AHAM Consumer Information

If you are considering buying an air cleaner, visit http://www.cadr.org/ Here you can learn about the Clean Air Delivery Rate, compare and search for models that are right for you.

 

Tips for Managing Your Child's Allergies

If your child is one of the millions that suffer from allergies in the U.S., you know that it can be hard to control their symptoms.  Reducing contact with airborne allergens like dust and pollen can help prevent the onset of symptoms in children. 

Here are a few steps you can take around the house that may help your child breathe easier:
 

• Keep windows closed in the car and at home and limit outdoor activities, especially when the pollen count is high.
• Give them a bath or shower before bed to help remove the allergens that may have collected on them or their clothes throughout the day.
• Vacuum the carpet and floors throughout the home on a regular basis and consider using a vacuum with a HEPA filter. 
• Dust mites tend to live on the floor, bedding and furniture, so you should wash your child’s bedding frequently in hot water.  You can also use dust mite allergen covers on bedding.  It is also helpful to minimize the amount of extra pillows and stuffed animals that are kept on the bed, since they also collect dust mites.
• Do not hang laundry outside to dry where it may collect pollen and other allergens.  Use a dryer or hang the clothes inside instead.
• Use a portable room air cleaner in your child’s bedroom to filter airborne particles and help them breathe—and sleep—easier.  A portable air cleaner that’s received a Clean Air Delivery Rate seal may reduce the level of airborne pollutants.

Before purchasing the air cleaner, you should know the size of your child’s bedroom.  You can search for air cleaners in the directory found on www.cadr.org and compare certified models.  Look at the ratings for tobacco smoke, dust and pollen and find the models that have the highest ratings, since they will clean your room the fastest.  You can then weigh the importance of product features, such as noise levels and design, to find an air cleaner that fits your needs.

Energy Saving Tips for Consumers

Reducing energy consumption in your home is easier than you think!  Click here to read a list of easy tips to save energy, and find out how much money and water you can save by upgrading to the newest ENERGY STAR models. 

 

                                      

AHAM’S Certified Room Air Conditioner and Dehumidifier Directories on COOLOFF.ORG

The AHAM website http://www.cooloff.org/ featuring a simple three step process to help consumers select a proper room air conditioner by accurately determining cooling capacity; using the searchable Room Air Conditioners directory to find the units with certified performance ratings that match their criteria; and linking to manufacturers' web sites for additional feature and purchase related information.

AHAM products are certified based on verification of product performance.  Room Air Conditioners are certified based on their cooling capacity expressed in BTU’s. Room Air Conditioner Manufacturers voluntarily participate in the AHAM certification program. AHAM uses an independent lab and a standardized test known as the AHAM/ANSI RAC-1, to test the actual cooling capacity of the unit. Products that are tested may then use an AHAM seal and be listed in the product directory. 

The website offers consumers detailed information on proper cooling capacity, energy efficiency, installation requirements as well as efficiency use and maintenance tips.  The units in the searchable directories can be sorted by the Brand name, Manufacturer, BTU (British Thermal Units), EER (energy efficiency ratio), or Voltage.

AHAM encourages consumers to “Beat the Heat” by visiting http://www.cooloff.org/ for cool information on how to select a room air conditioner. AHAM has designed this web site to help consumers select the right product for their home. Since 1967, AHAM has administered third party certification programs to test and verify the performance ratings of products such as room air conditioners, room air cleaners and dehumidifiers.

 

Use ENERGY STAR to Save Money and Energy!