About JOT HQ
We’re on a mission to make home air quality simple, transparent, and accessible to everyone.
Our Story
JOT HQ started from a simple frustration: finding the right HVAC filter shouldn’t require a degree in engineering or hours of research through marketing fluff.
After spending too much time in big box store aisles, confused by misleading packaging and inflated claims, we realized there had to be a better way. We wanted straight answers about what actually works, what’s made in America, and what offers real value for real homes.
So we started testing. We researched manufacturing locations. We talked to HVAC professionals. We measured actual performance against marketing promises. Most importantly, we focused on one thing: giving you the practical information you need to make good decisions quickly.
What Drives Us
Cut Through the Noise
No technical jargon, no unnecessary complexity. Just clear guidance for real homes.
Support American Manufacturing
When quality US-made options exist, we highlight them. We verify manufacturing claims so you don’t have to.
Honest Value Assessment
We tell you when expensive options are worth it and when budget choices work just fine.
Transparency First
We show our work, cite our sources, and clearly disclose any business relationships.
What We Do (And Don’t Do)
✅ What We Do
- Test real products in actual homes over months of use
- Verify manufacturing claims through direct research and contact
- Focus on practical advice that works for busy homeowners
- Recommend products we’d actually use in our own homes
- Update our recommendations when we find better options or information changes
- Clearly disclose any affiliate relationships or business interests
❌ What We Don’t Do
- Accept payment for reviews – our recommendations are based on performance, not payments
- Recommend products we haven’t researched – if it’s on our site, we’ve done the work
- Ignore budget constraints – we know not everyone can buy premium everything
- Overcomplicate simple decisions – most people just need a good filter that fits
- Push unnecessary upgrades – we tell you when basic options work fine
How We Research Products
Initial Research
We research manufacturing locations, company ownership, and product specifications. We contact companies directly for information not readily available.
Real-World Testing
We purchase products at retail prices and test them in actual homes. We track performance over time, not just initial impressions.
Professional Consultation
We consult with HVAC professionals, indoor air quality experts, and industry insiders to validate our findings.
Ongoing Monitoring
We monitor for manufacturing changes, new products, and reader feedback. Our recommendations evolve as information changes.
Our Business Model & Transparency
How We Make Money
We earn affiliate commissions when you purchase products through our links. This costs you nothing extra – retailers pay us a small percentage of sales.
Important: We only recommend products we genuinely believe are good choices. We turn down affiliate programs for products we can’t stand behind.
We also accept advertising from companies whose products meet our standards. All advertising is clearly labeled and doesn’t influence our editorial recommendations.
How This Affects Our Recommendations
The honest answer: It creates an incentive to recommend purchaseable products over “just use whatever’s cheapest.”
How we handle this: We still recommend budget options when they’re genuinely good choices. We clearly note when expensive options aren’t worth the cost. We regularly review our recommendations to ensure they remain our genuine top picks.
Our promise: If we wouldn’t buy it for our own homes, we won’t recommend it for yours.
Editorial Standards
Our content is written and updated based on research and testing, not affiliate commissions. We have editorial standards that prevent business interests from overriding honest assessments.
When we’re wrong: We update our recommendations promptly and explain what changed.
When products change: We monitor for manufacturing changes and update our advice accordingly.
When we disagree: If our business team wants to promote something our editorial team can’t support, editorial wins.
Who We Are
JOT HQ is run by a small team of homeowners who got tired of overcomplicated advice and misleading marketing in the home improvement space.
We’re Homeowners First
We deal with the same HVAC issues, air quality concerns, and budget constraints as our readers. Our recommendations come from real experience.
We’ve Done The Work
We’ve changed hundreds of filters, dealt with clogged systems, and made our share of purchasing mistakes. We share what we’ve learned.
We Keep Learning
Air filtration technology and manufacturing practices evolve. We stay current with industry developments and update our recommendations accordingly.
Get In Touch
We love hearing from readers, especially when you have:
Feedback on Our Recommendations
Tried something we recommended? Had a different experience? Let us know how it worked out.
Industry Information
Work in HVAC or air filtration? Have insider knowledge about manufacturing changes or new products? We’d love to learn.
❓ Questions We Haven’t Answered
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Ask us – your question might become our next guide.
Verification Help
Have information about whether a brand is actually US-made? Help us keep our database accurate.
Ready to reach out?
Our Promise to You
We promise to keep it simple, honest, and useful.
Home air quality doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need to become an expert in MERV ratings or memorize dozens of brand names. You just need good information that helps you make a quick, confident decision.
That’s what we’re here for. When you need a filter, we’ll help you find the right one. When you want to support American manufacturing, we’ll verify the claims. When you’re on a budget, we’ll tell you what corners you can safely cut.
Most importantly: We’ll give you the same advice we’d give our own family members. No more, no less.