Where You Live Matters: Check your HVAC Air Filter!

There are certain parts of the United States where it’s especially important to have a fresh HVAC filter due to varying environmental factors. Whether you live in one of the areas below or anywhere else, it’s always a good idea to check and make sure your air filter is up to date.

  1. High Pollen Areas: Regions with high pollen counts, such as the Southeastern United States in spring, can benefit greatly from fresh HVAC filters to help reduce indoor allergens.
  2. Urban Areas: Cities with higher levels of pollution may require more frequent filter changes to maintain indoor air quality.
  3. Humid Climates: Areas with high humidity levels, like the Southeast and Gulf Coast, may experience increased mold growth, making it crucial to replace filters regularly to prevent mold spores from circulating indoors.
  4. Desert Areas: Regions with desert climates, such as the Southwest, may have higher levels of dust and sand particles in the air, necessitating more frequent filter changes to keep indoor air clean.
  5. Wildfire-Prone Areas: Areas prone to wildfires, such as parts of California, may experience periods of poor air quality due to smoke and ash, making it important to replace filters more often during wildfire season.

In general, no matter where you live it’s a good idea to monitor the air quality and inspect your HVAC filter regularly to determine if it needs to be replaced for optimal performance and indoor air quality. When you’re ready to order, go to FilterShipping.com for the best selection of quality, OEM air filters shipped right to your door.

Allergy Season and MERV Ratings

As allergy season approaches, understanding MERV ratings in air filters becomes particularly important for maintaining indoor air quality and mitigating allergy symptoms. MERV, which stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, is a standardized rating system used to measure the effectiveness of air filters in trapping airborne particles. The higher the MERV rating, the better the filter is at capturing particles of various sizes. Here’s a breakdown of MERV ratings and their significance during allergy season:

  1. MERV Ratings Scale:
    • MERV ratings typically range from 1 to 20, with higher numbers indicating better filtration efficiency.
    • The higher the MERV rating, the more effective the air filter is at capturing smaller particles such as pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and even bacteria and viruses.
  2. Allergy Season Considerations:
    • During allergy season, airborne allergens like pollen and mold spores are prevalent outdoors and can easily find their way indoors through open windows and doors.
    • Using air filters with higher MERV ratings can help trap these allergens, preventing them from circulating in indoor air and exacerbating allergy symptoms.
  3. Choosing the Right MERV Rating:
    • For individuals with allergies or respiratory sensitivities, selecting air filters with MERV ratings between 8 and 13 is often recommended. These filters strike a balance between efficient particle capture and airflow resistance.
    • Filters with MERV ratings higher than 13 are typically used in environments with specific air quality requirements, such as hospitals, clean rooms, or industrial facilities.
  4. Balancing Filtration Efficiency and Airflow:
    • While higher MERV-rated filters offer superior filtration efficiency, they may also restrict airflow more than lower-rated filters. It’s essential to strike a balance between filtration performance and maintaining adequate airflow in HVAC systems.
    • HVAC systems with lower airflow due to highly restrictive filters may lead to reduced comfort, increased energy consumption, and potential strain on the system.
  5. Regular Filter Maintenance:
    • Regardless of the MERV rating, it’s crucial to regularly inspect and replace air filters regularly. Clogged or dirty filters can impede airflow and reduce filtration efficiency, compromising indoor air quality. When you order from FilterShipping.com, you will receive a reminder email when it’s time to reorder.
  6. Considerations for HVAC Systems:
    • Before upgrading to a higher MERV-rated filter, it’s essential to ensure that your HVAC system can accommodate the increased airflow resistance. Consult with an HVAC professional if you’re unsure about the compatibility of your system with higher-rated filters.

In summary, understanding MERV ratings and selecting appropriate air filters are essential steps in maintaining indoor air quality, especially during allergy season. Choosing filters with MERV ratings tailored to your specific needs can help reduce exposure to airborne allergens and improve overall comfort and well-being indoors. Click HERE for more information about MERV ratings.

Be Prepared for Unpredictable Spring Weather

In the Midwest, spring weather brings about significant changes that can be both unpredictable and dramatic. As winter transitions to spring, temperatures can fluctuate wildly, with warm, sunny days quickly followed by chilly evenings or even late-season snowstorms. This variability is largely due to the region’s position between the warmer air masses from the south and the colder air masses from the north, creating a battleground of sorts for weather systems.

