The air filter is a major 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 improve your sense of comfort at home. For example, environmentally minded homeowners may opt for an electrostatic air filter. Regular 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 trap 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 sucked into the filter and trapped. But because of the lack of fibers, electrostatic filters can be washed.
Washable air filters are ideal for people who hope to cut down on waste. When kept in good shape, an electrostatic filter can last you a very long time. Meanwhile, your standard 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 away.
Do Electrostatic Air Filters Have a MERV Rating?
The MERV rating system is a good way to tell 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 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 serious allergies may 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 commonly found in dedicated air filtration systems. Additional filtration could also be worthwhile for the elderly and people with respiratory ailments.
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 reviewing your indoor air quality needs and making the ideal choice. Let’s go over the key advantages of an electrostatic filter:
Reusable and easy to clean: Unlike pleated media filters, washable air filters are recyclable and reusable. All you have to do is properly rinse them off. Give enough time for them to dry completely and they can be put back in your HVAC system.
Long-lasting with regular upkeep: To work at their peak effectiveness, electrostatic filters should be washed every 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 might 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 great way to improve indoor air quality in the Rio Grande Valley. 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 suggest the perfect products you need to improve indoor air quality.