The air filter is a key component of your HVAC system. It prevents 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 could favor an electrostatic air filter. Standard filters can’t be recycled and are usually replaced every few 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 use an extremely dense network of small fibers to capture 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 sucked into the filter and trapped. But because of the lack of fibers, electrostatic filters can be rinsed.
Washable air filters are ideal for people who like to minimize 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 live 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 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 average for residential air filters is between a 3 and a 6 MERV rating. These are usually more than adequate for your home’s needs, but there are exceptions.
People with breathing problems or severe allergies may 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 often found in specialized air filtration systems. Additional filtration may also be worthwhile for the elderly and people with respiratory conditions.
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 examining your indoor air quality needs and making the most suitable choice. Let’s compare the main benefits 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 thoroughly rinse them off. Wait enough time for them to dry completely and they can be inserted back in your HVAC system.
Long-lasting with steady upkeep: To work at their peak effectiveness, electrostatic filters should be washed each month. This is a short process that provides long-term benefits. Washable air filters are highly durable and can last 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 solid results, that doesn’t mean other filters are substandard. For your typical home, an electrostatic filter is a great choice 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 Heflin. It all depends on the distinct 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.