Types of Air Filters
Weis uses different air filters in St. Louis for different types of systems. Each one has various benefits and weaknesses and is assigned a MERV rating to indicate effectiveness.
Filtration options we offer include:
- Mechanical filters: Commonly made of layers of fiberglass, cotton, or polyester, these are the simplest filters. They trap the largest particles that are carried in the air but are too big to pass through the fibrous layers. Pleated cotton or polyester filters are slightly more effective than fiberglass, which is primarily meant to protect your HVAC system from damage rather than purifying the air for your health.
- HEPA filters: High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are a type of mechanical filter, but they work a little differently. The design consists of fibers that, instead of being arranged in simple layers, are randomly woven and contorted throughout the sealed filter itself. These not only catch particles that attach to the fibers initially, but also slows smaller particles down so much that they come to a stop. HEPA filters are highly efficient, blocking at least 99.7% of particles 0.3 microns or bigger.
- Electronic filters: Electronic filters include electrostatic filters and ionizers. They emit charged ions or ozone into the room that come in contact with particles in the air and give those particles a charge. The charge causes the particles to stick to walls and surfaces rather than floating in the air. The electrostatic filter goes one step further and collects the charged particles in the machine.
- Activated Carbon filters: Typically used in conjunction with one of the above-listed filters, an activated carbon filter is one made of porous carbon which traps gasses and odors that pass through it. Powerful activated carbon filters can even trap volatile organic compounds.
- UV lights: Though they are not “filters” in the traditional sense, UV lights kill many germs. As such, UV lights can be installed within an HVAC system to eliminate harmful microbes and viruses.
Improve Your Home's Air Quality!
Keeping the Air in Your Greater St. Louis Home Clean
There are additional ways to improve the quality and circulation of air in your home as well. To supplement your air filtration system, try any of these tips:
- Open windows when the weather allows: Outdoor air is generally much less polluted than indoor air. As long as you don’t have seasonal allergies, allow outside air into your home when you can.
- Clean and vacuum regularly: An air filter will not trap particles that are too large and can only catch them when they are in the air. They can’t do anything about pollutants that settle to the ground. Vacuuming floors and cleaning surfaces help keep dust out of your air.
- Be aware of your chemical use and storage: Heavy-duty cleaning chemicals or products like paint and glue pollute the air you breathe as well. Make chemical-free choices when you can, or store such items away from your main living areas.
- Use exhaust fans: Most homes have fans to help move air from the kitchen and the bathrooms.
Contact Weis Comfort Systems for the Best in Air Filters Today
At Weis Comfort Systems, our skilled technicians will help you choose from the industry’s leading filter brands. We will answer all your questions and make sure you get the most out of your air filtration system. More than ever now, it’s important to do everything we can to keep our air clean and our families healthy and safe. Making sure your St. Louis area home has an effective, high-quality air filtration system in place is a great way to do that. Call today for available specials and financing options, and remember that Weis is always here when you need trusted and respected home comfort experts.
