Ventilating, Vacuuming and Filtering Out Allergens

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Window air-conditioner units frequently come with built-in electrostatic washable filters, which you may be able to supplement with a carbon filter that removes larger dust particles and reduces humidity. Call your air conditioner's manufacturer to see if they make carbon filters for your specific unit. Some air conditioners include inefficient foam filters; these should be replaced with electrostatic filter mesh, available at your hardware store (you can cut it to size to fit your unit).

Vacuum Cleaners

A good HEPA-filter-equipped vacuum cleaner is ideal for capturing dust, pollen and other particulate matter, but don't be duped by "bargain" prices and fancy terminology. The most efficient HEPA filters, sometimes referred to as "true" or "absolute," remove 99.97 percent of particles .3 microns in size from the air as it passes through. Yet some vacuum manufacturers will try to lure you with descriptions like "HEPA type" or "high efficiency" filters that can actually be up to 55 percent lower in efficiency than true HEPA filters. If a vacuum cleaner is advertised as sporting a HEPA filter, check the manufacturer's efficiency test results (often in the product brochure).

Save the money you didn't spend on the air-duct cleaning service and instead invest it in one of these high-quality, true HEPA-filter vacuum cleaners:

• Eureka's Boss, Boss 4D and Boss SmartVac uprights (starting at $160; www.eureka.com, 877-270-9289)


• Miele S514 Solaris canister vacuums are outfitted with true HEPA filters, and the Red and White Star canister vacs can be purchased with an optional true HEPA filter (starting at $549; www.mielevacuums.com)


• Sebo X4 and X5 uprights and C 2.1 and C 3.1 canisters (starting at $599; www.sebo-vacuums.com)


• Aerus Electrolux Lux Guardian canister (starting at $1,800; www.aerusonline.com; 800-243-9078)


• Dyson vacuums have lifetime HEPA filters (starting at $400; www.dyson.com)

Resources

"The Dirt on Air Purifiers"

"Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home
Cleaned?," www.epa.gov

Vacuum Cleaners and Air Conditioners Product Reports

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