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 kind of air filter is right for you will help improve your sense of comfort at home. For example, environmentally inclined homeowners might favor an electrostatic air filter. Typical filters can’t be recycled and are generally replaced every few months. Instead, an electrostatic filter can be washed off and reused.
What Is an Electrostatic Air Filter?
An electrostatic air filter is different from media filters, which are nonreusable. Media filters are pleated and employ an extremely thick network of small fibers to capture airborne particles. While this design is efficient, 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 drawn into the filter and trapped. But because of the absence of fibers, electrostatic filters can be rinsed.
Washable air filters are recommended for people who want to reduce 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 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 a good way to recognize 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 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 can benefit from a more powerful residential filter like HEPA filters. A HEPA filter can remove up to 97% of airborne particles, keeping indoor air quality very high. These filters are often found in dedicated air filtration systems. Additional 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 advantages 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 advantages of an electrostatic filter:
Reusable and easy to clean: Unlike pleated media filters, washable air filters are recyclable and reusable. All you need to do is thoroughly rinse them off. Give 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 washed every month. This is a quick 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 quality 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 standard home, an electrostatic filter is a superb option 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 maximize indoor air quality in Albuquerque. 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 boost indoor air quality.