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Doug Rye Says . . .


not order enough concrete to finish the slab in the corner. Te blower door test revealed


why the baby’s room had been cold. Unwanted air infiltration was leaking in under the bottom plate and directly into the bedroom. It took seven tubes of caulking to totally fill the void under the bottom plate of the wall. Te blower door test uncovered


a major air infiltration in the utility closet, as well. Te plenum from the heating system was installed through the ceiling and connected to the ductwork in the attic. Te problem was no one installed a ceiling around the plenum. Te room was wide open to the attic. We found air infiltration problems throughout the entire house. Te auditors calculated the


amount of leakage in this home was equal to a 3-foot by 3-foot window being open at all times. Just imagine how much money has been saved and how much more comfortable the house has been because it was tested and improvements made 25 years ago. In our seminars I often say


the three biggest causes of energy problems in the average house are air infiltration, air infiltration and air infiltration. If your house is uncomfortable and your utility bills are above average, consider having an energy audit performed.


Doug Rye, a licensed architect living


in Saline County and the popular host of the “Home Remedies” radio show, works as a consultant


for the Electric Cooperatives of


Arkansas to promote energy efficiency to cooperative members statewide. To ask energy efficiency-related questions, call Doug at 501- 653-7931. More energy-efficiency tips, as well as Doug’s columns, can also be found at www. SmartEnergyTips.org.


What Do Different Air Filters Block?


Air filters are rated by Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV). Filters with a higher MERV block more dirt, but also reduce airflow and system efficiency. Use this guide to find the right filter for your home or business.


System Airflow


1-4 MERV $2-$10


Pollen, sanding dust, large insect bodies


Disposable, washable


Homes, window air conditioning units


5-8 MERV $10-$20


Pet dander, mold, spores, dust mites, hair spray


Pleated, disposable, electrostatic


Better homes, general office buildings


9-12 MERV $18-$25


Lead dust, milled flour, car emission particles


Pleated, disposable, electrostatic


Superior homes, better office buildings, businesses


13-20 MERV $$$


Bacteria, virus, face powder, smoke, sneezes, paint pigments, oil, carbon dust


High efficiency particulate arrestance (HEPA), box 6-12 inches thick, flexible 12-36 inches thick


Hospitals, drug and electronic labs


Source: epa.gov/iaq News Magazine 23


Common Uses


Filter Types


Blocked Items


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