The air filter is a major component of your HVAC system. It prevents airborne particles like dust and pollen from circulating through your home. Figuring out what type of air filter is right for you will help improve your sense of comfort at home. For example, environmentally minded homeowners could prefer an electrostatic air filter. Typical filters can’t be recycled and are normally replaced every few months. Instead, an electrostatic filter can be washed off and used again.
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 dense 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 sucked 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 common 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 away.
Do Electrostatic Air Filters Have a MERV Rating?
The MERV rating system is an easy way to determine how efficient an air filter is at catching 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 usually more than enough for your home’s needs, but there are exceptions.
People with breathing complications or serious 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 often found in specialized air filtration systems. Additional filtration could 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 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 review the key features 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. 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 washed every month. This is a short 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 quality layer of protection: While HEPA filters or dedicated air filtration systems can offer strong results, that doesn’t mean other filters are insufficient. For your typical home, an electrostatic filter is a great solution 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 improve indoor air quality in Fort Lauderdale. 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 recommend the perfect products you need to improve indoor air quality.