Central Air Filter

Comment from Denise
It's time for me to replace the filters on my Aprilaire humidifiers.  Please contact me with information on how to do that.  Thank you.

Hi Denise,
The filters you refer to are called water panel evaporators and they are the heart of an Aprilaire humidifier.  This is where the moisture is picked up by the air in your heating system, and from there is distributed throughout your home.  To maintain optimum humidifier performance, it is recommended that you change this item on an annual basis.

The best way to have your humidifier properly serviced is by your local Aprilaire dealer.  Your local dealer will have the expertise to not only change out the water panel evaporator, but also to check other critical aspects of the humidifier to ensure it performs properly this upcoming heating season. 

If you feel you can do it yourself, you can still purchase the water panel evaporator over
the counter from your local Aprilaire dealer.  If you don't have a dealer, you can purchase from the Aprilaire e-store.  All orders ship out same day for your convenience.

Thank you for your inquiry, Denise.  And thank you for supporting Aprilaire.

 

Did you know.....You can save money on your air conditioning bill by adding a whole-house dehumidifier to your HVAC system.  Studies show that you can save up to 18% on your electric bill and be more comfortable at a higher temperature.

It's not the heat, it's the humidity
Humidity control is key when it comes to comfort.  When you lower your relative humidity (RH) to a range of 40% to 60%, you can actually raise the setting on your thermostat and be more comfortable.  Why is that?  Lowering the RH allows your body’s natural cooling system, perspiration, to operate more efficiently, eliminating the need to lower the temperature and make your air conditioning system work harder than it has to.  Studies show that by raising your thermostat setting 3 degrees, you can achieve up to 18% savings!

Aprilaire has an entire family of whole-house dehumidifiers that work in conjunction with your home’s HVAC system to properly dehumidify your entire house.  And, unlike noisy, portable dehumidifiers that take up space in your living room, Aprilaire works quietly in your equipment room.  Out of sight and out of mind, just the way it's supposed to be.

Call your Aprilaire dealer and schedule your installation today.  You'll be glad you did.

Aprilaire - Keeping you comfortable and saving you money for over 50 years.
 

Do electronic air cleaners have MERV ratings?

Electronic air cleaners cannot be given a MERV rating.

The reason is this. The MERV test standard (ASHRAE standard 52.2) requires the use of a specific “loading” dust to simulate the effect of time, where the filter gradually captures more dust. This “loading” dust contains a significant percentage of carbon. The carbon in the dust causes shorting in the electronic component of any electronic air cleaner, reducing the removal efficiency below the level it actually performs at (carbon dust is not normally present in homes).

Because of this, the only test that can be performed is the initial efficiency test, which is not enough to get a true MERV rating per the ASHRAE standard. If we tested the Aprilaire Model 5000 by replacing the carbon based dust with a non carbon dust that is the same particle size the Model 5000’s performance will be equal to a MERV 16, but this is the official test.

What is a MERV Rating?

MERV, which stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, is a rating that was developed by ASHRAE (the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers) used to assess the filtering power of a furnace filter/air cleaner.

The MERV scale consists of ratings from 1 to 16, with filter performance being greater as the number increases. On the MERV scale, dirt particles are graded from 0.3 microns to 10 microns. A micron is 1 millionth of a millimeter, and to give you an idea of just how small that is, you can look at the size of a single human hair. The average strand of human hair is about 100 microns thick, so imagine just how small 0.3 microns of dirt is!

Why is MERV Rating Important?

When you’re purchasing an air conditioner or furnace filter for your home, you want to be sure that you are buying a filter that will keep the air in your home clean. While all Aprilaire air cleaners will provide you with the filtering efficiency needed to improve the air quality of your home, depending on the particular needs of your family, you may require a filter that has a higher MERV rating, like the Aprilaire Model 5000 Electronic Air Cleaner.

Cases in which this is likely are those when you or someone in your home suffers from allergies, respiratory problems, or other similar incidences. Then again, you may just want to get the best filter for your family so that the indoor air quality around your home is the best it can be.

With Aprilaire AIr Cleaners, it's Garbage in, NO Garbage out!

Aprilaire Sponsors Terre Verde Green Renovation Project

Control of indoor air quality at the forefront of “Greenovation”

Madison, Wis. – Aprilaire, manufacturer of products that provide whole-house solutions to indoor air quality problems, is sponsoring a massive renovation project in Florida by providing the latest technology in air filtration, humidity control and zoned temperature control systems.

The project is Terre Verde, a 1970’s Florida-style ranch home adjacent to the Ocala national forest in central Florida. The home has been virtually untouched with any improvements in its entire 40 years.

