The GoVacuum Blog

By Michele Kadison

You’ve just moved into a new home.  The landlord has painted and your new abode is ready and waiting for you to start fresh, with “fresh” being the operative word.  But wait! How fresh is your new home really?

Zero-VOC Paint

Most landlords won’t spend the money on zero-VOC (volatile organic compound paint, which does not have the toxicity found in conventional paints. For those of you move into a home painted with conventional paint, you can wipe the walls with hydrogen peroxide to reduce the emissions that come from surface oils.  However, if you can re-paint with a zero-VOC paint, do so, and then seal the walls with an environmentally tested formula such as AFM Safecoat Hard Seal to eliminate possible “off gassing.”

When I moved into my new apartment I asked my landlord to use the zero-VOC paint of my choice and it was worth it for me to pay the difference in price.  Right away I could breathe easier and I didn’t have to put up with that awful smell that new paint emits, which is actually the smell of VOCs polluting the space.

Buy a Good Air Filtration System

Using an air filter in your new home is a great way to reduce the fine toxic particles that seem to be ever present from living in a city and being exposed to chemical compounds found in cleaning solutions, carpeting, and other materials.  A good HEPA air filtration system such as the Airpura R600 All Purpose HEPA Air Purifier will also sift out excess dust, dander, and other potential allergens.  Make sure you clean or replace the filters regularly to get the most out of your unit.

Check Furnace and Air Filters Often

Replacing or cleaning filters every two months is an essential way to keep allergens out of your home.  Dirty filters will compromise the function of your heating and cooling units.

Vacuum Frequently

Vacuuming with an efficient vacuum cleaner such as the Dirt Devil Dynamite QuickVac will help prevent particulates from accumulating in your home, while additionally eliminating dust, dancer, and dirt.  This model comes with a HEPA filter that traps dust and allergens up to 100%.

Buy Non-toxic Furnishings

By paying attention to fabrics, carpeting, wall finishes, caulking materials, adhesives, and the like, you can create a relatively non-toxic environment.  There are many green alternatives on the market that are as satisfying as their conventional counterparts.

Use Only Natural Cleaning Products

Read the labels when you buy your cleaning products.  They should contain no volatile organic compounds or toxic chemicals.  There are a plethora of green cleaning choices in the marketplace, so make the change and breathe easier.

Decorate Your Home with Plants

Plants are natural chemical removers, contributing both health and beauty to your home.

Use Bedding Cases

Protect your pillows and mattresses from dust mites by covering them with natural cases.

Wear Slippers or Go Barefoot

Taking off your shoes before entering your home will help keep particles from the street from penetrating your indoor world.  Keep a pair of slippers by the door for each member of your family and train everyone to remove their footwear the moment they approach the door.

No Smoking Please

Smoking in your home should be banned.  If anyone needs to light up, they can go outside.

By Michele Kadison

Recent studies on the relationship between pollution and our health conclude that fine particulate pollution has a direct effect on our heart and lungs.  Droplets formed by chemical reactions created in our atmosphere are absorbed through the lungs, entering our blood stream and eventually wreaking havoc with our circulatory and respiratory systems.  According to scientists in Denmark, we can improve our health despite these particulates by using a High Efficiency Particle Air or HEPA filter in our homes.  According to tests performed by these scientists, using a HEPA filter for two days only helped to improve “micro-vascular function” in test subjects that were elderly non-smokers.  When micro-vessels malfunction, they can be the cause of heart attacks, so helping them stay strong is a key element in supporting heart health.

According to Dr. Steffen Loft from Copenhagen’s Institute of Public Health, “indoor filtration represents a feasible means of reducing cardiovascular risk.”  His study included 21 non-smoking couples aged 60 – 75 years old who lived near heavily trafficked roads.  Because vehicles produce fine particle pollution, which creates toxic particulates that affect health, the subjects proved to be an excellent group for testing the efficacy of HEPA filtration systems.  When tested after breathing HEPA filtered air, it was found that the filters removed up to 60% of the particles and improved the micro-vascular system by more than 8%.

There are many air filtration systems that now incorporate HEPA filters.  The Austin Air Healthmate Plus Blend Air Purifier is noted for its ability to filter chemicals out of the air, especially in large rooms up to 1500 square feet.  This model comes with potassium iodide, which helps to remove formaldehyde, along with filter technology that controls other gasses such as ammonia. The HEPA filters are washable or can be vacuumed clean and come with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty.

by Michele Kadison
Environmental consciousness begins at home. Breathing pure, clean air that is free of dust, mold, pollen, pet dander, smoke, and any other type of airborne pollutant is a right that we need to choose for ourselves. Buying a top-notch air purifier is an ideal way to ensure that unwanted elements in our homes do not find their way into our lungs.

A good air purifier is designed to improve the quality of the air by removing potential allergens, which can be the cause of many problems if inhaled on a regular basis. If you suffer from asthma or are sensitive to airborne particles, breathing clean air is essential. People with sensitive lungs, including children and the elderly will also experience huge benefits from purified air.A good air purifier also reduces residual smells from pets and smokers as well as any other potential air pollutant.

