Air Purifier Mold

After 50 hours of research and independent lab testing of the claims made by Big Berkey's manufacturer, our test results—as well as those of another lab we spoke with and a third whose results are public—were not entirely consistent. We believe this further illustrates the importance of certification to the firm NSF/ANSI standards: It lets people make buying decisions based on a dependable, apples-to-apples comparison of performance. In addition, because the Big Berkey system is much larger, more expensive, and harder to maintain than pitcher and under-sink filters, we wouldn't recommend it even if it were certified. Highlight Berkey countertop systems and filters are much more expensive and less convenient to use than other water-filtration options. And the manufacturer's performance claims don't have independent certification to national standards. Buying Options The Big Berkey's manufacturer, New Millennium Concepts, claims the filter can remove more than a hun...

The most effective type of mop is the one that works best for your specific floors — there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, and each type of mop on the market has its own advantages. And you may want to consider having several on hand for different uses. ✔️ Steam mop: If you're looking to kill germs on your floors without the use of cleaning solutions, a steam mop is the answer. It can reach high enough temperatures to kill bacteria on hard floors in places that may need more attention like bathroom floors and pet areas. They are also very effective at loosening sticky messes like jelly or muddy footprints without the scrubbing regular mops require. The one downside: We don't recommend steam mops for hardwood floors. Few hardwood floors are in perfectly sealed condition and if steam seeps under the finish, it can damage them. ✔️ Spray mop: This type of mop is a great way to wash away grime and clean sticky stains from floors without the mess of a water-filled bucket. P...

Amazon A GermGuardian air purifier, Vewior air purifier and Pure Enrichment PureZone mini portable air purifier. Whether you're battling allergies, trying to keep pet dander and dust at bay or want to help clear your home of environmental pollutants like smoke or smoggy air, having access to a great air purifier can be a great asset. That said, many of the most popular brands and models can be cost-prohibitive, and it can feel like there aren't a lot of affordable options. Luckily, Amazon has quite a range of highly-rated air purifiers available for under $150. They include popular brands like Levoit along with lesser-known options with thousands of positive reviews. Keep reading to check out 12 affordable options and pick one up for your home. You'll be breathing easy for years to come. Advertisement HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping...

[unable to retrieve full-text content] 3 out of 4 homes have contaminated tap water – these water purifiers can help    CNN Underscored

A ll vehicles require consumable materials like oils, coolants, brake fluids, and filters to function correctly. However, one of the most neglected parts of a gasoline car is the air filter, particularly the engine and cabin filter. Any vehicle has at least two air filters, one for the engine and another for the HVAC or air conditioning. Depending on the make and model of your ride, changing the air filter once a year or every 12,000 miles will keep the engine running smoothly. Furthermore, inspecting the air filter should coincide with regular oil changes. Poor gas mileage, mediocre performance, and a check engine light can be signs of a dirty or clogged air filter. Meanwhile, the cabin filter needs replacing every 15,000 miles, but other manufacturers could recommend longer intervals of 25,000 to 30,000 miles. The reality is you can swap the cabin filter regularly to avoid respiratory problems like asthma, allergies, sinus infections, etc. As the name suggests, the cabin filter clea...

Spoiler alert: no air purifier is perfect for everyone or every pet. At the end of the day, there are a few factors that can help you pick the best air purifier for you and your pet. Determine what size air purifier you need The air purifier size you need will correlate to the size of the room you plan to use it in. So before you pick an air purifier, consider your space and where the machine will live. (Generally speaking, larger air purifiers work on larger areas, smaller ones work on smaller areas, etc.) Once you narrow down the size you're looking for, then you can go from there. Also, the room will determine which features are most important to you. For example, if you're planning on putting an air purifier in your bedroom, odds are you'll want that one to be on the quieter side. Determine any additional air purifying features you want If you plan on using your air purifier to combat negative effects of smoke in the air or mold in your home, then you might want to cons...

