The air filter is a vital component of your HVAC system. It keeps airborne particles like dust and pollen from circulating through your home. Finding out what sort of air filter is right for you will help enhance your sense of comfort at home. For example, environmentally minded homeowners may opt for an electrostatic air filter. Standard filters can’t be recycled and are normally replaced every couple of 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 use an extremely thick network of small fibers to trap airborne particles. While this design is efficient, eventually 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 rinsed.
Washable air filters are suitable for people who hope to minimize 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 last 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 recognize 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 generally more than adequate for your home’s needs, but there are exceptions.
People with breathing problems or severe allergies might 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 dedicated air filtration systems. Added filtration could 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 benefits to using electrostatic air filters in your home. It just depends on reviewing your indoor air quality needs and making the ideal choice. Let’s review the main features 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 inserted 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 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 strong results, that doesn’t mean other filters are inadequate. For your average home, an electrostatic filter is a superb choice for removing airborne particles.
Improve Indoor Air Quality with Routine Maintenance and Cleaning
Keeping up with routine maintenance and thorough cleaning is a good way to maximize indoor air quality in Long Island. 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 suggest the perfect products you need to boost indoor air quality.