As one of the leading air purifying systems in the field, Blueair is a brand that many consumers are turning to for obtaining next to perfect air quality at home. As an energy efficient product, Blueair creates a very small carbon footprint while also saving the consumer money. One of their most popular models is the Blueair 650E, which is designed for large rooms and comes with a remote control device that allows settings to be changed easily. With a digital display, users can immediately get feedback on particle direction and air purifying speed. Additionally, the digital readout provides notification when the air filter needs changing.

Regardless of which brand you choose, purchasing an air purifier may be one of the best investments you will ever make in terms of you and your family’s health.

by Michele Kadison
Not too long ago it was sufficient to dust the furniture, wash the floors, and bathe your pets, to boast that you then had a clean home.  Today things have changed as the quality of our air has become polluted with too great a range of irritants.  From pollen to other air-borne elements and allergens, as well as the chemical detritus left over from so many toxic household products, we are breathing air that is laden with pollutants.

For this reason air purifiers and air filters have become important tools in assuring the cleanliness of our air in both home and office.  These systems have become a boon to those with allergies, asthma, and chronic respiratory problems as well as babies, the elderly, and anyone wishing to breathe healthily.  Because air purifiers and filters remove smoke, smog, pet dander, bacteria, mold, and other foreign matter that lingers in the air, they are considered essential by those who recognize the positive impact they have on health.

Air purifiers and filters come in many sizes, from portable to sizes commensurate with varying room dimensions. An air purifier functions by drawing the air inside a room to the base of the unit where it is then pushed upwards through a mesh filter.  As the air pushes up, pollutants are extracted and sealed inside the unit before the air continues to its next stop.  This subsequent phase is where the air enters into a cleaning cell where it is then ionized, whereby small dust particles and other types of similar debris are removed.  From here it goes to an activated charcoal filter, which deodorizes the air before it is released back into the room cleaned and purified.

Air filters also come in many different dimensions and are generally made of paper, foam, synthetic fabric, or cotton. Some filters, such as those used for HVAC (heating-ventilation-and air-conditioning)are made of fiberglass.   Often air filters are used on devices that need clean air to function well, such as vehicles, computers, and other units with exhaust systems. Using no more energy than a light bulb, air filter systems filter out many allergens including dust and small irritants.  One of the most effective household air filter systems is a universal air filter, or UAF, which includes a filter, a fan guard, and an air-flow enclosure.

If you want to keep yourself and the people around you healthy, you will want to make sure that the air inside your home and office is as irritant-free as possible.  Investing in an air purifier or air filter system is an investment in cleaner lungs along with a more conscious lifestyle.

We all realize how important it is to breathe clean air, whether it be outdoors or in.  When it comes to our homes, which are our sanctuaries, clean air is essential. If you have pets, allergies, asthma, or are adverse to constant cleaning, a little help from some effective resources can make all the difference to your sense of well-being.
The most natural way to improve air quality is incorporating houseplants into your décor.  These lovely living air purifiers help to absorb many airborne pollutants such as smoke, carpet residue, and fumes from commercial cleaning supplies (if you still are using them!)  According to a study made by NASA, houseplants are ideal for filtering out toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde.  Because plants undergo photosynthesis even in low light conditions, they are constantly cleaning the air around them.

Besides filtering your air, plants play a big part in enhancing the look of your home as well as helping to lift the spirits of everyone in your household.  Even if your thumb refuses to go green, there are many plants that can grow quite easily with just a minimum of care.

Here is a list of my favorites for some of you non-gardening types:

•    Tillandsia: doesn’t need soil to grow as it feeds on the air.  Once a week immerse the plant in water or give it a thorough misting and you’re done.
•    Ivy: an extremely low maintenance plant that is great for softening the look of hard edges in hour home or for making a topiary.
•    Kentia Palm:  grows up to 12 feet indoors, so is great for homes with high ceilings.
•    Dracaena: comes in a wide range of colors including light green, dark green, and green and white stripes.
•    Rubber Plant: has lush, thick, dark green leaves that remind you of a verdant jungle.
•    Bamboo:  needs no soil and looks great when placed in big vase full of water.
•    Cactus: place it near bright sunlight and water once a week or less.
•    Philodendron: lovely trailing plants that endure with very little care.
•    African violets: with their soft fuzzy leaves and beautiful flower clusters, they are wonderful additions for brightening your home.
Whatever type of plants you choose, follow the directions on the tags that are attached when you buy them and you will have thriving natural air fresheners working 24/7.

Along with houseplants, actual air purifying units are excellent choices for cleaning up airborne toxins, no matter how miniscule.  Choosing a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter will keep your home free of harmful irritants.

Some of the best commercial air purifying units include ionizers that help boost their performance or come with charcoal or carbon filters to help control household odors.

By combining houseplants with a good commercial air purifying system you are guaranteeing that your home will maintain the best air quality possible.  What a great guarantee to give your loved ones.