We also tested the Brita Complete Faucet Filtration System. In contrast to the other model in the Brita lineup, the Basic Faucet Filtration System, it lets you set the faucet to both a normal flow and, additionally, a spray pattern. That also sets it apart from Pur's filters, which lack the spray option. Beyond that feature, however, we much prefer the Pur Advanced model. Pur's faucet filters have significantly more ANSI/NSF certifications. The Brita filter is also not certified for mercury, whereas the Pur filters are. In our testing, the Brita persistently dripped, which led to a pink film on the filter housing, possibly the bacteria Serratia marcescens, which is often found in damp sinks and showers. (The water was draining out of the saturated filter; the faucet does not leak.) Finally, the Pur Advanced has a lower-profile design and a sleek shape that we like much better than the Brita Complete's blocky, upright form.

Things To Consider When Buying Home Water Filtration Systems Filter Type: "Different contaminants require different solutions," says Ethan Bennett, senior technical advisor at the Colorado contractor Sanders & Johnson, and that means different filtering methods. Look for carbon filters if your water contains high levels of chlorine and basic nontoxic substances like rust. For minerals or heavy metals, go with reverse osmosis. Softening hard water is easiest with ion exchange. And if you're worried about bacteria and viruses, kill them off with a UV filter. You may also benefit from pre- or post-filters, which help to reduce sediment that can build up in appliances. Some of the more comprehensive systems may incorporate multiple filter types. "I recommend starting by having your home water tested," advises Robert Erickson, director of operations at Leaf Home Water Solutions. He notes that, while home testing kits are available in hardware stores and onlin...

Nordic Pure's MERV 12 filters are not the only products that meet all our criteria, but they are perfectly good examples, and they're usually competitively priced and easy to find online. We like that they're genuinely MERV-certified, because unlike the proprietary ratings used by some bigger-name brands, the MERV criteria are publicly available. Being rated MERV 12, the Nordic Pures will remove at least 35 percent of particles in the 0.3-to-1.0-micron range, which includes bacteria and smoke; at least 80 percent of 1.0-to-3.0-micron particles, which include fine dust and soot; and at least 90 percent of larger pollen, dust, pet hair, and lint particles. Again, MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, so this is the worst performance measured during third-party testing to the ASHRAE 52.2 standard. And again: the MERV test measures a single pass of polluted air through the filter. In your home, the air will continuously recirculate when your HVAC system is, leadin...

Nordic Pure's MERV 12 filters are not the only products that meet all our criteria, but they are perfectly good examples, and they're usually competitively priced and easy to find online. We like that they're genuinely MERV-certified, because unlike the proprietary ratings used by some bigger-name brands, the MERV criteria are publicly available. Being rated MERV 12, the Nordic Pures will remove at least 35 percent of particles in the 0.3-to-1.0-micron range, which includes bacteria and smoke; at least 80 percent of 1.0-to-3.0-micron particles, which include fine dust and soot; and at least 90 percent of larger pollen, dust, pet hair, and lint particles. Again, MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, so this is the worst performance measured during third-party testing to the ASHRAE 52.2 standard. And again: the MERV test measures a single pass of polluted air through the filter. In your home, the air will continuously recirculate when your HVAC system is, leadin...

With more significant fires becoming the new normal, even people not directly threatened are concerned with what to do about the spread of wildfire smoke. With new threats emerging for areas that have not previously dealt with smoke conditions, you may find yourself preparing for the first time. Picking up a dedicated air purifier or getting new filters for your central air conditioner are the most effective ways you can help protect those in your home. (That includes pets—the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends keeping an eye out for specific animal health issues related to wildfire smoke). But you can also take cheap, simple, and immediate steps using stuff you probably already own, such as a mop and a washing machine. Here's what we recommend. Invest in an air purifier The Coway AP-1512HH Mighty (right) takes up a lot less visual space than our large-space pick, the Blueair Blue Pure 211+ (left). Photo: Sarah Kobos First, consider a true-HEPA air purifier. We ha...

Summer is in the air, but it's not so wonderful when we're sweating and sneezing from seasonal allergies. If your home is starting to feel warm, or dust and other pollutants are getting to you, you need to check out this incredible deal we found at Amazon.  The Dyson Purifier Cool, a rotating tower fan that doubles as an air purification system, is $131 off right now. At $299, it's the lowest price we've ever seen for this model. With its HEPA filtration and Air Multiplier technology, the device removes gases, odors, and, according to the brand, 99.97 percent of particles while projecting purified air throughout rooms up to 999 square feet. There are pre-set intervals of 1, 2, 4, and 8 hours, a quiet sleep setting, and up to 350-degree oscillation to keep you cool and breathing the best air possible.  Dyson Purifier Cool, $299 (Save 30%) People / Amazon Another notable feature is that the air purifier can detect air qualit...

