The air filter is a key component of your HVAC system. It stops airborne particles like dust and pollen from circulating through your home. Figuring out what type 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. Regular filters can’t be recycled and are generally replaced every few 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 thick network of small fibers to catch airborne particles. While this design is effective, eventually 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 ideal for people who hope to cut down on waste. When kept in good shape, an electrostatic filter can last you a very long time. Meanwhile, your traditional furnace air filter should be replaced 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 an easy way to tell how effective an air filter is at trapping 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 standard for residential air filters is between a 3 and a 6 MERV rating. These are typically more than enough for your home’s needs, but there are exceptions.
People with breathing complications or severe allergies might benefit from a stronger 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 regularly found in dedicated 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 advantages 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 main benefits 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 placed back in your HVAC system.
Long-lasting with regular 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 resilient and can survive the lifetime of your HVAC system when well cared for.
Offers excellent layer of protection: While HEPA filters or dedicated air filtration systems might offer solid results, that doesn’t mean other filters are substandard. For your standard home, an electrostatic filter is a superb option for getting rid of airborne particles.
Improve Indoor Air Quality with Routine Maintenance and Cleaning
Keeping up with routine maintenance and thorough cleaning is a great way to maximize indoor air quality in Cottonwood & Prescott. It all depends on the unique conditions of your home as well as your family’s specific needs. Local, experienced technicians may be able to help. They can suggest the perfect products you need to boost indoor air quality.