June 14, 2017

St Louis air filters

Air filters help your HVAC system run more efficiently and filter out allergens too.

As any St Louis HVAC technician will tell you, air filters have a variety of functions. They keep the dust away from the internal workings of your HVAC system and so help it to run efficiently and have a longer life. But they also filter out a wide range of allergens too. HVAC filtration has even been found to be more effective at combating allergens than portable HEPA units. This is important news for anyone who suffers from allergies!

Different Levels of Filtration Available

  • MERV 1-4 :: This is the cheapest type of filtration with the most basic of filtering. This will filter general household dust such as skin cells. It will also filter clothing lint, dust mites, and pollen. While it is basic filtration, anyone suffering from hay fever should notice a reduction in their symptoms when using this type of filtration system. Additionally, it can be a benefit to anyone with asthma due to the fact that it filters out dust mites. Around half of the people with asthma have an allergy to dust mites.
  • MERV 5-8 :: The next level of filtration is MERV 5-8. This is the ideal level for most home use. It offers all the filtration capacity of MERV 1-4 but also has some additional benefits. When you reach the levels of MERV 5-8, not only will it filter out dust mites, but also their debris which is also highly allergenic. It will filter airborne bacteria and also mold spores which can be very dangerous when inhaled.
  • MERV 9-12 :: While MERV 5-8 is fine for most homes, if anyone living in your home has bad asthma or allergies, MERV 9-12 could be of most benefit. These filters do have a tight weave so you may need to add a booster to your blower motor. If you’re unsure, consult your St Louis HVAC engineer. MERV 9-12 filters everything the MERV 5-8 will as well as pet dander, which is a common allergen, cigarette smoke, airborne viruses and microscopic allergens.
  • MERV 13-16 :: You won’t find many homes with filtration at this level. This level is generally used for commercial purposes such as in hospitals and factories.

Change Your Filter Regularly

Did you know that if you don’t regularly change your filter you could actually be increasing your risk of illness from allergens compared to using no filter at all? This sounds crazy, but the thing is, when you don’t clean your filter, fungal spores can build upon it that then gets circulated in your air. This can cause allergic reactions and make you sick. It’s important to change your HVAC filter once a month to ensure it is working to full efficiency.

Schedule Summer Service or Maintenance

Contact Scott-Lee Heating today to schedule a service or maintenance visit. We will be able to recommend the best air filter for the needs of your household and let you know if there are any adaptations needed for your HVAC system to accommodate your new filter.

Call us at (314) 200-0788 or fill out our online contact form. We are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality and most energy-efficient heating, air conditioning, and geothermal systems available. It is our commitment to excellence, however, that sets us apart from the competition.