The air filter is a vital 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 enhance your sense of comfort at home. For example, environmentally minded 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 distinct from media filters, which are nonreusable. Media filters are pleated and employ an extremely dense network of small fibers to trap airborne particles. While this design is effective, 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 ideal for people who want to reduce waste. When kept in good shape, an electrostatic filter can last you a very long time. Meanwhile, your traditional furnace air filter should be exchanged 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 good way to tell how efficient 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 advanced 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 usually more than enough for your home’s needs, but there are exceptions.
People with breathing complications or severe allergies may 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 specialized air filtration systems. Added filtration could 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 perks to using electrostatic air filters in your home. It just depends on reviewing your indoor air quality needs and making the most suitable choice. Let’s compare the principal advantages of an electrostatic filter:
Reusable and simple to clean: Unlike pleated media filters, washable air filters are recyclable and reusable. All you have to do is thoroughly rinse them off. Give enough time for them to dry completely and they can be placed back in your HVAC system.
Long-lasting with steady upkeep: To work at their maximum effectiveness, electrostatic filters should be cleaned each month. This is a short process that provides long-term benefits. Washable air filters are highly resilient and can last 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 strong results, that doesn’t mean other filters are insufficient. For your typical home, an electrostatic filter is a superb option 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 Moline. It all depends on the distinct conditions of your home as well as your family’s specific needs. Local, experienced technicians can help. They can recommend the ideal products you need to boost indoor air quality.