The air filter is a key component of your HVAC system. It prevents airborne particles like dust and pollen from circulating through your home. Finding out what kind of air filter is right for you will help enhance your sense of comfort at home. For example, environmentally inclined homeowners could opt for an electrostatic air filter. Standard filters can’t be recycled and are generally replaced every few 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 use an extremely thick network of small fibers to capture airborne particles. While this design is successful, 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 absence of fibers, electrostatic filters can be cleaned.
Washable air filters are ideal for people who want to minimize 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 out.
Do Electrostatic Air Filters Have a MERV Rating?
The MERV rating system is a great 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 specialized 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 typically more than enough for your home’s needs, but there are exceptions.
People with breathing problems or acute 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 commonly found in specialized air filtration systems. Additional filtration can also be helpful for the elderly and people with respiratory ailments.
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 most suitable choice. Let’s compare the principal advantages 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 properly rinse them off. Give enough time for them to dry completely and they can be inserted back in your HVAC system.
Long-lasting with regular upkeep: To work at their maximum effectiveness, electrostatic filters should be cleaned each month. This is a brief process that provides long-term benefits. Washable air filters are highly durable and can survive the lifetime of your HVAC system when properly cared for.
Offers excellent layer of protection: While HEPA filters or dedicated air filtration systems might offer strong results, that doesn’t mean other filters are inadequate. For your average home, an electrostatic filter is a great 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 Lexington. It all depends on the unique 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 improve indoor air quality.