MERV 16 filters will remove such contaminants as most tobacco smoke, paint pigments, sneeze particles and bacteria, cooking oil, and powders such as face powder and insecticides, as well as larger particulates including pollen, sanding and spray paint dust, cement dust, pudding mix, pet dander, dust and dust mites, mold spores, insect debris, textile and carpet fibers, fabric protectants, hairspray, dusting aids, welding fumes, nebulizer droplets, legionella, auto emissions, flour, and dust produced by humidifiers and lead.

The Numbers:

• Removes contaminant particles as small as 0.3 microns
• Ideal for use in environments where contaminant control is critical, such as hospitals and surgical suites
• Change or clean every 9-12 months, or according to the manufacturer’s specifications

A MERV 15 filter will eliminate contaminants including sneeze particles, bacteria, most tobacco smoke, cooking oil, pigments from paint, and fine powders such as face powder and insecticides in addition to larger contaminant particles such as pollen, pet dander, dust, and dust mites, mold spores, sanding and spray paint dust, cement dust, pudding mix, fabric protectants, insect debris, textile and carpet fibers, hairspray, dusting aids, welding fumes, nebulizer droplets, flour, legionella, auto emissions, and dust produced by humidifiers and lead.

The Numbers:

• Removes contaminant particles as small as 0.3 microns
• Ideal for those with multiple pets; those suffering from allergies, asthma, and respiratory illnesses or have compromised immune systems.
• Change or clean every 9-12 months, or according to the manufacturer’s specifications

Use MERV 11 filters to eliminate contaminants such as a humidifier and lead dust, automobile emissions, welding fumes, legionella, milled flour, and nebulizer drops in addition to larger particles like pollen, mold, pet dander, dust and dust mites, carpet and textile fibers, insect debris, sanding and spray paint dust, cement dust, pudding mixes, fabric protector, dusting aids, and hair spray.

The Numbers:

• Removes contaminant particles as small as 1 micron
• Ideal for those with multiple pets; those suffering from allergies, asthma, and respiratory illnesses or have compromised immune systems; and sterile healthcare environments
• Change or clean every 6-9 months, or according to the manufacturer’s specifications

Whole-house humidifiers utilize a water panel, commonly referred to as a humidifier filter. Humidifier water panels should be replaced at least once per year and sometimes more than once per year depending on how much the humidifier runs and the mineral content, or hardness, of the water in your area. Higher calcium and other mineral content in your water will cause the humidifier filter to clog and deteriorate more quickly, calling for the replacement of the water panel more often.

Portable Room Humidifiers

Portable room humidifiers typically utilize wicks or other small filters to capture or minimize mineral build-up. The humidifier should come with an owner’s manual from the manufacturer to give instructions on filter replacement.

Natural gas is more efficient than electricity production. Electrical production consumes a great amount of energy, with only about 30 percent of the energy used to produce electricity reaching your home – that’s a 70 percent loss of energy just in electricity’s production. Alternatively, 90 percent of the natural gas entering the utility system reaches your home, limiting the loss to only 10 percent. Natural gas homes produce less negative impacts on the environment – natural gas homes produce up to 50 percent less than homes operating on electricity only.

The Numbers

Of fossil fuels, natural gas is the cleanest option. The use of natural gas lowers the number of greenhouse gases and carbon emitted by your household. Natural gas generates less carbon dioxide than these commonly-used heating fuels:

• 45 percent less than coal
• 30 percent less compared to oil
• 15 percent less versus wood

Gas heating systems offer energy-efficient, reliable, consistent warmth. Essential for homes and businesses across the United States. Gas heating is cost-effective. Costing half the price of electric heating, depending on utility costs and heating unit efficiency.

Gas Heat is Affordable

Gas heating is typically less expensive than electric heating. With this in mind, actual savings depend on fuel costs in your area and the efficiency of your gas heater. Natural gas heating costs less than electricity in most areas of the country. Purchasing a new, high-efficiency gas heating system may qualify you to receive rebates from your local gas utility provider.

Gas Offers Warmer Air

Compared to electric heating, a gas furnace can produce air temperatures up to 25 degrees warmer.

Gas Heat is Reliable

Using natural gas to heat your home or business offers reliability unmatched by electricity. Natural gas supply pipelines are installed underground. Chiefly to protect them from the weather and accidents above ground that leads to electrical outages. If you utilize gas heating, your heating system will still be able to heat your home in the event of an electrical outage. Notably, this reliable heating fuel can keep your family safe and business operations in the event of severe winter weather.

No Delivery Time

Natural gas heat is also more reliable because the pipeline supplies gas directly to your home – if you use oil or propane, you must wait for a truck to deliver fuel. Not to mention deliveries may not always be convenient or possible when you are out of fuel. With natural gas, your home or business has constant access to a heating fuel source.

The Lifespan of a System

Not only is gas fuel reliable, but gas furnaces are, too! With proper maintenance, a natural gas furnace can be expected to serve your home or business for around 20 years. Gas boilers boast a longer expected service life compared to their electric counterparts – gas boilers have a service life expectancy of around 15 years, compared to 8 to 10 years for an electric boiler.