The air filter is a major component of your HVAC system. It stops airborne particles like dust and pollen from circulating through your home. Finding out what type of air filter is right for you will help enhance your sense of comfort at home. For example, environmentally minded homeowners may opt for an electrostatic air filter. Regular 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 use an extremely thick network of small fibers to trap airborne particles. While this design is efficient, ultimately the filter is clogged with contaminants. Instead, an electrostatic filter uses the magnetic 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 washed.
Washable air filters are recommended for people who like to cut down on waste. When kept in good shape, an electrostatic filter can last you a very long time. Meanwhile, your typical furnace air filter should be replaced every few months. When furnaces can live 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 determine how efficient an air filter is at eliminating contaminants. The higher the filter’s MERV rating, the more effectively it works. Ratings are as high as 20, but these are reserved for special filters for medical and industrial use. Instead, a good average for residential air filters is between a 3 and a 6 MERV rating. These are typically more than sufficient for your home’s needs, but there are exceptions.
People with breathing problems or severe allergies may benefit from a more powerful residential filter like HEPA filters. A HEPA filter can eliminate up to 97% of airborne particles, keeping indoor air quality very high. These filters are commonly found in specialized air filtration systems. Additional filtration may also be beneficial for the elderly and people with respiratory conditions.
Are Electrostatic Air Filters Better Than Disposable? A Comparison.
As you can see, there are perks to using electrostatic air filters in your home. It just depends on examining your indoor air quality needs and making the most suitable choice. Let’s go over the principal 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 properly rinse them off. Leave enough time for them to dry completely and they can be added back in your HVAC system.
Long-lasting with steady upkeep: To work at their peak effectiveness, electrostatic filters should be cleaned every month. This is a quick process that provides long-term benefits. Washable air filters are highly durable and can survive the lifetime of your HVAC system when well cared for.
Offers quality layer of protection: While HEPA filters or dedicated air filtration systems can offer solid results, that doesn’t mean other filters are insufficient. For your standard home, an electrostatic filter is a superb choice for eliminating airborne particles.
Improve Indoor Air Quality with Routine Maintenance and Cleaning
Keeping up with routine maintenance and thorough cleaning is a good way to improve indoor air quality in Bishop. It all depends on the specific conditions of your home as well as your family’s specific needs. Local, experienced technicians may be able to help. They can recommend the perfect products you need to improve indoor air quality.