One of the key factors during this transition is the increased allergens and pollutants in the air. As plants begin to bloom and trees start to produce pollen, allergy sufferers often find themselves contending with heightened symptoms. Additionally, the melting snow and increased moisture levels can lead to mold growth, further exacerbating indoor air quality issues.

This is where HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems and their filters become crucial. Fresh HVAC air filters play a vital role in maintaining indoor air quality by trapping dust, pollen, mold spores, and other airborne particles. During the spring months when allergens are particularly abundant, having clean air filters can make a significant difference in reducing allergen exposure and alleviating allergy symptoms for occupants of a home or building.

Regularly replacing HVAC air filters is essential for ensuring optimal performance and efficiency of the system as well. Clogged or dirty filters can restrict airflow, causing the system to work harder and consume more energy. By keeping the filters clean and replacing them as needed, homeowners can not only improve indoor air quality but also prolong the lifespan of their HVAC equipment and lower energy costs. FilterShipping.com carries quality, OEM air filters in a variety of sizes. Purchasing the best quality air filter ensures that your home’s indoor air is as healthy as it can be.

In conclusion, the spring weather changes in the Midwest bring about a host of challenges, particularly concerning indoor air quality. Fresh HVAC air filters play a crucial role in mitigating these challenges by trapping allergens and pollutants, improving indoor air quality, and maintaining the efficiency of HVAC systems. Therefore, it’s important for homeowners and building managers to prioritize regular filter replacement as part of their spring maintenance routine. Order today from FilterShipping.com.

Making Healthy Resolutions for the New Year

The tradition of making healthy resolutions for the New Year is rooted in the idea of a fresh start and personal improvement. The start of a new year symbolizes a fresh chapter and an opportunity for a new beginning. Many people see it as a chance to leave behind unhealthy habits and adopt a healthier lifestyle.

While the motivation to make healthy resolutions at the New Year is strong, it’s important to approach these goals with a realistic mindset. Setting achievable, specific, and sustainable goals, as well as being patient with the process, increases the likelihood of success in adopting healthier habits over the long term.

One healthy resolution that is easily acheiveable for the coming New Year is to be sure that your HVAC system always has clean, fresh air filters. Quality air filters are important for keeping particulates out of your indoor air, which can irritate allergies and even spread illness.

FilterShipping.com carries a wide selection of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) air filters made from quality materials that provide superior performance compared to cheap, flimsy filters. Using quality air filters not only ensures your indoor air quality will be the best it can be, but will also go far in keeping your HVAC system healthy and performing well.

FilterShipping.com would like to wish all good health and happiness for the coming new year.

Air Filters for a Holiday Gift?

It does seem a little far-fetched, but HVAC air filters can make a thoughtful and practical holiday gift, especially for that person who can be really tough to buy for (looking at you, Dad). Here are some reasons why they make a good gift:

  1. Practicality: Air filters are essential for maintaining good indoor air quality and ensuring the HVAC system runs efficiently, so they are truly a gift that keeps on giving.
  2. Convenience: Many people forget to change their air filters regularly. Providing them with a supply of filters simply makes their life easier, so they don’t have to scramble when the time comes.
  3. Cost Savings: Regularly changing air filters can improve HVAC system efficiency, potentially leading to lower energy bills and a longer system lifespan.

If you’re considering air filters as a gift, you should take into account the recipient’s specific needs. For example, the size and type of air filter required for their HVAC system, and whether they have any specific preferences, such as HEPA filters for improved allergen reduction. Our customer service staff can help you choose the best filters for your gift, and get them shipped to you, ready for a big bow on top.

Ready to chip away at that holiday gift list? Go to FilterShipping.com and order today!

A Dirty HVAC Air Filter is Scary!

