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 sort of air filter is right for you will help enhance your sense of comfort at home. For example, environmentally inclined homeowners could prefer 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 trap airborne particles. While this design is effective, 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 cleaned.
Washable air filters are recommended for people who hope to minimize waste. When kept in good shape, an electrostatic filter can last you a very long time. Meanwhile, your common 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 out.
Do Electrostatic Air Filters Have a MERV Rating?
The MERV rating system is an easy way to recognize how effective 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 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 adequate for your home’s needs, but there are exceptions.
People with breathing complications or acute 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 regularly found in dedicated air filtration systems. Additional filtration can 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 analyzing your indoor air quality needs and making the most suitable 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 have to do is properly 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 maximum effectiveness, electrostatic filters should be cleaned every month. This is a brief process that offers 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 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 Front Royal. 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 perfect products you need to boost indoor air quality.