The air filter is a key component of your HVAC system. It keeps airborne particles like dust and pollen from circulating through your home. Finding out what kind of air filter is right for you will help improve your sense of comfort at home. For example, environmentally inclined homeowners could prefer an electrostatic air filter. Regular filters can’t be recycled and are generally replaced every couple of months. Instead, an electrostatic filter can be washed off and used again.
What Is an Electrostatic Air Filter?
An electrostatic air filter is distinct from media filters, which are nonreusable. Media filters are pleated and employ an extremely thick network of small fibers to trap airborne particles. While this design is successful, sooner or later 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 sucked into the filter and trapped. But because of the absence of fibers, electrostatic filters can be washed.
Washable air filters are ideal for people who hope to reduce 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 away.
Do Electrostatic Air Filters Have a MERV Rating?
The MERV rating system is a good way to recognize 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 problems or severe allergies may benefit from a more powerful residential filter like the HEPA filter. A HEPA filter can eliminate up to 97% of airborne particles, keeping indoor air quality very high. These filters are often found in specialized air filtration systems. Additional filtration can also be helpful for the elderly and people with respiratory conditions.
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 examining your indoor air quality needs and making the most suitable choice. Let’s review the key features of an electrostatic filter:
Reusable and simple to clean: Unlike pleated media filters, washable air filters are recyclable and reusable. All you need to do is thoroughly rinse them off. Leave enough time for them to dry completely and they can be put back in your HVAC system.
Long-lasting with steady upkeep: To work at their maximum effectiveness, electrostatic filters should be washed each month. This is a quick process that offers long-term benefits. Washable air filters are highly resilient and can survive 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 inadequate. For your standard home, an electrostatic filter is a great choice 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 Huffman. 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 suggest the ideal products you need to boost indoor air quality.
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