It’s easy to overlook, but a dirty HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) air filter can pose several risks and dangers to you, your HVAC system, and your indoor air quality. Here are some reasons why you should make sure your HVAC system always has clean, fresh filters installed:

  1. Reduced Efficiency: A clogged or dirty air filter restricts the airflow in your HVAC system, making it work harder to maintain your desired temperature. This increased workload can lead to higher energy consumption and, consequently, higher utility bills.
  2. Overheating: When an HVAC system has to work harder due to a dirty filter, it can overheat. Overheating can cause damage to critical components, leading to costly repairs or even system failure.
  3. Decreased Lifespan: The strain on the HVAC system caused by reduced airflow can significantly shorten its lifespan. Regularly changing the air filter is a simple maintenance task that can extend the life of your system.
  4. Poor Air Quality: Dirty air filters are less effective at trapping airborne contaminants like dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens. As a result, these particles can circulate through your home, leading to reduced indoor air quality. This can exacerbate allergies and respiratory issues.
  5. Inadequate Temperature Control: A dirty air filter can cause uneven heating or cooling in your home, as it hampers the system’s ability to distribute conditioned air evenly. Some rooms may be too hot, while others may be too cold.
  6. Frozen Coils: Reduced airflow due to a dirty filter can lead to the evaporator coils in your HVAC system becoming too cold and freezing. When this happens, the system may stop working, and you’ll need to defrost the coils, which can be a time-consuming process.
  7. Mold Growth: A clogged filter can create the conditions for moisture buildup in the HVAC system. Excess moisture can lead to mold growth, which can be harmful to your health and can be difficult and expensive to remove.
  8. Fire Hazard: In extreme cases, a severely clogged air filter can cause the HVAC system to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire hazard. While this is rare, it’s a potential danger associated with neglected maintenance.

A simple way to avoid ever having a dirty air filter again is by ordering from FilterShipping.com. FilterShipping carries quality, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) air filters in a variety of MERV ratings to ensure you get the right filter for your needs and for your system. Our superior customer support staff is happy to assist you in determing the right fit. Once you order from FilterShipping.com, not only will your filters be shipped quickly to your door, but we will send you an email reminder when it’s time to replace them.

Never face a scary, dirty air filter again! Order from FilterShipping.com.

OEM Air Filters: A Good Investment

FilterShipping.com is proud to offer quality, OEM air filters. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) air filters are often considered better than generic or aftermarket air filters for several reasons:

  1. Compatibility: OEM filters are specifically designed and engineered to fit your HVAC system perfectly. They are made to the manufacturer’s specifications, ensuring a precise fit and proper filtration without air leaks. Generic filters may not fit as snugly, which can lead to air bypass and decreased filtration efficiency. FilterShipping.com carries a complete line of air filters including Healthy Climate Solutions, Lennox, Amana, Goodman, and many more
  2. Filtration Efficiency: OEM filters are often designed to meet or exceed industry standards for filtration efficiency. Manufacturers invest in research and development to create filters that are highly effective at removing particles, allergens, and contaminants from the air. Generic filters may not undergo the same rigorous testing and may have variable performance.
  3. Airflow: OEM filters are designed to maintain the optimal airflow for your HVAC system. Restricting airflow can lead to reduced system efficiency and increased energy consumption. OEM filters are engineered to strike a balance between filtration efficiency and minimal airflow restriction.
  4. Quality and Material: OEM filters are manufactured with high-quality materials that are selected for their durability and filtration capabilities. They are often made to last longer and withstand the conditions in HVAC systems, while some generic filters may use cheaper materials and construction methods.
  5. Warranty Considerations: Using OEM filters may help maintain the manufacturer’s warranty on your HVAC system. Some warranties stipulate the use of OEM components, including air filters, to ensure proper operation and prevent damage to the system.
  6. Consistency: OEM filters provide a consistent level of performance and quality, as they are manufactured to specific standards. Generic filters can vary in terms of quality and filtration capabilities, making it harder to predict their performance.
  7. System Longevity: Properly functioning OEM filters can help extend the life of your HVAC system by preventing the accumulation of dust and debris on sensitive components, reducing the risk of breakdowns.

If you want to ensure the highest level of performance and maintain your system’s warranty, OEM filters from FilterShipping.com are the preferred choice.

Keep Your Home Healthy with HEPA

Tips on keeping your home’s indoor air as healthy as it can be

Though it feels as if we are close to defeating COVID-19, until we reach herd immunity in our country, there is a risk. Tracing programs show that up to 70 percent of cases are spread between family members and close friends in what is now known as “living room spread.” Therefore, it is still important to make your home as healthy as possible.

Thankfully, there are measures you can take. Anthony Fauci, MD, has recently recommended high-efficiency particulate air systems—also known as HEPA filters—to remove COVID particles from the air in your home.

