Water | Resources
Do You Need to Change Your HVAC Filter?
Last week I finally changed my HVAC filter and it made so much difference that I had to tell you about this.
Just to be clear, an HVAC filter removes dust and other particles from the air. It has nothing to do with removing toxic gasses (for toxic gasses you need something like the EnviroKlenz HVAC filter. The purpose of the particle filter is to remove particles so they don’t clog up the HVAC.
HVAC particle filters are designed to last for three months, and then you need to change them. I was one month overdue because I can’t climb up there and change it myself. I need to get someone else to do it.
When we took the filter out, it had a lot of dust buildup all over it.
What was amazing to me was how much BETTER the air conditioning worked after the filter was changed!
I leave my A/C on 72 degrees. With the new filter, it was way too cold. I now have my A/C set to 74 degrees and am entirely comfortable. A new filter made that much difference.
I’ll save more than the cost of the filter this month on my power bill, and create fewer air pollution emissions from the generation of electricity to keep the air cool.
Now I want to give you a tip too about choosing a dust filter for your HVAC.
I chose a Honeywell Allergy Plus Air Filter, which I purchased at my local Home Depot.
All HVAC filters have a rating that tells you how much they will filer from the air.
Here is the rating from the filter I purchased. I like this label because it clearly shows that as you move up the ratings the filter removes more volume of particles and more different types of particles.
I bought a 7 because it removes more than 4, and they didn’t have any 9 or 10s on the shelf.
What you want to look for is a MERV rating or an FPR. The difference is:
- MERV is a universal industry rating
- FPR is a made up rating by the manufacturer.
- MERV 8 is considered the best choice to protect your HVAC without spending more money than you need to. FPR 7-9 is equivalent to MERV 8.
If you think ahead, you can order a box of four filters online and save money. And you’ll be good for a year.
Filters are supposed to last 90 days, but not every day is the same. If you’re not running your HVAC, you don’t need to change the filter. Check it every 90 days. If it’s grey, change it. If it’s still white, let it go a little longer.
But changing your filter at the right time DOES make a difference in your power bill and pollution. So pay attention and change your filter when it needs to be changed.
EnviroKlenz Hand Soap & Deodorizer
A liquid Castile soap that eliminates scents and odors from your skin.The soap utilizes the EnviroKlenz patented earth mineral technology to neutralize the odors at the source without the use of masking agents offragrances. Nontoxic and fragrance-free. Gentle on all skin types. For a 10% discount on your entire purchase, enter coupon code “toxicfree10″ at checkout.
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Most Modest
Power strips in unfinished solid wood housings. “a new power solution that considers where and how people use power today. A functional wood form combined with a one of a kind knitted mesh power cable, Niko adds an element of fun to any environment.” Comes in several styles and cord colors.
Good4You Plant Makeup
Paint your face with plants. These unique and simply makeup products provide a rainbow of gentle plant-based colors for eyes and lips. She uses “local flowers and herbs to create makeup, skin care and bath products for a new era of natural beauty…Plant Makeup is a bit different than regular makeup. It applies lighter on skin compared to bold dramatic colors. When Plant Makeup creator Jes first started out studying plants, she made plant based paints for a project in a class she was taking. The result was a lighter gentler paint, compared to deep colored conventional paints. Chemicals make it possible to obtain crazy makeup colors. Really cool shades, but not really made of the best ingredients. So plants themselves act more like a natural dye than a dramatic bold color stain…All Good4You ingredients are either locally grown // foraged locally or certified organic. We only want the best in each of these creations so they vibrate with as much vitality as they were first gathered from the earth. We have a great respect for nature and only want to inspire + spread a message of conservation, protection and awareness through anything we offer back to the world. Because of this our batches are small + special, based on the season and sometimes limited edition. We enjoy knowing we spoil anyone who receives these creations with the highest quality we can possibly offer.” Be sure to watch the video (scroll down).
Ulimana
“Let thy dessert be thy medicine” is the motto of these chocolatiers. A proprietary blend of raw, fair trade, organic cacao, low-glycemic organic coconut nectar, organic cacao butter, and organic food flavorings. “Creating exceptional tasting chocolate with healing, nutritional properties was the passion behind UliMana Chocolate Truffles when we began in 2005 in Asheville, NC and this is the mission which continues to drive us forward today. As the first raw chocolate company, we remember the light that went off when we discovered raw chocolate to be one of the most, if not the most, nutrient rich and complex foods known to man, and how our bodies have the ability to thrive as long as we eat real, unadulterated food. And this is the light we see in others as we continually educate people on the benefits of raw chocolate and how they too can thrive.Our creative and joyful chocolatiers are devoted to making our truffles using the purest and finest, certified organic ingredients. UliMana Chocolate Truffles are hand rolled with care, often to the sound of stories, laughter and singing of the women gathered around the truffle table. This is truly a chocolate made with joy in every bite.” Can’t wait to try these!
Woolies
Handmade stuffed toys made with cotton fabrics and stuff with wool fleece. Designs are based in nature—animals, sun, stars, unicorns…
Brute Jute
Reusable shopping bags made from jute. “Long wooden handles provide a far more comfortable grip than conventional shopping bags. Carry up to 50% more capacity than a typical plastic or paper bag. Easily rolled-up and neatly stored in your car between shopping trips.”