I can always tell when Spring is here…everyone in the office starts sneezing a lot and it’s not pretty. With the rise of allergens in the air, it’s almost unavoidable. Luckily, working in the GoVacuum warehouse, I have access to all the neat products we carry. Perusing the aisles of air purifiers, I found something that looked like it could be the answer. The Blueair AirPod Portable Air Purifier. And I was right, it was the perfect solution for the rise of dirty air that was infecting my personal space.

What surprised me most was the size (13 inches) and efficiency of the Blueair Airpod, effectively creating a “Personal Clean Airzone” for me. The purifier’s sleek design is easy on the eyes and completely silent, making it a perfect addition to your cluttered desk and less annoying than your office-mates. You can even choose the color of the filter that accompanies the machine: White, Grey, Blue or Black.

If you are looking for something simple to clean the air around you, whether it is at the office or at home, the Blueair Airpod Portable Air Purifier is the perfect choice, especially at our sale price of $36.99 (used to be $99!).

You can also check out our pretty newsletter made for the Blueair Airpod:

The Olympic Games represent an international tradition where the spirit of competition and sport supersedes borders and promotes unity among nations. The 2008 Olympics have been a topic of intense discussion for citizens around the world because of the decision of the International Olympic Committee to host the games in Beijing. Many have questioned the Committee’s decision to host the games in China’s capital city due to a variety of factors, including concerns over human rights and the environment.

As a company who has a keen interest in air quality, the GoVacuum team was interested to hear that IQAir, our leading brand of air purifiers, was supporting the U.S. Olympic team by providing them with high quality air purifiers to be put in the athlete’s housing accommodations and training facilities. Considering the high level of pollution in Beijing (see graph below), the air purifiers will be a true gift for the American athletes. Having met the President of IQAir, Frank Hammes, personally, I am not at all surprised of his commitment and generosity towards improving the air quality of athletes at such an important event.

My only question, however, is how come, as an international company, IQAir didn’t make a broader effort to improve the air quality of the entire event by housing air purifiers in all the major stadiums and event grounds for the Olympics?

Air Pollution in Beijing Graph (Source: BBC News)

I’m posting the IQAir Press Release that GoVacuum received earlier today for your viewing pleasure.

“IQAir Press Release

IQAir North America, Inc. is a member of the Swiss-based IQAir Group which has over 45 years experience in the design and manufacturing of ultra-high efficiency air purification systems. IQAir offers clean air solutions for a wide range of applications, from commercial air cleaning systems for hospitals and other critical environments to products for homes, offices, and hotels. IQAir is the American Lung Association’s exclusive educational partner from the air purifier industry. IQAir products have earned the Best Buy recommendations of Consumers Digest, Consumers Guide, Reviewboard Magazine, Consumer Search, as well as the top recommendation of the prestigious German government product testing organization, Stiftung Warentest.”

With the incidence of asthma increasing a lot of people are worried about the quality of the air inside their home.

Air pollutants are everywhere now either drifting in from outside the home or coming from within. External pollutants range from natural pollens to man made pollutants such as vehicle fumes or pesticides. Internal pollutants include dust mites, fumes from heating or cooking and even low level fumes from chemicals used to preserve and protect new furniture and clothing.

Removing these pollutants from the home is sometimes difficult, particularly when there are weather extremes. Having a wide open home with doors and windows open can help; they can however aggravate problems if pollen is one of the allergens.

Buying an air filter may be one of the options to consider. These units are capable of removing almost all of the air pollutants in the home depending on the type of filter purchased. HEPA filters will remove as much as 99.97% of airborne pollutants at 0.3 microns or larger.

Air filters can sit in a corner and do their job quietly and efficiently with many capable of cleaning all the air in a room once every 10 minutes. This is generally sufficient to remove all airborne pollutants leaving the air clean and fresh for most people suffering from air borne allergens.

GoVacuum.com has a series of articles that go further in to the subject of Indoor Air Quality and Air Purifying Buying Guide. These articles should answer most of your questions. If you do have more questions then contact us for more information. We have a wide variety of air purifiers on sale so check out our range at GoVacuum.com.

With so many irritants in the air these days air purifiers are becoming more popular and with that popularity has a come a increase in their complexity and their ability to remove toxins.

Where should you place an Air Purifier?

Placement is not as important as ensuring you get the right size unit for the size of the room.

How often should you replace the air filter?

This will depend on the model you buy and how frequently you use it. Follow the manufacturers guide. As a general rule, change the pre-filter about every three months. HEPA filter every 3 to 5 years and the carbon filter every two years.

How hard is it to change filter?

Changing filters is a fairly easy task. Again, just check the instructions that come with your air purifier. It is generally a matter of pulling out the old filter and popping in a new one.

Where can I get air purifier filters?

Go back to the place you purchased the air purifier from. They should have the right filter for your unit. If you cannot find the right filter, talk to GoVacuum.com – our experts should be able to tell you which filter is right for your unit and where to purchase them from. You never know, we may well have them in stock.