The air filter is a vital component of your HVAC system. It stops airborne particles like dust and pollen from circulating through your home. Finding out what kind of air filter is right for you will help enhance your sense of comfort at home. For example, environmentally minded homeowners could favor an electrostatic air filter. Regular filters can’t be recycled and are usually replaced every few months. Instead, an electrostatic filter can be rinsed off and reused.
What Is an Electrostatic Air Filter?
An electrostatic air filter is distinct 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, sooner or later 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 lack of fibers, electrostatic filters can be washed.
Washable air filters are suitable 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 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 out.
Do Electrostatic Air Filters Have a MERV Rating?
The MERV rating system is a good way to tell 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 generally more than sufficient for your home’s needs, but there are exceptions.
People with breathing complications or serious allergies can benefit from a stronger 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 regularly found in specialized air filtration systems. Added filtration may 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 benefits to using electrostatic air filters in your home. It just depends on evaluating your indoor air quality needs and making the ideal choice. Let’s review the principal advantages 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. Give enough time for them to dry completely and they can be added back in your HVAC system.
Long-lasting with consistent upkeep: To work at their peak effectiveness, electrostatic filters should be washed every month. This is a quick process that offers long-term benefits. Washable air filters are highly durable and can survive the lifetime of your HVAC system when properly 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 average home, an electrostatic filter is a great choice for eliminating airborne particles.
Improve Indoor Air Quality with Routine Maintenance and Cleaning
Keeping up with routine maintenance and thorough cleaning is a great way to improve indoor air quality in the Bay Area. 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.