The AccuClean® Electronic Air Cleaner's unique design gives you long-lasting, consistent performance with the lowest pressure drop and highest efficiency of any filtration system on the market.
- Removes up to 99.98 percent of allergens from the filtered air
- Catches particles down to .1 micron in size
- Eight times more effective than the best HEPA room appliance
- 100 times more effective than a standard one-inch throwaway filter or ionic-type room appliance
- Delivers cleaner air and more of itReusable filter can be cleaned by vacuuming
How to Select the Best Air Filter for Your HVAC System
An air filter is made by layering materials such as spun fiberglass, paper, or cloth, which is then used to capture particles from the air passing through the filter. This keeps those particles out of the air you breathe. In addition, it prevents larger particles from collecting inside your heating system’s internal components, which improves the performance and longevity of your system.
Air Filtration vs. Airflow Restriction
There is, however, a tradeoff for better air filtration. Regardless of the size and efficiency rating of the air filter you use, the filter will cause some restriction in airflow.
What does this mean? When there is a restriction in airflow, the volume of air crossing the heat exchanger in a furnace will be reduced.
If you have a basic air delivery system, the fan motor will slow down and move less air across the heat exchanger and air conditioning coil. This will fatigue the motor over time.
If you have a variable-speed motor air delivery system, the fan motor will speed up to overcome the resistance. Simultaneously, the motor will consume more electricity and possibly overheat, resulting in fan motor fatigue and potential failure if the resistance is too high for too long.
When you restrict the airflow across a heating system, the heat in the heat exchanger will build up and potentially exceed the designed maximum temperature. When the heat exceeds the designed maximum temperature, advanced fatigue begins to set in.
What Components Are Affected?
System components that can be damaged include blower motors, inducer fan assemblies, high temperature limit safety devices, and heat exchangers. When a heat exchanger exceeds the designed maximum temperature, the heat exchangers will plug up or even crack so that exhaust gases containing carbon monoxide may be released into your home.
How Can I Protect My HVAC Equipment?
As a homeowner, your best practice is to install an electronic air cleaner. If you decide to use a disposable air filter, consider using a 4-inch MERV 8 or MERV 10 air filter, replacing the filter every 90 days.
To ensure proper airflow, keep all your floor or ceiling registers open, do not block your registers with furniture, and do not install filters at the registers.
Also, be sure to schedule safety and energy efficiency inspections as well as annual preventative maintenance to be performed by a professionally trained technician.
What Are MERV Ratings?
In your home, air continuously circulates through the ductwork and passes through the air filter each time it cycles through. Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) is the measurement of how well a filter can remove particulates from the air. The MERV rating test measures a filter’s efficiency by the percentage of particulates it can capture in a single pass.
MERV 1–4 filters are like the examples shown below. The poly-type material is close to MERV 1 rating. This filter is extremely porous and is intended to protect the comfort system from large objects and particulates. This filter will not reduce dust in a home because 90 percent of particulates or more will pass right through it.
The hog hair example is a MERV 4 rating. This is a washable material that will stop large particulates but will not stop fine dust and other common allergens. When lower MERV-rated air filters are installed in the ductwork, advanced cleaning and maintenance will be required more frequently due to their poor filtering capabilities.
If you have air conditioning, your equipment may require chemical cleaning annually or biannually. This will dramatically increase the overall cost of ownership for your system.
Poly/Hog hair filter MERV 1MERV 4
MERV 5–7 filter media changes to a different style of material. Pleated air filters are made of paper, polyester, or cotton materials. These materials are folded into an accordion shape and housed in a cardboard frame. These air filters may have cardboard crossing the filter media in an x-pattern to hold the pleats in place. The folds and pleats increase the surface area of the filter to capture even more particulates.
MERV 8–13 filters will remove approximately 80 percent of the particulates in the range of 3.0 microns, which includes fine dust particulates and larger pollen particulates. The back side of the air filter typically has molded wiring to support the air filter media.
MERV 14–16 filters are specialized air filtration systems. These are designed for hospitals and industrial facilities. These filters are customized to work with the air delivery system they will be paired with. If you add this filter to your average residential comfort system, there is a very high chance that this will damage the comfort system.
Furnace Filter Thickness
Pleated air filters are available in 1-inch, 2-inch, 4-inch, and 5-inch thickness. These filters are available in the most common sizes.