Because Coronavirus particles linger in the air, HEPA filters are particularly effective, since according to U.S. standards, they must effectively capture 99.97 percent of particles. HEPA filters can capture particles the size of COVID aerosols, according to Wirecutter. “The virus that causes COVID-19 is approximately 0.125 micron (125 nanometers) in diameter. It falls squarely within the particle-size range that HEPA filters capture with extraordinary efficiency: 0.01 micron (10 nanometers) and above,” the publication explains.

Benefits Of HEPA Air Purifier
HEPA is a form of technology which means High-Efficiency Particulate Air, and is often found in air purifiers. There are many air purifier brands on the market, but they are not all HEPA air purifiers, which provide the highest level of protection against viruses such as the one that causes COVID-19. Filter Shipping carries an excellent line of HEPA air purifiers for the home, such as Goodman and Lennox Healthy Climate. HEPA air purifiers work by passing air through the filter, capturing harmful components such as pollen, mold, mite, smoke particles, dust, dirt, and viruses. By removing the impurities from the air, the HEPA air purifier continuously circulates a fresh and breathable air all day long, keeping the air in your home not only clean, but healthy.

Until the threat of COVID has been eradicated, you owe it to your family to keep your home as healthy as possible. Whether you need a full HEPA air purifier system, or replacement HEPA filters, Filter Shipping has what you need. Go to www.filtershipping.com, or call us at 815-658-9300.

COVID or Allergies?

If you’re an allergy sufferer, you are all too familiar with the symptoms. Sneezing, coughing, congestion and a runny nose are just some of the unpleasant symptoms those who suffer from allergies experience every spring, fall, or both.

With a world-wide pandemic in place, suddenly allergy sufferers are facing the fear that those symptoms they are familiar with could also be symptoms of the debilitating and even deadly COVID-19.

How to tell the difference? Let’s break it down:

Allergy Symptoms*

  • Runny Nose, Stuffy Nose, Sneezing
  • Wheezing, Shortness of Breath
  • Cough
  • Rashes
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Nausea and Vomiting (food allergies)

COVID-19 Symptoms**

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

It’s pretty obvious that there is overlap in the symptoms of allergies and COVID-19. But how do you tell the difference?

The number one differentiating symptom is fever or chills. Despite its nickname “Hay Fever,” fever is NOT a symptom of allergies. If you have a fever and you suspect you might have been exposed to COVID-19, please seek medical attention immediately.

If you are experiencing any of the overlapping symptoms, such as cough, shortness of breath and headache, the picture is not so clear. Most allergy sufferers have their stand-by treatments they use to get through allergy seasons, so if those treatments do not provide relief, please seek medical advice. The COVID-19 virus is nothing to trifle with, so if you are an allergy sufferer, please educate yourself on how to stay healthy during the fall allergy season/COVID-19 pandemic. More information on both allergies and COVID-19 can be found here: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-seasonal-allergies-faqs.html

To protect yourself from seasonal allergies, the CDC recommends limiting your exposure to outdoor air when possible. They also recommend creating a cleaner indoor air environment in your home. One recommendation is to use HEPA or MERV-13 or higher air filters. Not sure what you need for your home and HVAC system? FilterShipping can help with that. Give us a call at 815-568-9300, or check out our website, www.filtershipping.com. We want you and your family to be as healthy as possible until this pandemic recedes.

*Source: American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, www.acaai.org/allergies/symptoms

**Source: Center for Disease Control, www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

Welcome to the FilterShipping.com Blog!

Filter Shipping Inc. is a division of Air Management Inc., which has been providing expert indoor air quality service since 1994. Filter Shipping has an experienced and knowledgeable staff to assist you in your purchase and with questions. We pride ourselves in offering quality OEM filters at a fair price, with above and beyond customer service.

Our variety of products is ever-expanding; if you cannot find the product you are looking for, contact us at www.filtershipping.com/contact-us-a/254.htm or call us at 815-568-9300 and we will do our best to locate and provide you with the product you need. We can also assist you with upgrading or downgrading to better fit your needs. We believe that if we serve our customers to the best of our abilities, we will earn their trust and loyalty.

Our goal is to provide our customers with the best experience possible when ordering from us. This includes fast shipping and good communication. We also appreciate any feedback on ways we can improve our service, support, and website. In addition, we offer our customers special deals and promotions via email, so if you aren’t currently on our mailing list, be sure to sign up HERE.

We look forward to serving you!