Joyce Baker, a respiratory therapist and member of the American Association for Respiratory Care, said anyone can be at risk for poor air quality — not just people in larger cities like the one I live in. "Common sources of poor indoor air quality are smoking/vaping, mold, leaks or standing water, and fuel-burning appliances, particularly if they are not properly vented," she said, adding that household items like paints, pesticides, and certain chemicals can also contribute. "Poor indoor air quality can be two to five times more polluted than outdoors because of the lack of fresh air, circulation, and ventilation," Baker said, citing an assessment from the Environmental Protection Agency. The potential risks associated with lower air quality can range from breathing difficulties to a reduced ability to fight off respiratory infections, said  Zara M. Patel , the director of endoscopic skull base surg...

I considered five important criteria when using each reusable water bottle: filtering and filter capacity, materials, taste, ease of use and cleanup. These are all factors you should consider when looking for a water purifier bottle. You'll want to purchase one that suits the activity you plan to use it for. For instance, if I was looking for a filtered bottle to take backpacking, I wouldn't choose the Brita. I also wouldn't invest in the Grayl Geopress if I only needed a bottle for tap water. Filtering Look for a filtering mechanism that filters out harmful contaminants, bacteria and viruses, and other unpleasantries out of the presumably non-potable water. Does the water bottle filter leave any particles in the water after filtering? Also, consider how much replacement filters are and how easy it is to replace them.  Materials Most filtered water bottles are made of plastic or stainless steel. If the bottle you are looking at is made of plastic, make sure it is B...

Best Shoe Deodorizer Overall Lock Laces Odor Drops Cons Not as high powered as some powders and sprays on this list If you're looking for a classic set of odor balls, then you can't go wrong with the ones from Lock Laces. They come in several fresh scents (Citrus, Pine, and Linen) and can be activated by a simple twist. Lock Laces notes each ball lasts up to a full year. While we haven't tested the product for that long, we can say the balls last for several months at a time. The best part about this product is you can toss them in a gym bag, a backpack, a suitcase—whatever you desire—to zap all kinds of odors that build-up over time. Versatile, simple, and good smells. What more can you ask for? Type x Scent x Most Innovative Shoe Deodorizer Boot Bananas Boot Bananas Original Shoe Deodorizer Now 23% Off If you're looking to drop a hint to your friend or loved one about their smelly shoes, Boot Bananas are the perfect gift that will be the least likely to create offens...

Summer is in the air, but it's not so wonderful when we're sweating and sneezing from seasonal allergies. If your home is starting to feel warm, or dust and other pollutants are getting to you, you need to check out this incredible deal we found at Amazon.  The Dyson Purifier Cool, a rotating tower fan that doubles as an air purification system, is $131 off right now. At $299, it's the lowest price we've ever seen for this model. With its HEPA filtration and Air Multiplier technology, the device removes gases, odors, and, according to the brand, 99.97 percent of particles while projecting purified air throughout rooms up to 999 square feet. There are pre-set intervals of 1, 2, 4, and 8 hours, a quiet sleep setting, and up to 350-degree oscillation to keep you cool and breathing the best air possible.  Dyson Purifier Cool, $299 (Save 30%) People / Amazon Another notable feature is that the air purifier can detect air qualit...

Better Living uses affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no cost to you . Table of Contents It's that beautiful time of year when the weather warms and the trees and flowers start to bloom. While we're all happy for more sun and fun outside, the beginning of spring can cause many of us to get itchy water eyes, runny, stuffed up noses and start sneezing and wheezing like maniacs. Yup – it's spring allergy season. While allergies can sure be a nuisance this time of year, spring time isn't the only reason allergies can kick up. In fact, the air inside our home can be a major allergy trigger, circulating with allergens like dirt, dust, pollutants, pet dander and mold spores that can affect us year round. So what do we do? While keeping up on your vacuuming can help, the easiest way to minimize exposure to these allergy inducing air invaders is to… drumroll p...