The air filter is a key 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 improve your sense of comfort at home. For example, environmentally minded homeowners could opt for an electrostatic air filter. Regular filters can’t be recycled and are normally 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 different from media filters, which are nonreusable. Media filters are pleated and use an extremely dense network of small fibers to trap airborne particles. While this design is effective, 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 drawn into the filter and trapped. But because of the lack of fibers, electrostatic filters can be cleaned.
Washable air filters are suitable for people who want 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 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 an easy way to determine 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 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 generally more than enough for your home’s needs, but there are exceptions.
People with breathing complications or serious allergies might benefit from a more powerful 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. Additional filtration may also be beneficial 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 analyzing 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 need to do is thoroughly rinse them off. Wait 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 short process that provides long-term benefits. Washable air filters are highly durable and can survive 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 strong results, that doesn’t mean other filters are substandard. For your typical 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 optimize indoor air quality in Arlington. It all depends on the unique conditions of your home as well as your family’s specific needs. Local, experienced technicians can help. They can suggest the ideal products you need to improve indoor air quality.