American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers: Allergies Solutions - It’s Your Money

ATLANTA, June 13 -- The following was released today by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) on allergies solutions:

Are you one of the millions of watery-eyed, red-nosed allergy sufferers reaching for allergy-relief medication but wishing there was a better way? Are you considering the purchase of a room air cleaner, like those advertised in upscale gadget shops? These products are being heavily advertised as a cost-effective solution to allergy problems -- but are they more cost effective than other installed solutions?

Where will you get the most relief for your money?

Smart consumers are learning that room air-cleaning units, which are intended to clean the air in just one room at a time, can cost as much as a unit installed on or near their home’s furnace, cleaning the air circulated in every room of the house whenever the furnace or air conditioner runs.

In fact, newer heating-cooling systems can run continuously on very low speed, allowing air to constantly circulate. The air is continuously cleaned of airborne particulates at a very low operating cost.

Continuous air cleaning is especially important for family members who suffer from allergies or other chronic respiratory ailments.

According to Glenn Friedman, an engineer with the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), today’s tighter homes trap air, which is recirculated by the air conditioning or heating system.

The medical community has confirmed that constant exposure to dust and allergens can result in chronic asthma.

According to the American Lung Association, nearly 75 percent of Americans now live with someone who has a respiratory illness.

“High-efficiency filters can be more effective than standard fiberglass filters in capturing pollen, pet dander, smoke, and other potentially harmful micro particles,” the association states.

This is all becoming more familiar to consumers, but they also need reliable information, according to Friedman. Do a Google search for “indoor air quality” -- you will literally get millions of hits and a lot of misleading information. TV ads only create further confusion.

Friedman says this is what you need to know about whole-house air cleaners in order to make an informed buying decision.

-- Your furnace already has a panel-type filter. However, this filter only removes larger debris. Smaller, more harmful particles can still pass through, and that’s what gets into your house. Some manufacturers estimate that only 15 percent of all particles in the air are large enough to be trapped by an ordinary panel filter.

-- Electronic air cleaners and HEPA filters often can be installed with very little modification to your existing equipment. It needs to be installed by a professional heating- cooling contractor, in order to make sure the system gets enough airflow.

-- In addition to air filters, your contractor can offer other solutions such as energy recovery ventilators, which help bring in fresh air and exhaust stale air while saving energy; humidifiers and dehumidifiers; zoning and thermostat controls; and UV lights, which enhance indoor comfort and improve air quality.

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ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is an international organization of 55,000 persons. Its sole objective is to advance through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education the arts and sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve the evolving needs of the public.

Contact Information

Jodi Dunlop

Media Contact

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers

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