by Dana Benson
I got tired of dust in my house. Below is what I did to let fresh air in and keep the dirt out. It is working beautifully. I do not have any economic interest in any of these products. I am telling you about them because I researched them, they work for me and they might help you.
1. I added MERV 8 filters to my HVAC.
MERV 8 filters effectively keep dust, pollen, and some microorganisms out. They are rated from 1 to 16, with MERV 16 used in hospital operating rooms. Experts say a MERV 8 is sufficient to keep dust out of a home.
2. I had the heating and air conditioning system vents cleaned.
3. I cleaned my window air conditioners and installed MERV 8 filters before the air conditioner’s pre-filter. I bought a MERV 8 filter material roll and cut it to fit these non-rectangular spaces.
4. I installed the Safeguard Adjustable aluminum MERV 8 window filters (see links in the bottom sections of my double-hung windows. They come in various sizes and are a cost-effective solution. You buy a replacement filter every year or so. You can buy them directly from the Pennsylvania manufacturer for 10-20$ less than they retail for online.
5. I added BMG Allergy Guard screens inside the existing bug screens using Velcro for my larger windows. You can also take out the regular screens and replace them with the BMG Allergy Guard screens. These screens use two-layered screens with “nano-technology” that keeps dust and pollen out while allowing air in.
6. I bought an IQ-Air Room Air Filter and run it at night. My logic is that we spend eight hours sleeping, and I want to make sure I am not breathing in dust while my body is recharging. I did a lot of research. The IQ Air is among the most expensive room air filters, but it is unquestionably the best, particularly if you want to clean gases out of the air like cigarette smoke.
