The rate of COVID-19 in Alaska has increased significantly over the past few weeks. At this time of writing this blog post, there are 43,132 active cases in the state – with 383 of them confirmed today. At this stage, 176 deaths have been reported, and sadly more are anticipated in coming months.
We’ve got the hang of wearing masks, regularly washing our hands, hunkering down at home, and staying socially distanced when we have to go out in public. However, experts say there’s more we can do to keep ourselves safe, especially as winter conditions confine us to indoor environments.
Want to keep your family safe? Talk to us about air filtration.
It’s Time To Invest in a Better Air Filter
Joseph G. Allen, Director of the Harvard Healthy Building Programs, recently told the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) he believes that ventilation and filtration hold key. We know that Coronavirus travels through the air, which is why we’ve been warned not to attend large gatherings or invite friends and family members into our homes and workplaces. The virus attaches itself to tiny droplets that circulate through the air as we breathe and talk, which is what makes it so contagious.
Rather than letting the droplets build up over time, there is evidence to suggest that we can lower the risk by frequently pumping in fresh air. “We have to think about the thermal conditions, like humidity and temperature, but also just how much outdoor air is moving in,” Allen told WSJ. “For me, the priority is to increase the air exchange rate.” Put simply, this means pumping fresh air into buildings up to six times an hour to help remove the particles carrying the Coronavirus.
Normally, the best solution would be to simply open the winter. However, the winter in Alaska makes that impossible. That’s where high-quality air filters come into play.
High-quality HEPA filters can capture the droplets helping the virus circulate indoors, stripping the particles from the air we breathe. These are extremely effective and use tightly-woven fibers to trap them safely and protect your home. If your system can’t support these, you should consider a MERV 13 filters, which can remove approximately 80% of the contaminants in the air and be installed with most standard ventilation systems. MERV stands for “Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value,” which basically refers to how efficiently the filter can stop dust and other pathogens from recirculating. The higher the rating, the more effective the filter will be, and the healthier the air inside your home.
Best Air Filter for Alaskan Homes
Equipment Source, Inc. (ESI) is Alaska’s leading equipment manufacturer. We got our start reconditioning heaters in North Slope, Alaska, back in 2000 and we are committed to providing Alaskans the equipment they need to get the job done. This winter, that means focusing on keeping people safe in their homes so they can stay healthy and continue to provide for their families.
We are now stocking the Austin Air HealthMate, which is a clinically-proven medical-grade air purifier designed to address everyday air concerns inside people’s homes. It removes particles down to 0.1 micron, which is small enough to remove Coronavirus, as well as larger contaminants such as bacteria, chemicals, gases, and odors. It comes in two colors, either black and sandstone.
Why should you consider investing in a HealthMate? Given the rollercoaster of 2020, it makes sense to use technology to lower the risk of getting sick from viruses and bacteria. This unit has a number of health benefits, from reducing the viral load in the air to minimize risk of infection to lessening allergies, easing coughing, reducing dry mouth, helping your family avoid runny noses, ensuring you all enjoy sounder sleep, and reducing factors that may cause snoring.
The HealthMate uses a HEPA filter that removes 95% of airborne viruses. It was selected for use in a clinical trial at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Ohio, and was proven to be extremely effective in protecting sick children from second-hand smoke, reducing their hospital visits by nearly 20% over the course of the study. Your family deserves the same level of care.
How the HealthMate Air Filter Works
The reason the HealthMate is so effective is because has a 360-degree intake system that forces air into a four-stage filter. It has a three-stage centrifugal fan and a high-efficiently motor rated for continuous use at a high RPM to ensure your family stays safe.
- Stage 1: A large pre-filter removes particles like dust, hair, and pet dander.
- Stage 2: A medium pre-filter removes particles like mold, spores, and pollen.
- Stage 3: A carbon and zeolite filter removes chemicals, gases and odors.
- Stage 4: A HEPA filter removes 95% of particles larger than 0.1 microns.
This model is available for sale at ESI stores in both Anchorage and Fairbanks. This air filter is sold with a 30-day money-back guarantee, with no questions asked. The manufacturer also provides a five-year mechanical warrantee, to ensure the machine is free from defects. On top of that, the filter has a five-year life expectancy – after that, you can simply order a replacement online.
As increasing numbers of Alaskans get sick, it’s clear that we need to do what it takes to keep our families safe. Hunkering down is a good start, even though it means many of us won’t get to celebrate the holidays with our families this year. Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, recently gave an interview in which he said: “As we get into the winter, with the holiday season going, we’ve got to do something different.”
That’s where air filters come into the picture. It makes sense to be proactive about protecting your home, reducing as many risks as possible, especially while everyone is spending the majority of their time indoors. It’s an investment that will help increase your piece of mind.
Where to Pick Up an In-Home Air Filter
ESI is distributing Austin Air HealthMate air filters at both of its Alaskan stores, which are open from 8:30am to 4pm from Monday to Friday. You can find us at 1919 Van Horn Road, Fairbanks, AK 99701 or 5801 Silverado Way, Anchorage, AK 99518. Our friendly sales teams will be happy to help answer any questions you may have about this product and the benefits it can provide.
Ready to invest in an air filter? Contact our team to put one on hold.
