Try these tips for a healthier home this season

  1. Control humidity.

    Humidity promotes the growth of mold and dust mites. These invisible, common indoor contaminants live on countertops, tables, carpets and bedding relying on high humidity levels and warm temperatures. In order to improve indoor air quality and reduce allergy symptoms, we suggest keeping humidity levels around 50% or lower.

  2. Seasonal house cleaning.

    In order to reduce common household contaminants such as dust, dust mites, pollen and pet dander it is recommended that you clean regularly. Cleaning adequately includes vacuuming and dusting at least once or twice a week and washing bedding weekly in hot water (131 degrees F.) Ridding these contaminants from your living spaces can greatly reduce allergy symptoms and create comfortable indoor environments.

  3. Check for leaks

    Check for leaks and/or cracks in central air-conditioning ducts and areas around window units. Seal any imperfections with peelable caulking or a sealant strip. This will ensure optimal airflow and maximize the systems efficiency resulting in a cooler, more comfortable environment.

  4. Prevent contaminant entry

    Reduce the number of allergens coming indoors by keeping windows and doors closed. While it is very important to adequately ventilate, it is as just important to block allergens such as pollen, mold and bacteria from entering your home. Other preventive measures include removing shoes and dirty clothes before coming inside. Instead of opening up these entry ways, try setting your air conditioner on re-circulate to keep things comfortable.

  5. Change filters regularly

    Most important, be sure to change your Flanders Filter regularly during the summer months to ensure the best possible airflow and removal of allergy causing contaminants. This allows your central air-conditioner to run efficiently, provide the best indoor air quality and keep your home cool all summer long.

What is a MERV Rating?

Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV for short, is a filter rating system devised by ASHRAE, the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers, to standardize and simplify air filter efficiency ratings for the public. The higher the MERV rating, the more effective the air filter. Simply stated, a MERV 13 filter will remove larger amounts of small particles from the air than a MERV 4 filter.

MERV ratings allow you to effectively compare one type or brand of filter to another. National Air Filtration Association User’s Guide for ASHRAE Standard 52.2-2007 shows MERV 13 & above are the appropriate application in general surgery, hospitals, and health care facilities. By comparison, the typical fiberglass throwaway filter used in most homes has a rating of MERV 4 or less.

What is FPR?

FPR stands for Filter Performance Rating and is a proprietary system for rating indoor air filters sold by The Home Depot. The FPR system ranks filters on a 1-10 scale. A higher number signifies greater filter performance.

Importance of Changing Filters Regularly

It is important to change indoor air filters as recommended not only to protect your home’s heating and air conditioning system, but also to protect you and your loved ones from harmful allergens. It is recommended that most indoor air filters be changed every 90 days to ensure the best possible air quality for your home and family. Certain instances such as high traffic areas, pets or smokers in a residence, or other situations may require more frequent changes.

Beyond recommended change interval*

New Filter*

Change Your Filters Regularly Graphic

*Graphic representation only. Does not imply actual performance.