are fiberglass air filters dangerous

2021/05/21

So there they stay, suspended like a mini solar system sometimes dancing when the air gets disrupted. How to Make Your Home Smell Fresh All the Time. Youll end up getting a great price while having a filter thats barely efficient enough to sort out coffee grounds, much less dust. If the internal coils get dirty, that dirt mixes with the condensation produced, forming a slug that can clog your condensate drain pipe. The proper use of air filtration is of established importance in the environmental treatment of nasal and pulmonary allergies. Everything was well organized from beginning to end. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'homeinspectioninsider_com-box-3','ezslot_2',800,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-homeinspectioninsider_com-box-3-0')};Pleated and fiberglass air filters are the two most common options for in-home HVAC systems. Thank you! Air purifiers can filter, Your email address will not be published. To save the expense of annual filter changes, many users, both in commercial use and home use, have benefitted by installing pre filters.

Should You Clean Your Air Ducts?

As you probably read above, the MERV rating of your filter will determine how well it works. Various standards and laws are made to protect people from health threat.Periodic Inspections and chec ups are stipulated by the authorities. My new A.C. company from now on! The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating system is an industry-wide standard for rating the effectiveness of a filter. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. I always stick to filters with a middle of the road MERV rating. doityourself Since they are produced with an energy efficient method, the material is sustainable and low maintenances as well. Separating Fact and Fiction, What Happens If My Return Air Filter Is Installed Wrong, Why pleated filters are so much better than fiberglass filters, Whether or not pleated filters restrict airflow. For example, getting a pleated filter with a MERV rating of 18 would stop potential viruses from flowing through, much less dust and other debris. Clipboard, Search History, and several other advanced features are temporarily unavailable. All filter products of the brand filtex are harmless in concert to health influence. The AC in the house feels great. Previous: 8 Signs That You Need a New Furnace Filter, Next: PureFilters September Giveaway: Free Year-Supply of Filters, Cities in Canada With The Worst And Best Air Quality. As we mentioned, not all HEPA filters are made with fiberglass. Manufacturers give strict warning instructions for product liability reasons. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'breathalong_com-banner-1','ezslot_2',113,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-breathalong_com-banner-1-0')};In a test conducted by scientists, they turned on a HEPA filter with fiberglass for the same time period as they turned on one without fiberglass. The layers become more dense thus filtering more effectively. 8600 Rockville Pike See What Happens If My Return Air Filter Is Installed Wrong for more details and determine if your air filter is installed correctly. 2000 Jun;32(6):242-5. Westside Jacksonville. When you step up to a MERV 8 rated air filter you are now able to filter out most pollen, dust and lint, dust mites and their harmful poop, and most pet dander. We highly recommend them and their company! Indoor Air.

These particles are floating in your air because they are positively charged- and so are you walls, your ceiling and your floor.

Our filters are hand made in the USA and are made of the highest quality. Click here to shop our filters and add a better filter to your HVAC system with cheaper than box store prices. Using high-quality air filters, a programmable thermostat and making sure air flow isnt being blocked by furniture or drapes are important steps to take toward reducing your energy bills. And remember, you should never let routine maintenance go by the wayside, especially when professional help is only a phone call away. Affordable in standard sizes and good for homes with children, pets or smokers. People can literally breathe easier in homes that use air filters with higher ratings because MERV 8 rated filters can remove smaller particles like hairspray, MERV 11 can remove auto emissions and lead dust, and MERV 13 can remove all types of bacteria and most tobacco smoke. Particles are spread in the channel systems, air handling units and rooms. Pleated air filters have more surface area allowing them to capture more airborne pollutants and allergens such as pollen, pet dander, and mold spores. Stay cool out there guys!

Pleated air filters can reduce or even eliminate the need to have your air ducts cleaned. The alternate use of washable all metal mesh filters is highly recommended. Besides, fiberglass is so great as a filter because of its durability, and easily mendable features.

The proper air filter maintenance will keep your airflow as it should be without risking damage to the internal coils. Although the fiberglass in the filter shreds micro particles into the air, the number of the shredded particles is well below the official safety levels. particles like bacteria, viruses, and other allergens that are circulating through your home go right through these filters.

