The air filter is a major component of your HVAC system. It prevents airborne particles like dust and pollen from circulating through your home. Figuring out what sort of air filter is right for you will help enhance 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 usually 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 dense network of small fibers to capture airborne particles. While this design is successful, 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 cleaned.
Washable air filters are suitable for people who want to reduce 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 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 great way to recognize how effective an air filter is at collecting 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 usually more than enough for your home’s needs, but there are exceptions.
People with breathing problems or serious allergies can 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. Additional filtration could 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 compare the principal features of an electrostatic filter:
Reusable and simple to clean: Compared to pleated media filters, washable air filters are recyclable and reusable. All you need 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 cleaned every month. This is a quick process that provides long-term benefits. Washable air filters are highly resilient and can last the lifetime of your HVAC system when well cared for.
Offers excellent 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 average 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 optimize indoor air quality in Lake Forest. 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 recommend the perfect products you need to boost indoor air quality.