Dr. Anna Marie, health specialist for The Weather Channel and host of the syndicated better living show YOUR LIFE WITH DR. ANNA MARIE, is leading this green renovation project to transform this home into an eco-friendly, energy efficient and ultimately healthy home.

Part of the renovation will employ new building technologies to make Terre Verde much tighter in order to save energy. While good for the pocket book and the environment, these kinds of advancements lead to the increase of indoor air pollutants – houses that don’t breathe like they use to. 

Working with local Aprilaire representatives and indoor air quality specialists, Aprilaire has installed the latest in air cleaning technology with One Touch active control, allowing the homeowner to control when and how much air cleaning takes place based on their lifestyle and need. Also provided is Aprilaire high-capacity Central Dehumidification and Zoned Comfort Control; a system which provides for focusing temperature control in specific areas of the home only where and when it is needed.

“These products help save energy by providing comfort while running air conditioning less often, but that’s just the beginning, noted Dr. Anna Marie, “They also provide for a much healthier, more sustainable environment by dramatically controlling the growth of mold and mildew, and trapping airborne allergens and other harmful particles from the entire home. Aprilaire products work together to protect the home’s furnishings, materials and of course it’s inhabitants. And that’ll be me, eventually!”

“Aprilaire is committed to the project and to help promote sustainable living, said Tom Ruse, Marketing Communications Manager. “We’re excited to help showcase the latest technologies available to make homes healthier, more comfortable and energy efficient”.

Terre Verde will be showcased at the Lake County Florida Builder Association’s Parade of Homes in March 2010.  

Aprilaire (www.aprilaire.com)

Aprilaire has been a brand leader in the indoor air quality industry for over 60 years. The company designs, develops, manufactures and distributes whole-home indoor air quality products that provide comfort, health, energy efficiency, and the protection and preservation of the home. For more information on central air cleaners, visit www.aprilaire.com.

Here is a picture of two cooling coils from furnaces that were installed for over 15 years. Air is blown over these coils and into your house year around to heat or cool it. The coil on the right had a poor furnace filter on it that didn’t stop the dust from coming through and collecting on the coil. The coil on the left was protected by an Aprilaire media air cleaner which does a great job protecting your investment. For only a few hundred dollars more, Aprilaire media air cleaners can prolong the life of your equipment and make it run more efficiently.

What would you do?

Whether updating a home to be healthier, more energy efficient and  sustainable or building a new home and trying to achieve green certification, Aprilaire, a leader in the indoor air quality industry, offers homeowners a complete indoor environmental quality package that features the most innovative products on the market. Over the past several years, research and experience have improved the understanding of what is involved in maintaining good indoor air quality. Four key indoor air quality components that help ensure the sustainability and health of the home and its occupants are moisture load control, ventilation, air filtration, and energy efficiency.

Moisture Control

• According to LEED for Homes, “Control indoor moisture levels to provide comfort, reduce the risk of mold & allergens, and increase the durability of the home. In hot and humid climates, dehumidification can reduce the energy demands associated with air-conditioning.”

Aprilaire addresses high indoor humidity problems and/or concerns in the home with an innovative, effective and affordable whole-home solution – the Model 1750 Central Dehumidifier. The Aprilaire central dehumidifier provides 24-7 moisture control in two critical ways: first, it works independently from the central air conditioner to control excess moisture on days that do not require cooling. Second, it works in conjunction with the central air conditioner to provide the most efficient complete humidity control solution while maintaining an optimum home temperature. An Aprilaire Dehumidifier provides the ability to automatically control moisture levels through the whole home in order to ensure the sustainability of the home, as well as a more healthy and comfortable indoor environment.

The 90-pint/day Aprilaire dehumidifier is a whole-house unit that can be installed in attics, closets, crawlspaces, garages, basements, and in new construction or existing homes. Built-in intelligence provides automatic control for not only whole-home dehumidification, but also for fresh air ventilation, air cycling, and air filtration. Automatic air cycling allows for improved humidity and temperature balance throughout the house. The built-in automatic fresh air ventilation provides not only the control of fresh air, but also the dehumidification, if needed, of that fresh air upon entering the home. The fresh air ventilation control will meet ASHRAE 62.2 standards where and when required.

Just as important as removing excess moisture is adding the right about during the winter months is cold climates. The National Association of Home Builders’ Model GREEN Home Building Guidelines recognizes that controlled humidity is an important health element for those living in regions where furnaces are used during the winter season. As the innovator of controlled whole-home humidifiers, Aprilaire offers a full line of automatic whole-home humidifiers that provide just the right amount of humidity based on outdoor temperature and indoor relative humidity. By utilizing an automatic whole-home humidifier, homeowners are protecting their health, preserving their home and saving energy. 