This is why companies that commercially fabricate these air purifiers warn against cutting open HEPA filters or recycle the filters for other purposes. So fiber fragments are spread permanently in the air flow and reach and finally this particles are breathed by people. These filters have a removable, washable filter that only need to be replaced about once every decade. PlasmaWave Technology is the distinguishing feature of Winix Air Purifiers. If you are among such people, then you have come to the right place. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'breathalong_com-box-4','ezslot_0',112,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-breathalong_com-box-4-0')};Although there are assumptions that fiberglass sheds from the HEPA filter can be harmful to ones health, fiberglass HEPA filters are widely manufactured and used. photo credit: MBK (Marjie) via photopin cc, 2022 Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning, Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Sitemap | Design & Marketing by LeadsNearby. To 200 studies worldwide point to the danger of fiberglass. They are fiberglass, pleated (cloth) and electrostatic (a type of plastic). PMC if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'breathalong_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_8',116,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-breathalong_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0')};These ionizing purifiers are not the same as ozone generators or ozone-emitting purifiers which are considered to be harmful to peoples health. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and is a standard of measuring how much air filters can catch and trap fine airborne particles. In households where someone has serious asthma or allergies, theyre almost the equivalent of not using a filter at all. MERV rating: 6, cost: $4-5, Disposable fiberglass These are the standard, run of the mill filters that youll find at any hardware store, grocery store and major home improvement chains/box stores. As mentioned in the introduction, pleated filters are much better than fiberglass filters. He was ready to answer any of my why and how questions and was very efficient.

The downside to this efficiency is that it can quickly lead to restricted airflow. I waited till the next day as the AC was working. Larger particles of fiber glass, when in contact with the skin, can cause rash and skin irritation. This article will, Read More Best Place To Put An Air PurifierContinue, The PlasmaWave technology, invented by Winix in collaboration with Drexel Plasma Institute Research Partners, employs a natural filtering mechanism that generates positive and negative ions. No matter which type of filters you you decide to get, your home and HVAC components could probably stand to operate more efficiently if they are changed out more often. Kory did a fantastic job.

MERV 13 is the highest recommended MERV rating for home furnaces, heat pumps and HVAC systems. That seems like a great deal but the problem is, those types of air filters arent very efficient. Pleated filters are stronger and can last up to 90 days, three times longer than fiberglass filters. Instead, the air you inhale contains dust particles, allergens, and different microbes accompanied by odor. The controversy flutters between two widespread questions. Call J & W (: 2021 J&W Heating and Air.

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Now that weve covered the different types of air filters there are on the market, its time to break down what exactly each one does and how to figure out which one is right for the air system in your home.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The filter material is made up of a mixture of cotton and polyester fibers surrounded by a heavy duty- moisture, mold and mildew resistant cardboard frame.

The standard MERV rating they claim to have varies between 1-4 and typically last no more than 30 days. Unfortunately the use of fiberglass material in central heating and cooling systems has created a possible insult to tissues already sensitized. Fiberglass filters also provide little protection against small airborne particles. MERV 11 air filters can remove even finer particles that include bacteria sized particles along with mold spores and car fumes. Although the shredded fibers are extremely microscopic in size, they were still 50 times bigger than the capturing filer gap. Throughout this article, youll learn all sorts of useful information, including: Pleated air filters are folded into an accordion fashion to allow for increased surface area to capture more airborne particles. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'breathalong_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_11',117,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-breathalong_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0')};Unless the HEPA filter is cut open or, the fiberglass is broken down or sanded, there is negligible chance of these glass fiber particles effective your health or causing possible irritation. These purifiers are popularly called UVGI air purifiers and use filter-less technology to get rid of impurities from the air. These filters are either sold as separate units for residential use or inbuilt into a complete HVAC system. Air filters are ranked on a MERV scale of 1-20, the higher the number meaning the finer the particles it is able to filter from the air. J & K ??? We cant speak for all high MERV air filters but our furnace filters do not have any fiberglass in them. In this article, Ill cover the different types of air filters, their costs and how to to figure out which one is right for you. This ultimately leads to users having inquiring and questioning whether these fiberglass containing purifiers are safe for ones health after all? As always he did a great job.

The health danger (cancer risk) is very high in particular with fibers under 3ym. Fiberglass filters are the 1 inch blue filters that can be found at most hardware and large retail stores. Fiberglass filters are often referred to as throwaway or disposable filters because they are only designed to last around 30 days before they need to be thrown away and replaced. Hospitals and nuclear power plants have incredibly high MERV ratings, reaching upwards of 15 to 20. Today were going to talk about what fiberglass air filters are and the advantages and disadvantages of using them with your heating and cooling system!

