Note: As a homeowner whose entire heating and air conditioning system went kaput right before the weather turned hot this summer, I can truly say that I am a firm supporter of doing whatever I can to maintain my new unit in good working order. Filtrete was very patient while I replaced my dead unit (much more patient than I was. Believe me. Hot and sweaty = grumpy) and they sent me brand new air filters to keep my new air conditioning running smoothly. Cool air makes me happy. Although I received products to review, all thoughts remain my own.
When we moved into our home many years ago, it was painfully obvious that the previous owners’ large dogs had enjoyed sleeping in the master bedroom. It took me months and months of shampooing the carpet in the bedrooms before I could go to sleep without smelling old, icky dog odors.
Later, when the warm weather hit and we turned the air conditioning on for the first time, we realized that the previous owners had been smokers.
As if our own new parent-baby diaper smells weren’t bad enough. We couldn’t seem to escape the stink. Nowadays, I worry less about dog odors and more about stinky exercise clothes, odors from food left in the garbage can or on the kitchen counter overnight, teenage boy shoes and dirty bathrooms.
In the years since we moved into the house, we’ve replaced the carpet, had the air ducts cleaned and, most recently, replaced the entire air conditioning and heating unit. While those steps have certainly made a huge difference in the odors in the house, I wouldn’t recommend any of them unless necessary. They are enormously costly.
Luckily, there is a significantly easier and cheaper way to reduce odors in the house…and the best part?. Not only will you cut cost in the short run, but you’ll save money in the long run, too.
Ready to hear how to reduce odors and save money? Simply use Filtrete Odor Reduction Filters to trap odors in the home and then replace them every 3 months.
About Filtrete Odor Reduction Filters from 3M:
The Filtrete Odor Reduction air filter uses activated carbon to remove odors from pets, smoke, cooking, mildew, and cleaning chemicals. It carries a Microparticle Performance Rating of 1200 and is electrostatically charged. The Filtrete Odor Reduction Filter will continue removing odors and filtering air for up to 3 months.
How it works: the Filtrete Odor Reduction Filter has a two-sided design, with one side that captures large airborne particles and the second side that helps remove odors throughout the home — all while maintaining airflow in your HVAC system.
The Filtrete Odor Reduction Filter starts removing odors just minutes after the furnace/AC fan is turned on, and also help improve the indoor air quality by capturing allergens such as pollen, mold spores, dust mites, smoke pet dander and smog as it passes through the filter.
Installing a good quality air filter and changing it regularly (about every 3 months, or sooner if it gets really dirty) cuts energy costs and saves money. How? An air conditioner/furnace with a fresh, free-flowing filter will not only run more efficiently (air flows freely and the unit doesn’t have to work as hard) but over time a clean filter will extend the life of the entire unit, too (and, believe me…after spending thousands and thousands of dollars on a new AC unit, I am really looking forward to extending it’s life as LONG as possible).
A Few Statistics:
- According to the EPA, sir fresheners release VOCs into the air, and scented candles and incense may contain particulates, soot, and chemicals (in other words, not great things to be breathing in). These also provide temporary relief form odors by masking them in one spot but not through the whole house.
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The EPS has identified indoor air pollution as one of the top 5 most urgent environmental risks to publich health.
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The American Lung Association (ALA) identifies the US cities with the worst outdoor air…but did you know that the air inside your home could be 2-5 times worse than the air outdoors, according to the EPA?
How to replace your air filter:
- Determine where your air filter is located (hopefully you know this already…if not, check first within the heating/cooling unit itself. Some filters are located in the intake in the wall or ceiling.
- Remove the vent or filter cover.
- Take the old filter out and immediately place it in a garbage bag to avoid scattering the dust and dirt particles (wash your hands afterwards, too, and be sure not to touch our face. Achoo!).
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Insert the new filter, paying attention to the way your filter’s arrows are pointing (your filter should show you which way the air should flow).
Replace the vent or filter cover.
TIP: If you’re not sure which size air filter to buy, check your old filter. There should be dimensions on it. If you can’t find dimensions on the old filter, then look up your heating and cooling system online. Write the dimensions on a sticker or piece of tape and put it near the filter opening so you won’t forget.
When was the last time you replaced your air filter? And what odors would you like to eliminate in your house?
Connect with Filtrete Filters by 3M:
- Website – filtrete.com/
- Facebook Page – facebook.com/Filtrete
- Twitter Account – @Filtrete
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Hi Lolli, great blog post about a subject we care a lot about – indoor air quality and using quality air filters to keep your home air as pure and comfortable as possible. Thanks for the great tips!