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I'd love to modify our furnace, but we're renting the place we're in and already have upgraded the filters we're using. We've been running our fan 24 x 7 for a while - added about $50 per month to our electric bill, which was more than expected, but it was helpful. I need to try the saline nasal rinses - I was using a neti pot with tap water for a while (luckily no issues like we've seen of late) and it was helpful - need to get back into a (safe) routine. Haven't tried any supplements or avoiding dairy, so can't comment there.Right now, I'm fine for two or three weeks, then out of the blue I get slammed for a couple of days. Those days are so miserable, I'm ready to do anything to get some relief. "Better living through chemistry" is a last resort for me - loved Flonase, but it killed me (my Dad had problems with it as well, so I should have known).
I've been using an Austin Air Allergy machine for a couple of years now. It's been great. My wife's allergies have really improved. I also have a couple of Areca Palms in the house. NASA made a list of air filtering plants that are great for indoor use. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_air-filtering_plants
Hi all Audio Circle members.When I was about ten years old and we moved from downtown Montreal to the country side, my reaction to allergies was so bad, that I could not go to school, my nose was dripping and my eyes full of water and much, more more.When I came to Vietnam when I was 47 years old, everything stopped, no more allergies, nothing, 17 years of heaven.I guess here in Vietnam there is nothing I am allergic to, except the Vietnamese themselves... (LOL)Four years ago, I went to Montreal to visit my mother during the month of Augustand three days after my arrival, my allergies started again.The worst time for my allergies is in June and August and September, especially September.Guy 13
I have a new HVAC install in the near future, am considering the Aprilaire 5000 whole house air cleaner. Seems like the best of both worlds, employing electronic and 4" pleated filter media.http://www.aprilaire.com/index.php?znfAction=ProductDetails&category=7&item=5000Anyone have any experience with this model?
I own two of the larger Honeywell units. They have a foot in diameter drum for the Hepa, with a wrrap of black foam.They have not needed replacing in fifteen years.. The foam can be vacuumed off every so many months. I wouuld say five years ago i did replace one foam wrap for $15.So the Honeywell just last.
jarcher:There's already a media housing in place on the furnace. Interestingly enough, I've already tried adding a filter to the housing and it made my allergies worse - don't know why. I made sure to do my research and size it correctly in terms of filtration/airflow and it didn't do a darn thing. I was quite surprised. Part of the problem is the system itself - my office is at the far end of it, and my guess is it's not sized properly, so little air gets circulated into the space I spend a lot of time in. This was part of the appeal of a portable unit.We're in a relatively low cost electricity area and I'm sure it's only running the fan - just think it's a crappy spec unit thrown in by the builder as the standard item. If/when my wife and I buy a place, I'll be sure to install an appropriate system - until then, looking for answers.-Mike
Jon:I suspect the ductwork is caked with allergens and the prior tenant (the owner's father) must not have had an issue.Question for you though:The way the system is set up right now, there's a filter we replace monthly behind a return grate in the ceiling of our dining room and the filter media holder on the furnace is empty. If I put a better filter in the filter media holder on the furnace itself, should I remove the filter that's behind the return grate on my dining room ceiling? Any advice you have is appreciated - thanks.-Mike
You could always talk w/ the landlord about adding a media air cleaner to the furnace. You can get a basic housing for around $150, and the filters are $20-$30 tops & last +6mo's. Figure maybe another $150 to get it installed. If you were willing to pay for all or part of it, I don't see why a landlord wouldn't go along. It's not a hugh investment & the improvement in air quality and general cleanliness of the property would be a bonus for the property owner. Just a thought.......
I would love to do this at my office. What type/model of media air cleaner would you recommend? How easy are they to install?Just an FYI for those of you with mold problems, their is a good book, Surviving Mold, that details all the problems it causes as well as many treatment options........