Although, many fiberglass filters come with a metal mesh design to help make them a little more rigid than other less-supported models. Think about it, they are so bad at stopping dust from going through them the first time they actually become better air filters the more they load up with debris. This experiment was intended to find out whether fiberglass sheds as the air purifier works to sieve out the impurities.

In the experiment, the scientists were able to conclude that both the filters shed fibers. Plus, its anti-corrosive properties make sure it is not oxidized in combination with moisture either.

Accessibility ContentsPopularity Increase of Air PurifiersHow Does An Air Purifier Work?Do Air Purifiers Dry Out the Air?Can Air Purifiers Cause Sore Throat?Can Air, Read More Can Air Purifier Cause Sore ThroatContinue, Imagine you enter a room, and fresh air welcomes you. Air filters have fiber lengths of 0.25 - 2ym! This is because the glass wool composite material is successful in being an effective filter that sieves out the smaller particles.

The cardboard frames in fiberglass filters bend easily, which can cause the filter to collapse onto itself. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Fiberglass air filters seem to offer a cheap solution when its time to replace your home furnace filters. Finding the right MERV rating means finding the right balance between a filter that can remove the most allergens without sacrificing air flow. and transmitted securely.

What are Ductless Mini Split Heat Pumps: Best Brands & Cost Guide, Disadvantages of Mini Split Systems: 9 Things You Should Know. As they do, they will pass through your air filter(s) removing smaller and smaller particles depending on how high the MERV rating is.

Most HEPA filters contain fiberglass while others are manufactured with synthetic polypropene filters. The problem of fiber glass is the fibre shedding, caused by the constantly pulsating airflow. You still have to make sure to clean them every sixty to ninety days and since they last longer, you shouldnt have to worry about whether youre stocked up on filters as often. This ensures reliable production processes. Although, this gets bit tricky since a better filter catches more contaminants, which means they have to be changed or cleaned more often.

if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'breathalong_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_5',111,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-breathalong_com-medrectangle-4-0')};Most HEPA filters that are available in the market and are popular do contain Fiberglass as part of a filter.

Sounds refreshing, right? To get a little relief from this issue, Read More Do Air Purifiers Emit Radiation?Continue, Air purifiers keep the air in our rooms clean and breathable by filtering dust, allergens, and indoor pollutants. The technician was great fast and early. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Advertise. I started HomeInspectionInsider.com to help people better understand the home inspection process and answer questions about homeownership and home maintenance. The electrostatic loading effects of synthetic material (fiberglass has not this quality), must not necessarily be a disadvantage and is unimportant in praxis. : pocket filters "durotex" or "durotec" with Hygienic certificate). 2 of these outer filters work as a sieve that discards the bigger impurities. Fiberglass inside the air purifiers is an efficient and budget friendly material that cleans air thoroughly. MERV 8 filters are pretty much the standard for homes that care about air quality and the life of their HVAC system. For all of your HVAC needs, call J&W Heating and Air at 904-647-3292. When the airflow is reduced, your energy bill climbs up, and dust eventually causes a severe blockage, starving your system of necessary airflow. Yes, it is. At a minimum, for your health and the health of your HVAC system, its best to always use an air filter rated MERV 8 or higher. The first task of filtration is to clean air, gases and liquids. Rather than being made from spun glass, pleated air filters are typically manufactured from a synthetic material similar to the feel of cloth, which can keep out much smaller harmful particles than cheaper options can. Many brands try to push low-cost filters without labeling a MERV rating. When you look closely at a fiberglass filter, you can see huge spaces between the fibers. Temporary health problems only occur if the particle size of fiber dust inhaled or contacted is bigger than the harmless size. Update your browser to view this website correctly. The more efficient and clean an air conditioner is, the less often it will need to be serviced. All of our air filters are rated MERV 8 or higher while filters containing fiberglass are usually rated MERV 4 and lower.

If you have any questions about fiberglass air filters, or if youd like a heating and cooling system serviced or installed in your home, contact Jerry Kelly, your St. Charles, MO, furnace and air conditioning contractor. Pleated filters are better than fiberglass air filters, without a doubt.

We had our routine maintenance today. 2008 Feb;18(1):51-62. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0668.2007.00504.x. Although there are some good reasons to use fiberglass filters, they arent always the best option for homeowners. The higher MERV rating means that smaller particles are being trapped instead of being in free flow circulation.

Energy.gov explains that heating and cooling takes up more than half of a typical electricity bill and says average homeowner uses up 54% of their total electricity on heating and cooling a home. I mean, what you see collected in its fibers is going to be made up of mostly dead dust mites, dust mite poop, your own dead skin cells and body hairs just to name a few things. At this point in time, its important to tell you about the MERV rating system. Your email address will not be published.