Protective Bedding Store
Protective bedding for bedwetting and incontenance, much made with organic cotton and nontoxic urethane film. All bedding sizes. For all ages. NOTE: I am not recommending the vinyl products on this website, so choose carefully.
Lightweight Non-Toxic Dinner Plate
Question from Carol
Hi Debra,
I’ve been using melamine for dinner plates, but I worry that they’re toxic. I have a 2 1/2 year old daughter. I need a lightweight plate because I have RSI and some disc trouble. What would you recommend? I couldn’t find anything through Google search.
Debra’s Answer
I think what you want is enamelware. It’s steel with a baked-on enamel coating, which is basically glass. It’s the dinnerware you take camping, but now it’s in a lot of stylish colors and patterns.
Here are a lot of choices for enamel dinnerware online.
You can also just search on your favorite search engine for “enamel dinnerware.”
Some people are concerned about heavy metals in enamel. So before you buy, contact the manufacturer and ask if there are heavy metals in the enamel. You can check for yourself with a Lead Check kit.
From West Elm
Pure Rooms
Question from Patricia
Hi Debra,
I continue to reference your website as the go to place for info on MCS safe products. Thank you!
I was wondering if you had ever heard of these allergen – free Pure Rooms? They use a multiple step process to clean and purify hotel rooms for people with allergies. There is also an air purifier in each room.
I have MCS and have been able to tolerate some of these rooms. I think the ones I was able to tolerate better were in hotels that hadn’t been remodeled recently.
Unfortunately, the number of Pure Rooms available at any hotels is dwindling. I’m guessing that the cost of maintaining the rooms and / or lack of bookings due to price is resulting in their demise. This is disappointing as these rooms were the only way I could get away for a little vacation.
Do you consider these Pure Rooms MCS safe due to the process used to purify? It seems that the Pure Rooms need more publicity and feedback so people will book them and then hotels could offer more of them.
Pat in Cleveland
Debra’s Answer
Well…not much information on their website.
I don’t see anything about what they do to make the rooms PURE.
Buried in a blog post I found this description of the air purifier:
Each PURE Room is treated according to a patented 7-step purification process and features an air-purifier powerful enough to be classified by the FDA as a Class II medical-grade device. Scientifically proven to eliminate and protect against 98-100% of viruses, bacteria and other harmful irritants, this technology provides superior air-quality and a more rejuvenating environment during recovery.
No mention is made of removing toxic gasses or heavy metals. Sounds like it basically and allergen filter, not a toxics filter.
I think it’s a great idea to have PURE rooms, but I’d like to see them have a toxic-free criteria.
And these rooms should be widely promoted so hotels will have more and more of them.
Oh here, I finally found a link to the PURE PROCESS on the page where you book a room:
Nothing refreshes a room like PURE. Our patented, 7-step purification process treats every surface, including the air, removing up to 99% of pollutants so you can breathe easy, and rest peacefully. PURE’s leading air-purification system protects you from airborne irritants, and eliminates odors at the source, leaving your room smelling fresh and clean. PURE’s unique, hypoallergenic mattress and pillow encasements provide soft, breathable coverings to protect you even further. Carpets, upholstery and all surfaces are deep cleaned and specially treated. Our rigorous maintenance is performed regularly to keep PURE Room’s certified allergy-friendly. When you stay in a PURE Room, you are free to live without boundaries, confident you have the freshest air quality in the hotel industry.
PURE’S Patented, 7-Step Purification Process
- Deep Clean Air-Handling Unit. Deep Clean Air-Handling Unit. A PURE heating and air conditioning unit along with air clean filters results in healthier air circulating throughout the room. Coils are deep cleaned and disinfected using PURE’s advanced treatment. And finally, an enzyme-based drip-pan tablet is in place to ensure maximum protection and minimum allergy at home or in partner hotels.
- PURE Tea Tree Oil Cartridge. Tea tree oil is a natural substance known for its antimicrobial and disinfectant properties. A cartridge of this tea tree oil is installed in the air-handling unit to maintain sanitized conditions.
- Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning. Our patented PURE clean solution is used to maximize the removal of dirt, bacteria and mold from all soft surfaces that traditional cleaners leave behind.
- One Time Shock Treatment. This advanced shock treatment destroys nearly all of the mold and bacteria in every nook and cranny of the room, removing any lingering odors caused by these and other contaminants, including but not limited to cigar or cigarette smoke, pets, or other unpleasant sources. The result is a fresh, crisp, environment.
- PURE Shield. This bacteriostatic barrier is applied to all room surfaces to repel microorganisms that cause illness and discomfort, and prevent their growth. Our advanced shield process makes it nearly impossible for bacteria viruses to survive in a PURE environment.
- Air Purification System. PURE’s air purifier is 24-hour defense against airborne irritants. Listed by the FDA as a Class II Medical Device, PURE’s state-of-the-art system is proven to kill 98% to 100% of bacteria and viruses.
- Allergy-Friendly Bedding. PURE’s personal protection continues. Aside from air clean filters, PURE uses only micro-fiber, mono-filament mattress and pillow encasements for lesser risks of allergy at home.
So…nothing about toxics. Bedding is synthetic. It’s all about bacteria and viruses and allergens.
But it may be better than most hotel rooms. I don’t know. I’ve never stayed in one.
