Indoor air pollution can often result from dust mites and pollen; pet hair and dander; reduced air circulation and ventilation; high concentration of organic materials; and chemicals from common household products such as toluene, chlorine, or even formaldehyde. These contaminants can then lead to exacerbated allergy symptoms such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis, sneezing, watery eyes, and other respiratory disorders.

Fortunately for allergy and asthma suffers, allergy furnace filters are a relatively inexpensive way to clean the air, and they have been shown to be over 90% effective at capturing larger particulates from the air such as dust and dander. These high efficiency air filters come in the form of pleated panels that are inserted into the filter opening of a home's furnace or air conditioning unit, and they are perfect for asthma or allergy sufferers, as they do not use harmful ionizers or ozone to remove pollutants. Some allergy furnace filters can be washed or reused, but many models are conveniently disposable, and can be tossed when dirty.

An allergy furnace filter usually consists of a frame and filter media. The frame allows the filter to withstand the pressure created by the heating and air conditioning system. When choosing a high-efficiency allergy furnace filter, look for models that are composed of highly specialized, synthetic filtration media, as these provide a combination of electrostatic and mechanical filtration to ensure sustained performance. The gradient layer of this media has the ability to capture particulates while minimizing airflow resistance, and will not absorb moisture that will lead to the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria and mold.

We inhale roughly 10,000 quarts of air every day, and this can bring not only oxygen into our lungs, but also harmful pollutants such as mold, pollen, dust, VOCs, smoke, and chemicals. The EPA has even noted that indoor air can be many times worse than the air outside, but yet, every winter, to save on energy bills, most Americans still insist on bundling up and sealing themselves indoors, therefore decreasing ventilation and perhaps causing even further damage to the respiratory system.

Fortunately, studies have shown that the use of a high-quality air purifier with filter media such as HEPA or Activated Carbon can significantly reduce indoor pollution levels and leave you with clean, fresh air. To promote healthy air, an air purifier can help clean the air by any of methods or by a combination of technologies: by attracting and collecting particulates using either mechanical or chemical filters (such as HEPA or Carbon), by emitting ions via an ion generator to charge and attract particles, or by passing airborne particles through a UV lamp to change the DNA of microorganisms. Here is a quick overview on how to find the best air purifier and how to use it properly:

Choose Your Purification Method Wisely
While companies like Sharper Image often tout the benefits of their negative ion air purifiers, these types of air purifiers do little when it comes to actually filtering out particles. For complete and thorough control of particulates such as dust, dander, and pollen, air purifiers with HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Arresting) filters are still the most effective. With 99.97% efficiency at removing particulates as small as 0.3 microns (one micron is 1/100 width of a human hair), HEPA air cleaners are also used in hospitals and government buildings.

Although heaters can account for a number of home heating fires, the heaters now being manufactured are relatively safe. Nonetheless, precaution must be taken when operating any type of heating device.

Generally, oil heaters are considered safer than regular electric convection or radiant heaters because they have lower surface temperatures and require less consideration of air flow through/over the heater itself. These heaters create warmth by warming heat-conserving oil inside the heater. The oil is then circulated throughout the coils of the radiator to evenly distribute heat throughout the room. However, these types of heaters are only suitable for small, personal spaces ranging from 40 square feet for an under-desk style unit to 150 square feet. Another added benefit of a small desk-type unit is that these are extremely energy efficient and do not blow fuses even when hooked up to the same power grid as the computer that sits on top of the desk they are placed under.

Once again, it should be noted that although the high intensity of the output of space heaters may make them more susceptible to fires, most portable electric space heaters now being manufactured include many performance requirements in order to enhance user safety.

Nonetheless, portable space heaters have received a bad reputation recently. Although these types of heaters may present a fire hazard when tipped over, almost all portable electric heaters now being produced boast safety features such as safety switches that will automatically turn off the heater until it is turned upright, overheat protection functions, and indicator lights which help you know when the heater is plugged in or turned on. As well, modern space heaters are also subjected to rigorous laboratory testing and must pass certain safety standards.

However, when using any electric heater, caution must be exercised in order to reduce the risk of fire. Follow these tips to ensure safe heater operation: