My husband has COPD and uses supplemental oxygen 24 hours a day. We also use an air cleaner in the room he spends the most time in. I have noticed that our electric bill has been much higher since he started using oxygen. Since we are on a fixed income, is there anything we can do to help with the cost? While today’s concentrators and air cleaners are more efficient than they once were, the cost of running them still adds up, and can be difficult for people on a fixed income. With regard to the concentrator, there is little you can do to cut the costs of operating the unit. However, there are a couple of options available to you. There are air cleaners on the market that can be adjusted to reflect the size of the room, which means you can “dial the unit back” if the room is smaller. There are also units available that either have timers or can be set to an automatic mode to speed up when movement in the room occurs. As far as the cost of running the concentrator, you might be able to deduct the electricity cost as a medical expense on your taxes.

However, it is important to note that you can do this only if you itemize. price of diamond air purifierIn any case, you need to talk with a tax professional to determine your status. air cleaner for low hood clearanceIf the air cleaner is prescribed by your doctor, it is possible to deduct this cost also.wii lens cleaning kit by nintendo To determine the cost of running your equipment, you will need to do a little math and make a phone call. First, call your electric company and ask the price per kilowatt hour (KWH). It should be something like 9 or 10 cents. Now look at the back of your unit where it states the voltage and amps. For this example we will say 115 volts and 5 amps. Now you need to figure out the number of kilowatt hours (KWH) the unit uses in a year:

Most concentrators have a hour meter built in and you can use this to get an accurate measure of the number of hours the unit has run in the year. You should also keep a copy of your oxygen prescription for your tax records. One other thing you might want to check is what plans your electric company may have to help offset the cost of running medical equipment. Some electric companies offer a discount for the use of oxygen concentrators. You might also consider asking your electric company if they have a budget plan where your bill is averaged into regular monthly payments to offset either summer cooling or winter heating costs. Most likely, the amount you will actually be able to get back from a tax deduction will not be substantial, but then again, every dollar can help! Also make sure you deduct any “out of pocket” costs for oxygen supplies! Ask the Expert is aimed at providing information for individuals with COPD to take to your doctor, and is not in any way intended to be medical advice.

We would love to hear your questions and comments. You can address your emails to any of the following: COPD Coach, Caregiver Coach, COPD Doctor or COPD RT.OK, so you finally found the right dehumidifier for your home, paid some money for it and hooked it up. While a dehumidifier will set you back a certain amount of money, it will cost you some cash to run it as well as keep it maintained. Don’t worry though, you won’t have to sell your furniture to pay for it. Let’s see how much it costs to actually own a dehumidifier and what you can do to cut down those costs. As is the case with any electrical appliance, a dehumidifier needs power in order to function. The actual costs of running a dehumidifier are dependent on several factors. First of all, it depends on the make and model you opt for. Also, power consumption can go up or down depending on the actual humidity levels. Of course, your electricity rate plays a significant role too. However, there are some general guidelines you can follow if you want to cut down on your electricity bill.

First of all, look for a dehumidifier which has an Energy Star certificate because these units consume a lot less power. It is true you can buy a unit like this without the certification (because it’s cheaper initially), but it will cost you more in the long run. You can get a better idea of how much a dehumidifier will cost you if you divide its wattage (which should be written somewhere in its specs) by 1000. This tells you how many kilowatts it consumes per hour. You then multiply that number with your rate per kilowatt-hour, and then again with the number of hours during which the unit’s on. This should give you an accurate idea of how much money it will cost you to run a dehumidifier. If you can’t find the wattage listed, multiply its amperage and voltage numbers instead. Having a dehumidifier can also save you money in the long run. Well, remember how you crank up the air conditioning when it’s too hot? When you start to feel hot and sweaty, it’s not just down to room temperature.

Relative humidity plays a big role too. If you have a dehumidifier, this will help to keep it down so you won’t need to use your air conditioning as often (which can be expensive). As far as maintenance costs go, dehumidifiers are really cheap because they don’t need a lot in that respect. The only thing that will cost you extra is a replacement air filter, and even those can last for several months, or even up to a year. The maintenance process basically involves removing excess moisture from the device, replacing the hose and general cleaning. All things considered, dehumidifiers are really cheap to run and maintain. However, do think about opting for a model with a built-in humidistat because this also helps. Yes, they may be more expensive in the beginning but you will get your money back over time. The upshot is, if you want to save on running costs, cheaper models of dehumidifier are not always best!WHY IS THE NQ CLARIFIER MORE EXPENSIVE THAN COMPETITIVE PRODUCTS? Comparative studies reveal that the NQ Clarifier dramatically outperforms other filtration products.

The NQ Clarifier achieves maximum filtration through the use of several innovative technologies and CAREFULLY selected materials. The key benefit of the NQ Clarifier are: First HEPA air filtration system for home or office use that features germicidal UV light that eliminates bacterial and viral microorganisms. Note that non-UV systems cannot trap and eliminate viruses, and they may allow trapped bacteria to seep back into the air. Unique "top-flow" air discharge produces better air flow and air quality and more air changes per hour than other HEPA purifiers. Air flow monitor tells the user when the pre-filter needs to be cleaned or changed or when the HEPA filter needs to be changed. Over time, HEPA filters become clogged with particulates, greatly reducing their efficiency and air change rates. The NQ Clarifier assures maximum contaminant reduction over the life span of the filter. HOW DOES THE NQ CLARIFIER COMPARE TO OTHER AIR PURIFIERS ON AIR CHANGE RATES? In a 1,500 sq. ft. room the NQ Clarifier produced 6.6 air changes/hour.

This figure exceeds the air changes per hour produced by Austin Air Healthmate (3.8), Equinox (2.6), Honeywell 13520 (2.2) and Foust S-400 (1.5). HOW CAN THE NQ CLARIFIER PRODUCE MORE AIR EXCHANGES PER HOUR THAN COMPETITIVE PRODUCTS IF THE FAN OPERATES AT A LOWER SPEED? At 350 cfm with the top flow air discharge system, room air is exchanged 100%. This enables the NQ Clarifier to produce higher actual air change rates than most competitive products. It should be noted that unlike some competitive products, CWR has calculated its air change rates according to standardized ASHRAE (the American Society of Heating, Radiators, and Air Conditioning Engineers) testing procedures. HOW DO THE FIVE STAGES OF FILTRATION WORK? At the first level, a 10-micron particulate pre-filter captures airborne particles like dust and pet dander. At the next level, a patented, specially blended carbon media (3 materials) absorbs and oxidizes odors, gases and chemicals such as formaldehyde, sulfur dioxide, and damaging ozone.

Together these barriers complement the primary microfiltration media (HEPA) which traps particles including pollen, molds, dust and bacteria down to 0.3 microns in size. Any viruses that pass through the HEPA are then killed by the germicidal ultraviolet lamps. Finally, a carbon-impregnated post-filter reinforces the entire purification process. WHAT IS THE "PATENTED OXIDIZING MEDIA" IN THE COMMERCIAL CARE, THAT IS BLENDED WITH THE FORMULATED CARBON AND SERVES AS THE SECOND STAGE OF FILTRATION? A special patented blend of carbon, plus potassium permanganate and alumina silicate, produce a maximum surface area for better absorption, and improved oxidation of chemicals and gases. IS THE UV LIGHT IN THE NQ CLARIFIER SAFE?The product contains a shield plate over the UV lamps to prevent exposure to UV light during use. Of course, there are special precautions you need to take when changing the UV lamps. For instance, you should always unplug the unit before removing the shield plate, so you do not look directly at the UV lamps when they are lit.

These precautions are detailed in the operating manual. HOW DOES THE NQ CLARIFIER FILTER AIR? The NQ Clarifier's unique "top-flow" air discharge directs a powerful current of purified air toward the top of the room where air can be freely mixed and distributed without disruption. The purified air then drops down around the total room area pushing the dust, pollen, odors, etc., back toward the unit. These contaminants are then pulled into the unit on all four sides for even filtration. This innovative system doubles the room air changes of its nearest competitor. IS THE NQ CLARIFIER A TRUE HEPA SYSTEM AT 99.97% TO 03 MICRONS? Yes, it is a True Hepa system with the same grade HEPA as other filters, such as the Austin Air. Like other systems, the HEPA media used in the NQ Clarifier achieves 99.97% particle reduction to 0.3 microns in size. In addition, the NQ Clarifier uses a special non-outgasing grade of HEPA designed for chemically and environmentally sensitive individuals.

WHAT IS A HEPA FILTER? The HEPA filter was developed by the US Atomic Energy Commission to filter out sub-micron radioactive particles. All True Hepa is laser-tested and must remove a minimum of 99.97% of all particles greater than 0.3 microns in size. A human hair is about 300 times too large to penetrate a HEPA filter. DOES THE PRODUCT STERILIZE THE AIR?No air purifier can "sterilize" the air. However, the NQ Clarifier creates a virtually germ-free environment. The NQ Clarifier can accomplish this because it is the first air filtration system for home and office use that features germicidal UV light. Inside the NQ Clarifier, the HEPA is continually bathed in UV light. Bacterial and viral microorganisms such as hepatitis, influenza, TB and Legionnaire's Disease are trapped and destroyed before they can infiltrate your air space. WHERE SHOULD I PLACE THE UNIT FOR MAXIMUM EFFECTIVENESS? The NQ Clarifier is very versatile, and it is designed for home or office use in any room (except near sinks, showers, pools or any other water source).

For optimal results, the unit should be placed 6 inches away from a wall, with the machine angled towards the area in the room that will be occupied. Make sure you do not angle the machine's air flow towards the wall. HOW MUCH WILL IT COST TO RUN THE NQ CLARIFIER? Comparative tests show that the cost to run the NQ Clarifier (based on a $0.10/kilowatt rate) 24 hours a day, seven days a week, is about $24 per year, versus the Austin Air at $47 and the Honeywell at $252. WHAT KIND OF POWER DOES THE PRODUCT REQUIRE? The NQ Clarifier is an electrical appliance and operates with i isv AC current so it can easily be plugged into standard wall outlets. It is a very efficient unit, only using 115 watts of power at 1.2 amps. WHAT TESTING HAS BEEN PERFORMED ON THE PRODUCT? The manufacturers have conducted several independent tests. Air flow and particulate reduction testing was performed according to ASHRAE Standards. The NQ Clarifier has been independently tested and certified by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and also meets European Electrical and Structural Standards (CE).

IS THE UNIT APPROVED FOR REIMBURSEMENT? The NQ Clarifier has been approved by HCFA (Health Care Financing Administration) as a Durable Medical Device (A9270). If a doctor writes a medical necessity letter, it will be considered for reimbursement by the insurance company. List our supplier number 1243200001. WHAT IS THE HOUSING MADE OF? The NQ Clarifier housing construction is composed of 22-gauge galvanized steel with a bonded coating to allow for easy cleaning and enhanced durability. HOW LONG CAN I LEAVE IT ON FOR WHEN I'M GONE? The unit can safely run 24 hours a day continuously; however, when on vacation, it is recommended that the unit be shut off. CAN YOU GIVE ME MORE INFORMATION ON THE MANUFACTURER, NQ ENVIRONMENTAL, INC.? "NQE" (NQ) was founded ten years ago to develop products to address air purification needs of the general marketplace. We are now one of the leading manufacturers of products that deal with indoor air quality (IAQ) issues.

In addition to the NQ Clarifier, they currently have a product line that is targeted to medical health facilities (primarily hospitals), industrial air cleaning and have developed a smaller product line which combines the significant parts of the medical and industrial equipment and markets more broadly to include all commercial buildings. Their products are high efficiency air filtration and sterilization devices, which are generally installed in a standalone fashion. NQE is located in New Britain, Connecticut. WHAT IS MOTOR TYPE, INDUCTIVE OR BRUSH? Inductive, because brush motors give off spark and that emits ozone, which is a concern for people with MCS. ARE THERE ANY GLUES USED TO ATTACH THE CARBON TO THE HEPA?The Carbon is poured into an area outside the HEPA cage. WERE ANY ELECTROMAGNETIC TESTS DONE ON UNIT? Yes and it has been approved for use in Europe where there are very stringent requirements on electromagnetic and Harmonics. This unit is made so no magnetic fields can be created.