HHS Vulnerability Disclosure, Help Paying less for low-quality air filters isnt a good money saving option in the long run.

An official website of the United States government.

Perhaps the best news of all is that you dont have to spend too much more money on them than you would on a fiberglass filter. This doesnt mean that all MERV 8 and up pleated filters are fiberglass free. When youre shopping for air filters and you see incredibly cheap prices on those fiberglass air filters, remember that youre getting what you pay fornext to nothing. Very impressed!!!! The role of building construction and ventilation in indoor air pollution. MeSH

Thank you. I've been conducting home inspections for 17 years. Increased airflow means your HVAC system doesnt have to work as hard, thus increasing longevity. This is my 3rd time ever working with Jerry Kelly. This is because we breathe in and contact more dust particles and impurities even on open unadulterated air!

Pleated air filters are designed to be installed in the direction of the airflow. Pleated air filters provide better air filtration than fiberglass air filters. Various particles floating through the air are caught in the weave of a pleated filter that would pass right through ordinary fiberglass air filters.

As explained above, in the use of pocket filters of fibre glass media you schould be restrictive. Most purifiers use filters to trap the impurities physically, while some use a particle burning, Read More How To Tell If Air Purifier Is WorkingContinue, As stated by the Environmental Protection Agency, the concentration of pollutants such as cooking gas, tobacco, and burning wood are 2 to 5 times higher indoors than outdoors. Disclaimer, National Library of Medicine The goal is to have dust trapped, but dust will clog the filter in a matter of minutes when it gets too high.

You can't go wrong.

Over the past few years, the popularity of air purifiers has increased significantly due to their ability to purify your living or working space.

Would you like email updates of new search results? When a filter is too compact and dense, it prevents air from flowing through regularly. advanced filter technology worldwide www.filtex.cc. Eventually movement in the air will cause these particles to circulate through your HVAC system. From aircraft to insulation pipes and household appliances, they are just about everywhere.

Its impact on health]. Over the years, numerous experts and scientists have addressed this issue through various in-depth studies to resolve if Hepa filters containing fiberglass are safe to be breathed in. official website and that any information you provide is encrypted They really care!

Its important to remember that theres a limit to MERV ratings before air cant flow through it properly. Ironically enough, even though they still tout the same 30-90 day replacement recommendation printed on the filter or packaging as a pleated MERV 8 filter does, they can actually get better at trapping finer particles with time. But with the increase of air pollution, the air you breathe in is no longer fresh.

Not only do the particles build up inside your furnace requiring extra cleanings, the toxins arent being removed from the air you breathe. All rights reserved. Not only can it help new buildings qualify for LEED certification, it is recommended for homes with babies, elderly, severe allergy sufferers and smokers due to the amount of damaging particles it can remove from your air. MERV rating: 8, cost: $15-20, Disposable electrostatic Similar to permanent electrostatic filters, these have the same electrostatic cotton fibers that catch contaminant particles. Any air filter can get pretty disgusting after some time. New filters also not only help the quality of air in your home but do a lot to protect the mechanics of the central air units as well. Basically, the higher the number, the better the filter.

Was thorough and informative. Thank you so much!!! Fiberglass filters need to be replaced every 30 days. HEPA filters are expensive and changing them costs you a hefty amount. All major big box retail stores carry them, make them very available to most homeowners across Canada. These are respirable and can become not intercepted by the mucous membranes.The decomposition of the fibers in the lung lasts approx. A special thanks to my entire Jerry Kelly team: Jose, Derek, Matt, Curtis, Mike, and Claudia. Humidity and warm temperature are the ideal fertile soil for the growth of fungi spores and bacteria which are distributed then by the airflow.In this connection the name "sick building syndrome" was born.Sick building cause beside the health interferences also enormous economical damage. On the flip side, low MERV ratings become ineffective. 20 days. The material can be structured quite easily and is therefore used in a wide range of home and industrial applications. Although, many people often go months longer than they should without changing them on a regular basis helps to prevent the build up of dust, debris, mold, mildew and airborne pollutants in not only the air system but throughout your home as well. A clogged drain pipe can cause major problems to your heating and cooling systems as well as interior water damage.

On the other hand filtration must protect people from dust, toxics and other injurious substances. This concerns in particular fiberglass pocket filters class G2 up to F9.

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