Why is a 5-inch air filter more effective than a 1-inch air filter with the same MERV rating?
If the filters were removed from the cardboard frame and stretched out to full length, you would see that the 5-inch filter is much longer than the 1-inch filter. When compared to the 1-inch air filter, the 5-inch air filter dramatically increases the surface area for collecting particulates.
Another benefit of having a greater volume of surface area in an air filter is that the air filter will last longer without requiring replacement.
Electrostatic Filters
An electrostatic air filter uses an electrostatic charge to attract and trap particles like a magnet. There are both disposable and washable electrostatic filters.
These air filters are made from a very tightly woven material. At their cleanest, electrostatic air filters will substantially restrict airflow. After the air filter has been installed for a while and it becomes filled with dirt and dust, the restriction in airflow will increase.
All Weather does not recommend using electrostatic air filters due to their restriction of airflow and the associated safety risks previously described. If, however, you decide to use an electrostatic air filter, the installing contractor must increase the size of the return ducts as part of the overall ductwork design.
Activated Carbon Filters
The carbon particles in an activated carbon filter are capable of trapping gases, odors, and particles within its pores. This class of air filter can also trap volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Thus, activated carbon filters are frequently chosen by homeowners who want to reduce smoke, pet odors, and other unpleasant indoor smells.
UV Filters
Ultraviolet (UV) filters are used in homes to complement a paper filter or an electronic air filter. UV filters can kill microbes, bacteria, and viruses that are circulating in the air by using ultraviolet light.
If someone in your home has a compromised immune system, a UV filter may help protect their health by improving air quality.
Reusable/Washable Air Filters
If you are conscious of environmental impact and/or your budget, reusable filters may appear to be the best option.
However, these filters tend to be better in concept than in practice. Washable filters are made from plastic or metal, which are durable materials, but they are not the most effective materials for filtering particulates from air.
It can also be challenging to thoroughly clean and dry the filters before returning them to the ductwork.
HEPA Air Filters
High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) qualified filters must be able to trap at least 99.97 percent of particles in the air that are 0.3 microns. HEPA air filters were originally developed by military scientists during WWII as a method to capture radioactive air particles when testing the atomic bomb.
HEPA air filters are made of interlaced fiberglass that is tightly woven together into a filter media. As particles pass through this type of advanced air filtration, they are eliminated by diffusion, direct impaction, interception, or sieving. HEPA air filters are great for families that deal with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory illnesses, but the price is going to be higher than types of air filters.
HEPA Air Filters Versus AccuClean Electronic Air Filters
Although HEPA air filtration is the best available option, the cost of installation and year-round maintenance can make it less viable for many households. A good alternative is the American Standard AccuClean Whole-Home Air Cleaner, which has a lower cost of ownership and a lower initial investment price. Below is a list of pros and cons to help you compare these two options.
HEPA Pros
- Removes 99.98 percent of all particulates out of the air.
- Includes a 1-year factory warranty.
- Can be installed remotely from the heating system.
- Can be installed after the fact if you have a newer comfort system in place.
HEPA Cons
- Requires replacement of filters on a semiannual basis.
- Non-communicating on the timing of air filter replacement requirements.
- Filters a small sampling of the air flowing through the air delivery system.
- Takes a lot of space in the mechanical area for the filter box and the ductwork modification.
- May require an electrician to bring a plug-in receptacle if one is not located within 6-feet of the unit.
- Requires a secondary disposable air filter that requires replacement on a semiannual basis.
- Sends materials to the landfill 4-6 times a year.
- Requires higher cost for replacement materials due to shipping cost.
AccuClean Pros
- Removes 99.98 percent of all particulates out of the air.
- Does not require replacement parts or filters.
- Communicates filter cleanliness via an LED display.
- Includes a 10-year factory part warranty.
- Filters 100 percent of the air flowing through the air delivery system.
- Includes easy-to-wash parts.
- Sends fewer materials to the landfill, such as disposable filter.
AccuClean Cons
- Requires enough space to install in the ductwork, which may not work for all applications.
- Incurs higher costs when not installed at the same time as a new comfort system.
Let All Weather Assist With All Your Air Filter Needs
All Weather is happy to assist with any of your HVAC needs for your Snoqualmie, WA, home. Give us a call today at 425-463-9814 or request service online.
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