Ventilation

• According to the EPA’s Energy Star program, “Without mechanical ventilation to provide fresh air, moisture, odors, and other pollutants can build up inside a home. Mechanical ventilation systems circulate fresh air using ducts and fans, rather than relying on airflow through small holes or cracks in a home’s walls, roof, or windows. Homeowners can breathe easier knowing their home has good ventilation.”

Aprilaire’s innovative Ventilation Control System offers an affordable and effective means for not only mechanically ventilating homes, but to ventilate them to ASHRAE 62.2 when required. The system consists of a six-inch damper, controller and transformer. The system provides time‑based control with outdoor temperature and indoor relative humidity operating limits. The control opens a damper with a fan or equipment call to meet a desired ventilation requirement that is set by the installer with the ventilation knob (0 – 60 minutes) and cycle time setting (1, 2, 3, or 4 hours). Once the ventilation requirement is met, the controller will close the damper. If the fan and equipment run times do not meet the ventilation requirement, the controller will turn the fan on and open the damper until the desired ventilation is met. 

Air Filtration

• According to the Sustainable Living Sourcebook “ Of concern from a health standpoint are small, invisible respirable-size particulate matter, having a high probability of penetrating deep into the lungs, where they may stay a long time and cause acute or chronic effects. Large particulate matter such as some molds, pollen, animal dander, and house dust allergens, do not penetrate as deeply, but may cause an allergic response. Health effects can range from irritation of the eyes and/or respiratory tissues to more serious effects, such as cancer and decreased lung function. Biological particles, such as animal and insect allergens, viruses, bacteria, and molds, can cause allergic reactions, infectious diseases, and/or can produce toxic products that may be released into the air.”

Aprilaire central air cleaners are attached to the heating and cooling system and permanently trap the airborne contaminants that can aggravate health and allergy and asthma symptoms. In a recent standard industry test, the Aprilaire 5000 achieved 99 percent efficiency against airborne particles. The unit captures and kills virtually all contaminants including those that most affect personal health—viruses, bacteria, spores and allergens 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Aprilaire also offers homeowners a one-of-a-kind air cleaner control that allows them to actively clean the air in their entire home based on personal preference and event triggers:

• Constant Cleaning: air cleaner is active for 24 hours a day seven days a week
• Automatic: air cleaner will run a minimum of 30 minutes per hour
• Event Clean: air cleaners will run for three hours continuously and then turn off
• Allergies: air cleaner will run continuously for 24 hours and then turn off

Installed next to the thermostat or on the air cleaning unit, the new control also provides validation the air cleaner is working by indicating through a sequence of bars that rise when the blower on the heating and cooling system is energized. It also indicates when the filter needs to be replaced based on blower run time.

Energy Efficiency

• According to the EPA, “Maximizing household energy use through serviced heating and cooling systems, leak-less ducts, and thermostats that are programmed to save energy at night or when residents are away, would prevent 169 billion lbs of greenhouse gas emissions per year.”

Heating and cooling costs are the #1 expense in most American homes. Energy Star states that the average home spends about $1,500 annually on energy bills. All of Aprilaire Programmable Thermostats are Energy Star Rated — and according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a programmable thermostat can save you up to 30% on your energy costs.

Do you get frustrated when changing the filter media in you Aprilaire air cleaner like this guy? Are you fed up with broken pleat spacers and a torn and tattered filter media? You asked and we listened!

Changing your filter is now easier with the Aprilaire air cleaner upgrade kit. In addition to eliminating the pleat spacers it is a more efficient filtration system. The Upgrade kit filter removes twice as many contaminants as the filter media in your model 2200 or 2400 whole house Aprilaire air cleaner. Please visit us at www.aprilaire.com watch the video at to learn more about the upgrade kit.

Did you know....According to the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, dust mites are found in most homes.  While dust mites are not parasitic and do not bite, people can be allergic to them.  Symptoms include sneezing, itchy, water eyes, nasal stuffiness, runny nose, stuffy ears, respiratory problems, eczema and (in severe cases) asthma. 

Dust mites need high temperatures (75 to 80 degrees F) and high humidity (70 to 80% relative humidity) to survive.  One study showed when humidity is 60% or lower, the dust mite population stops growing and dies out. 

