The air filter is a vital 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 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 usually replaced every couple of 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 employ 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 washed.
Washable air filters are ideal for people who hope to minimize waste. When kept in good shape, an electrostatic filter can last you a very long time. Meanwhile, your ordinary 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 determine how efficient 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 standard for residential air filters is between a 3 and a 6 MERV rating. These are typically more than enough for your home’s needs, but there are exceptions.
People with breathing complications or acute allergies can 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 often found in specialized air filtration systems. Added filtration can also be beneficial 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 ideal choice. Let’s review the key 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. Leave 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 peak effectiveness, electrostatic filters should be cleaned each month. This is a brief process that offers long-term benefits. Washable air filters are highly resilient 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 strong results, that doesn’t mean other filters are substandard. For your average 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 good way to optimize indoor air quality in Pacheco. 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 perfect products you need to boost indoor air quality.