The air filter is a major component of your HVAC system. It keeps airborne particles like dust and pollen from circulating through your home. Figuring out what kind of air filter is right for you will help improve your sense of comfort at home. For example, environmentally inclined homeowners might favor an electrostatic air filter. Standard filters can’t be recycled and are normally replaced every couple of months. Instead, an electrostatic filter can be washed off and reused.
What Is an Electrostatic Air Filter?
An electrostatic air filter is different from media filters, which are nonreusable. Media filters are pleated and employ an extremely dense network of small fibers to capture airborne particles. While this design is efficient, ultimately the filter is clogged with contaminants. Instead, an electrostatic filter uses the attractive force of static electricity. Animal dander, mold spores and other contaminants are drawn into the filter and trapped. But because of the absence of fibers, electrostatic filters can be cleaned.
Washable air filters are recommended for people who hope to minimize waste. When kept in good shape, an electrostatic filter can last you a very long time. Meanwhile, your standard furnace air filter should be exchanged every few months. When furnaces can last for up to 20 years, that’s a lot of filters to throw out.
Do Electrostatic Air Filters Have a MERV Rating?
The MERV rating system is a great way to tell how effective an air filter is at catching contaminants. The higher the filter’s MERV rating, the more effectively it works. Ratings are as high as 20, but these are reserved for advanced filters for medical and industrial use. Instead, a good standard for residential air filters is between a 3 and a 6 MERV rating. These are usually more than adequate for your home’s needs, but there are exceptions.
People with breathing complications or acute allergies may benefit from a more powerful residential filter like HEPA filters. A HEPA filter can remove up to 97% of airborne particles, keeping indoor air quality very high. These filters are often found in specialized air filtration systems. Added filtration can also be helpful for the elderly and people with respiratory ailments.
Are Electrostatic Air Filters Better Than Disposable? A Comparison.
As you can see, there are benefits to using electrostatic air filters in your home. It just depends on evaluating your indoor air quality needs and making the most suitable choice. Let’s compare the key advantages of an electrostatic filter:
Reusable and easy to clean: Compared to pleated media filters, washable air filters are recyclable and reusable. All you have to do is thoroughly rinse them off. Give enough time for them to dry completely and they can be placed back in your HVAC system.
Long-lasting with consistent upkeep: To work at their maximum effectiveness, electrostatic filters should be washed each month. This is a short process that offers long-term benefits. Washable air filters are highly durable and can last the lifetime of your HVAC system when properly cared for.
Offers excellent layer of protection: While HEPA filters or dedicated air filtration systems can offer strong results, that doesn’t mean other filters are substandard. For your average home, an electrostatic filter is a great solution for removing airborne particles.
Improve Indoor Air Quality with Routine Maintenance and Cleaning
Keeping up with routine maintenance and thorough cleaning is a good way to maximize indoor air quality in Thedford. It all depends on the specific conditions of your home as well as your family’s specific needs. Local, experienced technicians can help. They can suggest the ideal products you need to improve indoor air quality.