Control humidity for dust mite management
At the top of the university’s list for eliminating problems due to dust mites is controlling the relative humidity (RH) in the home.  Keeping the RH below 50% is the key.  The best way to reduce the RH in your home is to install an Aprilaire whole-house dehumidifier.  Unlike a portable unit that only removes moisture from the room it is in, Aprilaire works with your HVAC system to deliver dehumidified air to your entire home.  And, unlike portable dehumidifiers that require constant cleaning and emptying of the tank, an Apriaire whole-house dehumidifier only needs the filter cleaned once a year.

Aprilaire - protecting your health for over 50 years!  
 

Wisconsin weather sure is whacky.  Today is June 30, 2009.  At the time I am blogging this, it is 61 degrees outside with a relative humidity (RH) of 72%.  Last week at this time, we had temps in the high eighties and low nineties with high humidity to boot.  Air conditioners and dehumidifiers were working as hard as they could to remove heat and moisture, giving homeowners ultimate comfort and protection.

No air conditioning required
72% RH is a perfect breeding ground for things like mold and dust mites.  Some people would say their air conditioning will take care of excess humidity.  However, at 61 degrees, your air conditioning is not going to come on.  At this point, you have a decision to make; you can either suffer the consequences of high humidity, or you can install an Aprilaire whole-house dehumidifier to protect your health and home. 

Aprilaire is the perfect solution.  It installs with your home’s HVAC system, out of sight and out of mind, quietly removing moisture from your entire home.  And, unlike portable dehumidifiers that only remove moisture from the room they are in, there are no tanks to empty and clean on a daily basis.

Call your Aprilaire dealer today and request an Aprilaire whole-house dehumidifier.  You'll be glad you did.
 

Did you know...Medical professionals recommend the use of a dehumidifier to prevent mold growth in homes.  One such professional is Dr. Alan Green, M.D.  Dr. Greene has dedicated a section of his website to address mold and how to prevent its growth.  The importance of this lies in health-related issues such as allergies.  Prevent mold, reduce allergy symptoms.

Relative Humidity is the Key
Dr. Greene recommends the use of a dehumidifier to maintain relative humidity (RH) levels between 35% and 50%.  Aprilaire recommends you take this one step further; install a whole-house dehumidifier.  A whole-house dehumidifier provides many advantages over a portable.
 

• Whole-house versus one room - you live in more than one room of your house, it doesn't make sense to dehumidify only one room.
• Out of sight - Aprilaire installs in conjunction with your HVAC equipment, out of sight and out of mind.  A portable dehumidifier sits in your living area where you can see and hear it.
• Maintenance – an Aprilaire unit only requires cleaning of  the air filter once per year.  A  portable unit requires daily emptying of the tank and periodic cleaning.  What a hassle!

Aprilaire - protecting your health for over 50 years!
 

Did you know....dehumidification is a natural byproduct of the air conditioning process.  However, using your central air conditioning as a dehumidifier can be costly in a couple of areas.  Incorporating a whole-house dehumidifier with your central air conditioner will improve your comfort and save you money on your utility bill.

Costly to Operate
As you know, running your air conditioner is not cheap.  At the heart of the system is a large compressor that uses lots of electricity.  As such, you pay a fairly high price to stay comfortable in the heat of summer. 

Using your air conditioner as a dehumidifier is even more costly, as you typically need to overcool your home by several degrees to achieve your relative humidity (RH) target.  Now your RH is good, maybe, but you're cold and not comfortable.

A whole-house dehumidifier from Aprilaire is your solution.  First, it uses a much smaller compressor, consuming a fraction of the power of your air conditioner.  Now that your RH is under control, you can actually raise your thermostat several degrees and maintain maximum comfort.  This translates to an energy savings as high as 74% in the summer!

Call your Aprilaire dealer today and discover how you can maintain maximum comfort and save on your energy bill.

It is Thursday, June 18, 2009 in Madison, Wisconsin.  The temperature is 66°F.  No need to run the air conditioning with this temperature.  But are you comfortable?  Probably not.  Why?  The relative humidity (RH) is a whopping 88%! 

A whole-house dehumidifier is the solution
Dehumidification is a natural by-product of air conditioning.  However, only 10% of what an air conditioner does is dehumidify, and it is controlled by temperature, not RH.  The solution to maintaining your comfort on these very typical days is to have your Aprilaire dealer install a whole-house dehumidifier.  It works in conjunction with your home's HVAC system to remove excess moisture from your entire house, not just a single room like a portable dehumidifier.  And because it controls to RH, not temperature, you don't over cool your house to remove moisture.

Call your Aprilaire dealer and get your whole-house dehumidifier installed today!